How to use the VPN with macOS?

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Useful for: Students, Faculty, Staff

Overview

This article provides instructions for how to install and connect to the VPN.

Installing the VPN

Connecting to the VPN

 

Installing the VPN

Download the VPN

Download and mount (double-click) the file named Cisco-AnyConnect-OSX.dmg.

Screenshot of VPN inside Downloads folder. The VPN is named "Cisco-AnyConnect-OSX.dmg"

Install the VPN

Double-click the vpn.pkg icon.

The downloaded installer to install Cisco

You may get a warning that "vpn.pkg" could not be opened. You will need to allow this in System Settings.

Open System Settings and scroll down to the Privacy & Security tab.

Scroll down to the Security section and click Open Anyway.

Screenshot of System Settings app with the Privacy & Security tab opened. Item labeled "vpn.pkg was blocked to protect your Mac." is highlighted in red

Continue Through the Installer

Click Continue and accept the End User License Agreement (EULA).

Screenshot of VPN installer window

Select Install.

You may get a pop up asking to Modify Apps on your Mac. Click Allow. Enter your computer's username and password or use another method of authentication like TouchID.

Screenshot of popup window that says "Installer" Would like to Modify Apps on your Mac. The two options on the window are Don't Allow and Allow

Enable Login Items and Network Extension

You will get a pop up from the installer asking to enable additional settings for the VPN to function. Click Open System Settings.

Action Requiered message

Enable the VPN under the Allow in the Background section.

Screenshot of System Settings open to Login Items & Extensions. The VPN is highlighted in red

Scroll down to Network Extensions and click the information icon. Enable the VPN.

Screenshot of System Settings with the Network Extensions option highlighted.

Screenshot of Network Extensions Settings open with VPN option

The Install should be complete.

VPN installer open showing that the Installation was successful

 

Connecting to the VPN

Launch the VPN

Go to Applications > Cisco and double-click Cisco Secure Client.

Finder window open to Cisco Secure Client in Applications Folder

Select Connect in the window that appears.

Screenshot of Cisco Secure Client window

Log in to Connect to the VPN

A sign in page will open in your web browser. Log in using your full Vandal email address and password.

If the log in works but immediately disconnects: Try opening a new private or incognito window before clicking Connect in the VPN again. If this fails you may have to delete your browser history in order to log in.

 

Details

Details

Article ID: 39
Created
Wed 12/6/17 1:39 PM
Modified
Wed 11/26/25 2:21 PM

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