How to install Cisco Secure Client or AnyConnect and how to connect to a VPN group.

• Useful for: Students, Faculty, Staff

Overview

• Contacting Support
• Ensure your UIdaho account has VPN access
• University Managed Devices
  • Windows - Download and Install via Software Center
  • Mac - Download and Install via Self Service
• Personal Devices (Not University Managed)
  • Download the Installation File
  • How to Install the VPN
    • Windows (x86 and ARM)
    • Mac
    • Linux
    • Android
    • iPhone and iPad
• How to Connect to the UI VPN
  • Connecting to the Basic Vandal VPN
  • Connecting to a Special VPN Group
• Troubleshooting Common VPN Issues
  • How to Clear Browser Cache from the Cisco Secure Client
• Updating Cisco Secure Client or AnyConnect

Contacting Support

If there is an issue with any process, please reach out to OIT support by submitting a request below:

Request assistance with VPN on campus

Ensure your UIdaho account has VPN access

• You will need VPN access to download or use the UI VPN.
• You can request for VPN access by following this KB article:
  • How to join the VPN self-service access group?

University Managed Devices

Windows - Download and Install via Software Center

1. Open the Software Center from your desktop.
   1. You can search for "Software Center" in your Start Menu.
      
2. Go to the Applications menu.
3. Search for "Cisco Secure Client" and select the first option.
4. Select Install.
   1. Cisco Secure Client could take up to a few minutes to install.
      
5. Cisco Secure Client is now installed and ready to use.

More information on how to use the Windows Software Center can be found here:
How to use Software Center in Microsoft Windows?

Mac - Download and Install via Self Service

1. Open Self Service from your desktop.
   1. You can find this in the Dock or Launchpad.
      
2. Go to the Applications menu.
3. Search for "Cisco Secure Client".
4. Select Install.
   1. Cisco Secure Client could take up to a few minutes to install.
5. Cisco Secure Client is now installed and ready to use.

More information on how to use Mac Self Service can be found here:
Installing Applications on Mac Computers via Self Service

Personal Devices (Not University Managed)

Download the Installation File

• This section only applies to Windows x86, Windows ARM, Mac, and Linux.

1. Open your web browser from any internet connection.
2. Navigate to vpn.uidaho.edu
3. Sign in with your UI credentials.
4. Select the Download for your OS button.
   1. The website should automatically determine what OS you're using.
   2. If the website is unable to determine your OS, try opening in a different browser.
      1. Windows ARM devices usually need to use Microsoft Edge.
5. This webpage may also contain detailed information on how to install your VPN.

How to Install the VPN

• Installing the VPN with these methods may require Administrator Access.

Windows (x86 and ARM)

1. Locate the file downloaded from vpn.uidaho.edu.
   1. This can usually be selected from your browser's download section or desktop's Download folder.
   2. The filename usually starts with "cisco-secure-client-win-" or "cisco-secure-client-win-arm64-"
2. Run or Open the installation file.
   1. Your device may ask for administrator approval here.
3. Follow the steps given by the installation wizard.

Mac

1. Locate the file downloaded from vpn.uidaho.edu.
   1. This can usually be selected from your browser's download section or desktop's Download folder.
   2. The filename usually starts with "cisco-secure-client-macos-".
2. Run or Open the installation file.
   1. Your device may pop-up a window warning that the installer would like to modify Apps on your Mac.
   2. Select Allow and use your device's authentication.
3. Follow the steps given by the installation wizard.
   1. You may get a pop-up from the installer asking to enable additional settings for the VPN to function.
      1. Click Open System Settings.
      2. Enable the VPN under the Allow in the Background section.
      3. Scroll down to Network Extensions and click the information icon 🛈.
      4. Enable the Cisco Secure Client - Socket Filter.

Linux

1. Locate the file downloaded from vpn.uidaho.edu.
   1. This can usually be selected from your browser's download section or desktop's Download folder.
   2. The filename usually starts with "cisco-secure-client-linux64-".
2. Execute the installation file in your terminal.
   1. You will need sudo access to install.
   2. Command will be similar to: sudo bash cisco-secure-client-linux64-#.#.#####-core-vpn-webdeploy-k9.sh
3. Cisco Secure Client is now installed.
   1. You can run from a terminal using gtk-launch com.cisco.secureclient.gui
   2. A shortcut may also be automatically created.

Android

1. Go to the Google Play Store App.
2. Search for "Cisco AnyConnect".
3. Download the Cisco Secure Client-AnyConnect App.

iPhone and iPad

1. Go to the Apple App Store.
2. Search for "Cisco AnyConnect".
3. Download the Cisco Secure Client App.

How to Connect to the UI VPN

Connecting to the Basic Vandal VPN

1. Open the Cisco Secure Client or AnyConnect application.
2. Enter "vpn.uidaho.edu/".
   1. This provides the access that most clients need.
3. Cisco Secure Client or AnyConnect will open your web browser and navigate to a login page.
   1. You will use your standard UI account to login.
   2. This may also use your existing account session to authenticate.
4. Once you successfully authenticate, the VPN will connect.

Connecting to a Special VPN Group

1. Additional access needs to be granted for a special VPN group.
   1. Consult with your supervisor or project head for access.
2. Open the Cisco Secure Client or AnyConnect application.
3. To connect to a special group, append the group name to the standard VPN URL.
   1. e.g. "vpn.uidaho.edu/group"
4. Cisco Secure Client or AnyConnect will open your web browser and navigate to a login page.
   1. You will use your standard UI account to login.
   2. This may also use your existing account session to authenticate.
5. Once you successfully authenticate, the VPN will connect.

Troubleshooting Common VPN Issues

1. If you see an error that mentions: "Sorry, but we're having trouble signing you in."
   1. You may lack access to the general VPN (vpn.uidaho.edu/).
      1. See section Ensure your UIdaho account has VPN access.
   2. You may lack access to your specific VPN group.
      1. Consult with your supervisor about getting access to your department's VPN group.
   3. Your browser may be using the wrong Microsoft account.
      1. Try clearing your browser cache, then trying again.
2. If the VPN begins connecting, but fails with a pop-up window.
   1. This can happen when switching between VPN groups or randomly.
   2. Try clearing your browser cache, then trying again.
3. There is no option to start the VPN before logging into your device.
   1. This is no longer a supported option.

How to Clear Browser Cache from the Cisco Secure Client

1. Open your Cisco Secure Client.
2. Select the cogwheel ⚙ on the bottom left.
   1. This will bring up the settings menu.
3. Under the General section, go to the Web Browser tab.
4. Press the Clear Data button.

Updating Cisco Secure Client or AnyConnect

• No actions are required by the user.
• The Cisco Secure Client will automatically download and install an update if available when connecting to any UIdaho VPN group.
• Mobile devices, such as iPhone or Android, will also update their VPN automatically from their respective app store.