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Connect from Off Campus (VPN)

How to use the Virtual Private Network (VPN) to access licensed library resources off campus.

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Getting started

These instructions are for the Software VPN, which is the preferred method for accessing library resources from off campus. 

The initial set up of the VPN may take you about 10 minutes. This is because you need to download and install software to your device, and configure the VPN settings.

Don't worry though — you only have to do this once! After this, using the VPN will be as simple as logging in.

Download and install the VPN

  1. Download the Cisco Secure Client for macOS. (Compatible with macOS 12 Monterey, macOS 13 Ventura, and macOS 14 Sonoma.) 
     
  2. Open the downloaded file from your browser or your Downloads folder.
    Browser download menu.   Downloads folder.
     
  3. An icon will appear on the desktop called Cisco Secure Client, and a separate window will open. Open (double-click) the Cisco Secure Client.pkg to run the installer.
    Cisco Secure Client icon on desktop and installer file.
     
  4. Select Continue on the Install Cisco Secure Client dialog box.
    Cisco Secure Client Installer window, select Continue.
     
  5. Review the License Agreement and select Continue.
    Cisco Secure Client Installer window, select Continue.
     
  6. On the pop-up window, select Agree.
    Cisco Secure Client Installer pop-up, select Agree.
     
  7. Recommended: Uncheck everything except for AnyConnect VPN and Diagnostic and Reporting Tool (DART). This will give you a minimal install. The other features are not supported, so there's no need to install them. Select Continue.
    Cisco Secure Client Installer window, check only "AnyConnect VPN" and "Diagnostics and Reporting Tool", and select Continue.
     
  8. Select Install.
    Cisco Secure Client Installer window, select Install.
     
  9. If prompted with a pop-up window asking you to enter your password to allow the new software to be installed, enter your Password and select Install Software.
    Installer password pop-up window, enter password and select Install Software.
     
  10. Select Close.
    Cisco Secure Client Installer window, select Close.
     
  11. Select Move to Trash.
    Installer password pop-up window, select Move to Trash.

Configure the VPN

  1. From the Applications folder, open the Cisco folder and open/launch Cisco Secure Client.
    Navigating to the Cisco Secure Client from the Applications folder.
     
  2. Enter vpn.uci.edu in the Ready to Connect field and select Connect.
    VPN address "vpn.uci.edu" entered into Cisco Secure Client.
     
  3. If prompted with pop-up window(s) saying "Cisco Secure Client.app" would like to access files in your Desktop folder, select OK. You may receive similar pop-ups requesting access to your Downloads folder, iCloud Drive, etc. Select OK for each of them (do not select Don't Allow).
    Pop-up window requesting access to files in your Desktop folder, select OK.

    The next part is very important. Please read carefully! A pop-up window will appear to enter your UCInetID and password. Do NOT login yet!

  4. Before entering your UCInetID and password, move and/or shrink the UCInetID login window to be able to access the Group window.
     
  5. Select UCIFull from the Group drop-down menu.
    Cisco Secure Client Group menu showing UCIFull option.   VPN Group window with UCIFull selected.
     
  6. Return to the login window, enter your UCInetID and password, and select Login.
    UCInetID and password login window.
     
  7. You will be sent a Duo (multi-factor authentication) notification to approve. 
    Duo multi-factor authentication notification screen.
     
  8. A banner window will appear confirming that you have connected to UCI Full VPN. Select Accept to close the window.
    VPN connection banner, select Accept.
     
  9. Test My Connection to confirm you're are properly connected.

Disconnect the VPN

When you're finished using the VPN, please remember to disconnect.

  1. Open/launch Cisco Secure Client.
     
  2. Select Disconnect.
    VPN Disconnect button.