Create a Network Access Token
- Visit the UIS Network Access Tokens site.
- Create a Network Access Token for using the VPN on your device, and keep the window/tab open in readiness for when you'll need to refer to the username and password.
Check which version of macOS you're using
Our VPN service is intended for use on macOS Monterey (12.7) and later. Older versions such as Catalina (10.15) and Big Sur (12.7.1) are no longer receiving security updates, so they're not supported. Please consider upgrading the operating system to a supported version. For more information please contact UIS Service Desk.
Follow the instructions for installing the VPN on macOS Ventura/Sonoma or on Monterey.
Install and configure the VPN on macOS Monterey
- Download the VPN Configuration profile.
- Find the downloaded profile in your Downloads folder and double-click it to open it
- Open System Preferences and choose the Profiles pane
- Review the downloaded profile then click Install.
- Authenticate via TouchID or enter your password to install the profile.
6. Select View > Network from the menu bar in System Preferences
7. From your network list choose: Cambridge VPN.
8. Fill in your Network Access Token username and password in the Account name and Password boxes. Tip: we recommend typing them in manually and not copying and pasting, because this can sometimes lead to extra spaces being added.
9. Click Apply to finish the installation.
10. Tick Show VPN status in menu bar.
11. Quit System Preferences.
Using the VPN connection
To start the VPN connection, either:
- Connect University Information Services VPN from the VPN menu bar item.
- Connect from the interface in the Networks System Preference.
When you have finished using the VPN, choose Disconnect from either of the locations listed above.
Install and configure the VPN on macOS Ventura or Sonoma
- Download the VPN Configuration profile.
- Find the downloaded profile in your Downloads folder and double-click it to open it.
- Open System Settings, choose Privacy & Security and then Profiles.
- Double-click on the Cambridge VPN profile in the Downloaded section.
- Review the downloaded profile then select Install.
- Authenticate using your login password to install the profile.
- Open System Settings and select VPN.
- Select the 'i' symbol next to Cambridge VPN.
- Fill in your Network Access Token username and password in the Account Name and Password boxes. Tip: we recommend typing them in manually and not copying and pasting, because this can sometimes lead to extra spaces being added.
- Select OK to finish the installation.
- Toggle the slider to launch the VPN connection.
- To make the VPN toggle visible in the top menu bar on your Mac, select Control Centre in System Settings and set VPN to Show in Menu Bar from the drop-down menu.
Removing the VPN
On macOS Monterey
- Open System Preferences and choose Profiles.
- Select the University Information Services profile and click –.
- Authenticate with an admin username and password when prompted.
On macOS Ventura or Sonoma
- Open System Settings and choose Privacy & Security.
- Choose Profiles at the bottom of the pane.
- Select the VPN profile and click –.
- Autnenticate with an admin username and password when prompted.