VPN Web Portal

The VPN Web Portal is the best way for employees to access on-campus services when they are off-campus and don't have their Luther-assigned workstation. It's also helpful when Mac users need access to a Windows environment.

The VPN Web Portal provides access to a virtual Windows desktop with some Luther software already installed, like Perceptive Content. Network Drives can also be accessed from the VPN Web Portal.  If you have your workstation, you should often use FortiClient VPN instead.

The VPN Web Portal can be accessed at vpn.luther.edu. You’ll use your Norse Key and MFA to sign in. The VPN Web Portal requires the same permissions as FortiClient VPN: If you already use FortiClient VPN, you already have access to the VPN Web Portal; If not, you need to request access.

Requesting access

In order to use the VPN Web Portal, employees need to be authorized. The VPN Web Portal shares a common request process with FortiClient VPN. To get started, follow the request process that matches the OS of your primary workstation (Windows or macOS). If you don’t have an assigned workstation, choose either. Within 48 hours of your request, you’ll receive an email confirming your access to the VPN Web Portal and a link to download FortiClient VPN. 

Using VPN Web Portal

Once you are logged in at vpn.luther.edu, you’ll encounter a standard Windows desktop. Most Windows functionality is the same: you can browse through folders, save files for use in later sessions, connect to a network drive, open applications, and more. Files saved to this environment can’t be saved to or read from your local device: they are contained within the VPN Web Portal environment. If you need to transfer files out of your VPN Web Portal session, consider uploading the file to a Network Drive or Google Drive. You should not email sensitive files to yourself, place them on your personal computer, or use personal accounts to transfer files.

Ending a VPN Web Portal session

End your VPN Web Portal session by opening the Windows menu, clicking the “person” icon in the left sidebar, and the choosing “Sign Out”. Alternately, if you want to keep your applications up and running for the next time you begin your session, simply close the VPN Web Portal window instead. It is generally best to use the “Sign Out” method unless you have a reason to keep the programs up and running.