bSecure GlobalProtect VPN Installation Guide: Mac OSX

A knowledge base article about bSecure GlobalProtect VPN Installation Guide: Mac OSX provided by the UC Berkeley IT Service Hub - Knowledge Portal

Table of Contents

Download and Preparation

Download the Mac 32/64-bit client by accessing the bSecure GlobalProtect portal using your CalNet credentials at vpn.berkeley.edu.

Screenshot of the GlobalProtect download portal showing Mac agent links.

Important: Minimize or exit all other running applications before starting. macOS may prompt you to allow the VPN to access system resources; these pop-ups sometimes appear behind other windows and can be difficult to find.

Installation Steps

  1. Locate the downloaded GlobalProtect.pkg file (usually in your Downloads folder) and double-click it.
  2. If macOS warns you that the software was downloaded from the internet, click Open or Allow to proceed.
  3. On the Welcome screen, click Continue.
    Global Protect Installation Introduction Screen
  4. On the Custom Install page, ensure GlobalProtect is selected and click Continue.
    Global Protect Installation Type Screen
  5. Click Install to begin the process.
    Global Protect Install Confirmation Page
  6. Once complete, you will see a Summary success page. Click Close.
  7. When asked if you want to move the installer to the Trash, we recommend selecting Keep, as the installer is required if you need to uninstall the software later.
  8. Critical: A macOS system dialog will ask if the GlobalProtect app can access system resources. You must allow this for the application to function.

Connecting to the VPN

  1. Select the GlobalProtect globe icon in the menu bar at the top of your screen.
    Global Protect Menu Bar Icon and initial connection window
  2. Enter vpn.berkeley.edu in the portal address field and click Connect.
    Global Protect Connection Page with portal address field filled
  3. A login window will appear. Authenticate using your CalNet passphrase and 2-Step verification.
    CalNet Authentication Page within the GlobalProtect client
  4. The client will show a "Connected" status and then minimize into the menu bar.
    Global Protect successfully connected display
  5. To disconnect, click the globe icon and select Disconnect.

Troubleshooting

If you are running macOS 10.12 or newer and experience timeouts after the installation is complete, please refer to: KB0012498 - Troubleshooting GlobalProtect Timeouts on macOS.