Cisco AnyConnect Secure Mobility Client is a Virtual Private Network (VPN) client that works on a large selection of operating systems and hardware configurations. The new Cisco AnyConnect Secure Mobility Client and support will operate under Mac OS X, Windows, and Linux. Additionally, there are device-specific versions for many common mobile devices like iPad, iPhone or Android phones. The Cisco AnyConnect Secure Mobility Client provides also a web-based and cloud-based security option. Downloads of any Secure Mobility Client for Mac uses TLS and DTLS in order for the efficient VPN tunneling to be supported. For mobile devices like Android, and IOS systems, Cisco AnyConnect VPN is also available.
This article refers to the Cisco AnyConnect VPN. If you're looking for information on the Prisma Access VPN Beta that uses the GobalConnect app, see: Prisma Access VPN Beta Landing Page. If you're not sure which service you're using, see: How do I know if I'm using the Cisco AnyConnect VPN or the Prisma Access VPN Beta? |
On this page:
Anyconnect Secure Mobility Client Mac Os X
Primer
- This guide will assist with the installation of the Cisco AnyConnect VPN client for OS X 10.6 and later
- You need administrator level account access to install this software.
- Note: Some screen shots may be slightly different from what you see depending on the version of your operating system and the VPN software.
Installation
- Download the VPN installer from MIT's download page, Cisco AnyConnect Secure Mobility Client for MAC (certificates required).
- Find and open the downloaded file.
- The file will mount a disk image. Open this disk image and launch the file named 'anyconnect-macosx-XXXXXX'.
- On the following screen titled Welcome to the AnyConnect Secure Mobility Client Installer, click Continue.
- When presented with the software license agreement, click Continue then click Agree on the slide-down menu.
- If you are prompted 'Select a Destination...', select your primary hard drive and click Continue.
- On the window titled Standard Install..., click the button labeled Install and enter your computer username and password when prompted and click Install Software.
Note: The user must be an administrator of the machine to install.
Result: The VPN client will begin to install itself. - When the installation has competed, click the button labeled Close.
Initiating a Connection to VPN and to VPN using Duo
- Cisco AnyConnect can be found in the Cisco folder located in the Applications folder (/Applications/Cisco/).
- Navigate to /Applications/Cisco/ and open 'Cisco AnyConnect Secure Mobility Client'.
- To authenticate with Duo, enter vpn.mit.edu/duo and click the button labeled Connect.
- Enter your MIT username and password then click the button labeled OK.
With Duo authentication, you will see a field asking for a Second Password.
In this field you may type in one of the following options:- push - Duo will send a push notification to your registered cell phone with the Duo Security mobile app installed
- push2 - Duo will send a push notification to your _second registered device with the Duo Security mobile app installed_
- sms - Duo will send an SMS to your registered cell phone
- Phone -Duo will call your registered phone
- Phone2 -Duo will call your second registered phone
- Yubikey - If you are using a Yubikey for authentication, make sure the Second Password field is highlighted and use your key. For instructions on using the Yubikey, please see How do I authenticate with a YubiKey?
- The one time code generated by your hardware token or the Duo Security mobile app (the code changes every 60 seconds)
In this example, I entered 'push' in the Second Password field. I will receive a push notification on my cell phone, go to the Duo app and click Approve.
- When prompted at the MIT's Virtual Private Network (VPN) screen, click the button labeled Accept to connect to MIT's Virtual Private Network.
- Upon successful connection, Cisco AnyConnect will minimize itself and you will see the AnyConnect logo with a small lock in your menu bar just to the left of the time.
See Also
What is a Virtual Private Network (VPN)?
VPN, also called IP tunneling, is a secure method of remotely accessing USC computer resources. The VPN encrypts all traffic to and from a computer in order to prevent others from viewing the information. VPN also provides the user with a virtual USC IP address that allows access to restricted USC resources.
Cisco Anyconnect Secure Mobility Client For Mac Vpn Download

When will I need to use the AnyConnect VPN client?
If you want to use wireless to connect to the USC Network or if you want to connect to USC restricted resources from your own Internet Service Provider (ISP), you will need to use the AnyConnect VPN client.
Can I use it with any ISP?
You should be able to use the AnyConnect VPN client over any ISP that allows IP tunneling and whose web browsers do not require a proxy. To confirm, please contact your ISP.
Can I test USC’s AnyConnect VPN at USC?
Anyconnect Secure Mobility Client V4.x For Mac
Your USC VPN connection cannot be tested from the USC wired or wireless network. In order to successfully test a VPN connection, you will need to be on an external network such as a hotspot or your home network.
Do I need to use Two-Factor Authentication (2FA) to connect to USC’s VPN?
Yes. All AnyConnect VPN users (students, faculty, staff, and iVIP affiliates) are required to use Two-Factor Authentication (2FA) from Duo to safely connect to VPN. Duo’s additional security features enable our remote workforce and students to log in securely and easily. For more information on Duo 2FA, see itservices.usc.edu/duo.
What happens to my existing VPN URLs?
The following URLs will still be supported via AnyConnect VPN:
- vpn.usc.edu
- sslvpn.usc.edu
- connect.usc.edu
Can you tell me more about the Cisco AnyConnect Secure Mobility Client for Windows and Mac?

The Cisco AnyConnect Secure Mobility Client is a VPN client that does not require user configuration. However, you will need to install the Java Runtime Environment before you will be able to successfully install the AnyConnect VPN client. You can download Java at www.java.com.
Can you tell me more about the Cisco AnyConnect Secure Mobility Client for iOS
The Cisco AnyConnect Secure Mobility Client is a VPN client for iOS devices running iOS 6 and later. You can download the Cisco AnyConnect Secure Mobility Client from the App store on your iOS device.
Can you tell me more about the Cisco AnyConnect Secure Mobility Client for Android?
Cisco Anyconnect Secure Mobility Client V4 X Download
The Cisco AnyConnect Secure Mobility Client is a VPN client for Android devices running Android 4.0 and later. You can download the Cisco AnyConnect Secure Mobility Client from the Google Play store on your Android device. Please note that due to the many different types of Android devices, not every Android-based device will work in the same way. ITS is not able to guarantee that these instructions will work on every Android device (4.0 and later).
