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Setting up LSE VPN on the Mac

VPN Access has changed in September 2021

This page will provide instructions to setting up a VPN connection on the Mac (OS X and above)

What is VPN?

A Virtual Private Network (VPN) allows your computer or mobile device to behave as if it is connected directly to the LSE network enabling SECURE remote access to your networked drives and remote servers.

Before you begin

Step 1: Apply to the Data and Technology Services (DTS) form to gain VPN access
  • Even if you had VPN access before, from September 2021 you will need to fill in the LSE Data and Technology Services (DTS) form to access LSE (and RLAB) resources via VPN.
  • The form is available at https://link.lse.ac.uk/VPNRequest

    [Picture of VPN access form]

  • You will have to confirm ...
    1. you need VPN to access resources
    2. your device has a supported operating system and is up-to-date with the latest security patches
    3. you have Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA) enabled on your account
    4. what resources you require the VPN for. (Select RLAB resources.)
  • Once you have submitted the form, you will receive a confirmation email. Please wait up to 24 hours to be granted VPN access and before proceeding to install the latest version of Pulse Secure to access VPN
Step 2: VPN connection via the Pulse Secure software

If you have have never used Pulse Secure, you will need to install the software first, see below.

If you already installed Pulse Secure before, you will need to remove the old VPN settings and connections before adding in the new one. Find out how to do it in Step 3.


Installing VPN software

Click on the link below to download the Pulse Secure client and then unzip the file, then run the .dmg file to install the software on your computer.

Now go to Step 4 to add the new connection settings.


Step 3: How to remove the old VPN settings and connections:
  • Open Pulse Secure
  • Right click on any existing connections and select Delete:

    [Picture of Pulse on menu bar]

  • Close Pulse Secure

Step 4: Setting up the new connection
  • Open the Pulse Secure client.

    [Picture of Pulse on menu bar]

  • In the Pulse Secure window, click the "+" button to add a new connection.

    [Picture of Add Connection]

  • In the window that opens enter the following information:

    Type: Leave as Policy Secure (UAC) or Connect Secure (VPN)

    Name: Enter a meaningful name for the connection

    Server URL: vpn.lse.ac.uk/pulse

    Click on the Add button to save this connection.

    [Picture of Add Connection]

  • You should now see the VPN connection listed within the client.

    [Picture of LSE-RLAB Connection]

  • Click on the Connect button and you will be prompted for your LSE credentials.

    For User Name type LSE\username where username is your is your LSE IT account username. Enter your LSE IT account password and click on Connect.

    [Picture of credentials dialog]

    The VPN should establish after successful authentication and the client is configured for use.

    [Picture of successful connection]

    • To disconnect from VPN simply click on the Disconnect button.

  • Pulse Secure will load each time you start the Mac and the icon will appear in the top right-hand corner in the menu bar.

    [Picture of Pulse Secure icon]

  • To connect to the VPN again, click the Pulse Secure icon, select the connection name (in our example LSE-VPN) and click Connect

    [Picture of Pulse in menu bar]

    You will see a successful connection in the menu bar.

    [Picture of Pulse in menu bar]

  • Now you are ready to connect to your LSE and RLAB resources, such as your H: space, J:drive or Z:drive.