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Set Up Cisco Secure Client (VPN)

Set Up Cisco Secure Client (VPN)

Cisco Secure Client provides active staff, faculty, and students split-tunnel VPN access to the UConn network. The VPN may be needed to access certain computing resources, but most do not require it. University members can download and install the VPN on their computers.

If you are on a UConn-owned computer, you may already have the VPN installed. If not, you can download and install it from Company Portal on Windows or Self Service+ on macOS. These are app stores that are built into UConn computers that host many common programs used at the university.

Step 1: Download Cisco Secure Client

  1. Navigate to anyconnect.uconn.edu.

  2. Select General-VPN in the “Group” drop-down. If you know you should be accessing a different realm, you can select that one here.

    1. For more information on the available VPN Realms, see Cisco AnyConnect VPN Realms.

      realm selection page

  3. Click Logon and then sign in using your NetID credentials.

  4. Select the Download button. Make sure that it matches your operating system (Windows, Windows on ARM, macOS, etc.).

    download page

  5. Click the Instructions button at the bottom right to review the process for installing and starting the client for the first time. 

Step 2: Install Cisco Secure Client

This is a one-time process done the first time that you need to access the VPN.

Windows

You must have the ability to install software on your computer. This requires having admin rights on the device. If you do not have admin rights, reach out to the owner of the computer or your local IT support.

  1. Navigate to your Downloads folder and find the installer for the VPN. Double-click it to start the installation.

    anyconnect file in downloads folder

  2. Click Next > to continue the installation.

    installation welcome screen

  3. Select I accept the terms in the License Agreement and click Next >.

    EULA acceptance page

  4. Click Install to begin the installation. If prompted, accept the User Account Control popup.

    ready to install screen

  5. Click Finish to complete the installation.

    finished install screen

macOS

  1. After downloading the macOS installer, locate and open the installer package.

    downloaded file in downloads

  2. Double-click on the cisco-secure-client.pkg package to start the installation process.

    cisco package window

  3. Click Continue on the first screen of the Installer.

    installer welcome page

  4. Accept the License Agreement by clicking Agree.

    license agreement

  5. If you are on a UConn-owned Mac computer, you may need to self-elevate your permissions before continuing. Follow the instructions here before continuing: https://uconn.atlassian.net/wiki/spaces/IKB/pages/27044249601

    1. If you are on a personally-owned computer, you can skip to the next step.

  6. Click Install.

    begin installation screen

  7. Enter your Mac admin credentials.

    password or fingerprint prompt

  8. You will see a green checkmark when the installation is complete. Click Close to close the installer.

    successful installation screen

Red Hat Enterprise Linux

You must have sudo access to use the command line. If you do not have access or are not comfortable with the command line, have your local area support provide assistance.

  1. After selecting Download, you will be presented with a window asking what Firefox should do with the file. Choose Save File, and click OK.

    A pop up window will ask what you would like to do with the file. Select Save File and click OK.

    1. Make note of where you save the file and what the exact file name is. You will need this later.

      Keep track of the file name and location for later.

  2. Open a terminal window.

    Open a Terminal window.

  3. Run the following command.
    sudo bash Downloads/anyconnect-linux64-4.10.0175-core-vpn-webdeply-k9.sh

    1. This assumes you saved the file in the Downloads folder and that the file name is anyconnect-linux64-4.10.0175-core-vpn-webdeply-k9.sh. This filename may change as updates to the software are installed.

    2. run the command

Step 3: Connect to Cisco Secure Client

These steps must be completed each time you want to use the AnyConnect VPN.

Windows

  1. Search in your Start menu for the Cisco Secure Client and open it. Click Connect if the VPN box says UConn General VPN.

    1. If it does not say “UConn General VPN”, enter anyconnect.uconn.edu/split in the text window, then hit Connect.

      AnyConnect new connection screen

  2. You will be prompted to enter your NetID and password. Enter your credentials, and click LOGIN. You will receive a Duo 2FA push that you will have to approve to continue logging in.

    NetID single sign on screen

  3. You are now connected to the UConn AnyConnect VPN. All of your non-UConn traffic will be sent through your ISP as if you were not connected to the VPN at all; anything that is destined for the UConn network will automatically be sent through the VPN connection. If you click on the Cisco Secure Client icon on the taskbar while connected, you can check how much time remains before you must reconnect.

macOS

  1. To connect to the VPN, open the Cisco Secure Client from your Apps menu.

  2. If the text box is empty, enter anyconnect.uconn.edu/split and then select Connect.

    connection creation screen

  3. Log in using your NetID and password. Verify your login with Duo if prompted.

  4. You are now connected to the VPN. Any non-UConn traffic will not be sent through the VPN. Only traffic that requires the VPN will be sent through the VPN (ex. remote desktop, Jabber VoIP).

    cisco vpn active connection

Red Hat Enterprise Linux

  1. From the CLI, type the following command. Do not forget the & at the end of the command.
    /opt/cisco/anyconnect/bin/vpnui &

  2. In the Connect to: section, enter anyconnect.uconn.edu/split, and click Connect.

    connect to screen

  3. Enter your NetID and NetID Password, and click Connect.

    Enter your NetID and NetID Password, and click Connect.

Privileged VPN: Users that connected to the privileged VPN under pulse secure will use the following connection in AnyConnect: anyconnect.uconn.edu/priv

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