The City of Worthington has started using Palo Alto Global Protect VPN to enable remote connections.  Each user account will be granted permission for remote access as needed.  Sharing account information with other people is strictly prohibited.  If another user needs remote access, please have the appropriate Department Director contact the City's IT Department.


The City only allows remote access into our network from secure devices. This includes, but is not limited to, devices must be running updated real time anti-virus/anti-malware software, and are receiving Operating System security updates and patches from the developer. Please note that Windows 7 extended support from Microsoft ends on January 14, 2020. After that time, the City will not allow connections from Windows 7 PCs.

To setup the Global Protect VPN client, please follow the steps below. These steps were done using a Windows 10 PC. Your computer may vary. Steps 1 through 2are only necessary the first time you setup the VPN client on a particular device. Once the client has been installed on the device, for future VPN connections start at Step 6.
 


  1. Download the appropriate Global Protect VPN client for your computer type.
    1. Android and Apple iOS apps are found in the device's app store.
    2. For Microsoft and Mac devices, Browse to https://v1.worthington.org using a web browser.  
      1. Log in using your City account credentials.
      2. Select the link appropriate for your device.
  2. Run the VPN Client installer.  Once the install is complete, it may take several minutes for the client to load in the Windows System Tray (By the clock).
    1. The Global Protect VPN client while disconnected looks like: 
    3. If you do not see the Global Protect VPN client after 5-10 minutes, rebooting your computer may be necessary.
  3. Click on the VPN client, then select "Connect". 
  4. Enter v1.worthington.org for the Portal Address.
  5. Enter your City account credentials to login. 

 Note: Username will be shown as in your computer, e.g. 'jaguayo' for Jose Aguayo.


6. You will receive a prompt from Okta on your cellphone to authenticate. Once approved, the connection will complete.
NOTE!!! If you don't know what Okta is or haven't been setup yet, please contact the IT Dept. at helpdesk@worthington.org for more information. You will need to install the Okta Verify application on your phone.

 


Once the VPN is connected your computer is connected to the City's network. You may use a Remote Desktop client to connect to a remote host if needed. Use your City account credentials to login to the remote host. You may need to enter the City's domain "COW" with your username such as cow\myusername. You should now be able to work on that remote computer as if you were sitting directly in front of it. If you are not sure of which remote computer names you have access to connect to, please reach out the City of Worthington IT Dept. Help Desk for assistance in determining the remote host name(s).
For more information on how to use Remote Desktop, please visit the following link: How do I use Remote Desktop (RDP)?

When you are finished working with the Remote Desktop, please log out of the remote computer. 

When you are finished working via the VPN, you should disconnect the VPN session via the Global Protect client in the system tray.


 If you have any problems, you may contact the City of Worthington IT Dept. Help Desk for assistance using any of the methods below:


External Phone: 614-842-6328
Internal Ext.: 4000
Email: helpdesk@worthington.org
Portal: https://helpdesk.worthington.org