Virtual Private Network (VPN): Connect to Cisco Secure Client on Mac, Windows, and Linux

Follow these instructions to connect to the Cisco Secure Client on your macOS, Windows, or Linux device. For assistance in connecting, including Login Failed messages, contact Technology Help for assistance.

Note: All of the Cisco Secure Client pools, Full Tunnel, Split Tunnel, Departmental Pools, and the Duluth VPN (vpn.d.umn.edu) require Multi-factor authentication (MFA) through Duo Security to connect.

This article includes:

macOS, Windows, and Linux - Connecting to Cisco Secure Client VPN

Follow the below directions to connect to VPN. If you are using Ubuntu, follow the Ubuntu connection directions (on this page).

  1. Open the Cisco Secure Client.
    • macOS: Go to Finder, then Applications, open the Cisco folder, then select Cisco Secure Client.
    • Windows: Go to Start Menu, then All apps, open the Cisco folder, then select Cisco Secure Client.
    • Linux: Start Cisco Secure Client your preferred way. 
      1. Using the GUI, go to Applications, then Cisco Secure Client.
      2. Using the CLI, open Terminal and run the following command: sudo /opt/cisco/secureclient/bin/vpnui
  2. Select your connection preference from the drop-down menu. 
    • Full tunnel: Select AnyConnect-UofMvpnFull.
    • Split tunnel: Select UMN - Split Tunnel - General Access VPN Pool.
    • Departmental Pools: Select UMN - Departmental Pools, the list of Departmental Pools are visible at the login pane.
    • For full explanations of the connection types see the VPN Access Types on the VPN Technology Page. Most UMN VPN needs are met by Full Tunnel or Split Tunnel.
      AnyConnect Secure Mobility Client window. Dropdown with options Departemental Pools and Split Tunnel - General Access VPN. Split tunnel is selected.
  3. Select Connect. 
    • Note: If you connect by IP address (e.g. 160.94.217.249), you will see a certificate mismatch warning. Select Accept to continue.
  4. A sign-in window opens: 
    • If you are connecting to Full Tunnel or Split Tunnel, enter your Internet ID and password.
      Split tunnel connection window with fields for Username and Password
    • If you are connecting to a Departmental Pool select your pool from the Group dropdown, enter your Internet ID and password.
      Departmental pools connection window with example AnyConnect-UMNvpnFull group selected. Fields for Username and Password
  5. Select OK. A Duo Security push will automatically be sent to your default Duo device. 
  6. Approve the Duo Login Request on your Duo device.
  7. The dialog box at the bottom of the user interface should say "Establishing VPN - Examining system, Activating VPN Adapter, Configuring System" followed by Connected to XXX and then the Secure Client status window will disappear. 
    • An icon for VPN with a lock  should show up on the dock and/or on the menu bar to verify you are connected.
  8. You are now connected to the University VPN. 
    • To disconnect, select the Secure Client icon and select disconnect from the pull down menu. You can also simply quit the program to end the VPN connection.

Linux Alternative Option - Connecting to Secure Client VPN

Connect to UMN VPN on your Linux device by following the below steps.

  1. Start Cisco Secure Client your preferred way. 
    • Using the GUI, navigate to Applications, then Internet.
    • Using the CLI, open Terminal and run: /opt/cisco/secureclient/bin/vpnui
  2. Connect to tc-vpn-1.vpn.umn.edu.
  3. A Duo Security push will automatically be sent to your default Duo device. 
  4. Approve the Duo Login Request.
  5. You are now connected to the University VPN.
    • To disconnect, select the Secure Client icon and select disconnect from the pull down menu. You can also simply quit the program to end the VPN connection.

Additional Resources

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