On Nov. 12, 2020, Apple released its latest operating system, macOS Big Sur. The Division of Information Technology (IT) has been waiting to release an update of the GlobalProtect (VPN) app that supports Big Sur. An issue has been reported when using chromium-based browsers like Google Chrome. The browser experiences connection reset before proceeding to some sites. IT is working with Palo Alto (GlobalProtect vendor) to resolve this issue.
Last spring, as we began working remotely, concerns were raised with GlobalProtect’s performance, scalability, latency, and user experience. IT exempted traffic for several sites from having to go through the GlobalProtect tunnel to address those concerns. For K-Stater’s with low bandwidth internet connections, the exemptions provided a better experience.
Until the issue is resolved, Chrome users using macOS Catalina will continue to experience the connection reset issue. To avoid this issue, you can use Safari as your browser when using GlobalProtect.
Since many K-Staters have already upgraded to Big Sur, and new Macs are shipping with Big Sur pre-installed, IT released the new GlobalProtect app at 5 p.m. January 21.
How to access the updated GlobalProtect app
For those who already use GlobalProtect, the next time you establish a VPN connection, you will be informed that an updated app is available and asked to download it. Click yes. Once downloaded, you will be prompted to install it. After the installation, you will have the new VPN client and will need to reconnect.
If you do not already have GlobalProtect installed, view the installation instructions on K-State’s VPN website. When you install the GlobalProtect, you will be installing the updated version of the app.
If you have any questions or comments, please email security@ksu.edu.
