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What is a VPN and why do I need a VPN connection?
A VPN or Virtual Private Network allows you to establish a secure connection to another network. At MSU, a VPN connection is required to access many resources on the campus network (like Opal, Sympa list server, etc.) when you are off-campus so the servers remain secure. All MSU faculty, students, and staff in good standing can use the MSU VPN.
What kind of VPN does MSU run?
MSU's VPN is Cisco AnyConnect. The Cisco AnyConnect Secure Mobility client is available for almost all devices and platforms and will allow more MSU employees to work securely from any location at any time.
Do I need to install a client (software) to connect to the VPN?
Yes, you will need to download the AnyConnect Secure Mobility Client. Please visit http://www.montana.edu/uit/computing/desktop/vpn/index.htmlfor instructions.
Will I need Admin rights to install the new client on my computer?
Yes, the AnyConnect client needs admin rights to be installed, however subsequent updates will not need them. If you do not have admin privileges on your computer please contact your Departmental IT staff or the MSU Service Desk (994-1777 or helpdesk@montana.edu) for installation assistance.
If I've never used the VPN at MSU before do I need to do anything special?
Yes, you must contact the UIT Service Desk to request accessin addition to downloading the new AnyConnect Client. Contact the Service Desk at 994-1777 or helpdesk@montana.edu.
Will my VPN connection timeout after a set period of time?
Yes, your VPN connection will timeout after 30 minutes of inactivity. As long as the VPN tunnel is being used you will stay connected.
The only exception is for the ADMIN-VPN, which does not timeout due to inactivity.
What is a VPN Tunnel?
A VPN Tunnel is an encrypted communication between two devices. The network device is commonly a firewall as it is in our case. We have a Cisco ASA for our network device. The client device is commonly yourlaptop or phone with the client software installed. The tunnel is created when the client device initiates a connection to the firewall. This connection is now like a virtual wire going through the internet to build a connection to network resources behind the firewall.
What traffic will be going through the Tunnel?
The VPN is setup as a Split Tunnel this configuration was a group decision from the VPN working Group. The Split Tunnel is setup to only route traffic through the VPN Tunnel that is destined for MSU network resources, all other traffic will go out your regular internet connection.
I get a certificate error when connecting to the VPN, what do I do?
When this happens it is likely because the In Common Intermediate Certificate needs to be "trusted". When the error pops up, you will need to "trust" the certificate. Depending on your situation, you may have to check a box to "Always trust this..." And/or also click a button to Connect Anyway or Always Connect.
What do I do if the AnyConnect Client fails to start (connect) because it is already running in another user's session?
Reboot (restart) the computer. This will log out all of the other users who are logged into the computer. You'll then be able to log back in and connect.
I'm connected to the VPN but now I can't access local resources, like my home printer; what can I do?
To access local resources, like your home printer while at home and connected to MSU through thefull tunnel VPN (the MSU-Employee-full group), makethis change to the AnyConnect client on your computer before connecting.
- Open the AnyConnect Secure Mobility Client and click Settings icon in lower-left corner as shown in image below.
- If on Windows, select Preferences tab. On Mac go directly to step 3.
- Check box next to Allow local (LAN) access when using VPN (if configured), then close box.
Now when you connect to MSU-Employee-full group of VPN youwill have access to local as well as MSU resources.
Please note that this will not work if you are connecting from a large segmented network like the MSU campus network, you will only have access to resources in the same VLAN.
FAQs
Simply put, Cisco Anyconnect lets you connect to a private network guarded by a firewall that is inaccessible through the public Internet. Cisco Anyconnect software provides a secure tunnel to transfer data between PC clients and computer networks via SSL VPN.
What VPN protocol does AnyConnect use? ›
Cisco AnyConnect uses VPN Tunnel via the default SSL port (TCP 443) and DTLS port (UDP 443). Both ports must be opened in your firewall otherweise the performance could get low.
What is the difference between Cisco AnyConnect and VPN client? ›
What is the difference between AnyConnect and the VPN client and can you use them both to connect to the ASA? Hi, Either will work fine on the ASA as long as it is configured to accept them. AnyConnect uses HTTPS/SSL to connect whereas the VPN Client uses IPSEC. Generally see everyone moving toward AnyConnect.
Does Cisco AnyConnect have an API? ›
In the administrator's guide (https://www.cisco.com/c/en/us/td/docs/security/vpn_client/anyconnect/anyconnect40/administration/guide/b_AnyConnect_Administrator_Guide_4-0/customize-localize-anyconnect.html) Cisco reference that there's an API available (" For Windows, Linux, and macOS computers, you can develop your own ...
How VPN works step by step? ›
First, you turn the VPN software on through a button inside the app. The software will connect your computer to a VPN server, which will act as an intermediary between your computer and any servers you want to access. Many VPN providers let you select the country or city of the server so you can browse local content.
How does Cisco remote access VPN work? ›
A remote-access VPN extends almost any data, voice, or video application to a remote device, also known as an "endpoint" or a host. Advanced VPN technology allows for security checks to be conducted on endpoints to make sure that they meet a certain posture before they can connect to the network.
Is AnyConnect an SSL VPN? ›
The Cisco SSL AnyConnect VPN client was introduced in Cisco IOS 12.4(15)T and has been in development since then. Today, Cisco SSL AnyConnect VPN client supports all Windows platforms, Linux Redhat, Fedora, CentOS, iPhones, iPads and Android mobile phones.
Does VPN use IPsec or TLS? ›
IPsec VPN uses the Internet Key Exchange (IKE) protocol for key management and authentication. IKE uses the Diffie-Hellman algorithm to generate a shared secret key that is used to encrypt traffic between two hosts. SSL VPN uses Transport Layer Security (TLS) to encrypt traffic.
Does VPN use TLS or SSL? ›
SSL VPNs rely on the TLS protocol, which has replaced the older SSL protocol, to secure remote access. SSL VPNs enable authenticated users to establish secure connections to internal HTTP and HTTPS services via standard web browsers or client applications that enable direct access to networks.
What is the purpose of a Cisco VPN? ›
Securely Connecting Offices, Users, and Partners
Businesses can use a VPN to securely connect remote offices and remote users using cost-effective, third-party Internet access, instead of expensive, dedicated WAN links or long-distance remote dial links.
02033 HOW TO INSTALL AND CONFIGURE CISCO ANYCONNECT VPN FOR WINDOWS: From the desktop, open up a web browser (Google Chrome, Mozilla Firefox, Microsoft Edge, or Internet Explorer). Note: Google Chrome will be used in this example.
What are the benefits of a Cisco VPN? ›
A VPN extends a corporate network through encrypted connections made over the Internet. Because the traffic is encrypted between the device and the network, traffic remains private as it travels. An employee can work outside the office and still securely connect to the corporate network.
What is the new name for AnyConnect? ›
Cisco Secure Client (formerly AnyConnect) is a unified agent for Cisco endpoint software deployments.
What is the new name for Cisco AnyConnect? ›
Stanford's VPN client (Cisco AnyConnect) is being replaced by an upgraded version with a new name — Cisco Secure Client. The rebranded version of the app offers the same user experience and familiar functionality with enhanced security and performance.
Where are Cisco AnyConnect VPN profiles stored? ›
Resolution:
| Operating System | Location |
|---|
| Windows 8 | %ProgramData%\Cisco\Cisco AnyConnect Secure Mobility Client\Profile |
| Windows 10 | %ProgramData%\Cisco\Cisco AnyConnect Secure Mobility Client\Profile |
| Mac OS X | /opt/cisco/anyconnect/profile |
| Linux | /opt/cisco/anyconnect/profile |
3 more rowsApr 27, 2022
How Does a VPN Client Work?
- The app establishes a connection to the server.
- Both ends verify what they are.
- Then the client and the server exchange what are called “public keys” – they're like one-way equations that allow you to encrypt data, but not decrypt it.
In Add a VPN connection, do the following:
- For VPN provider, choose Windows (built-in).
- In the Connection name box, enter a name you'll recognize (for example, My Personal VPN). ...
- In the Server name or address box, enter the address for the VPN server.
- For VPN type, choose the type of VPN connection you want to create.
Cisco Secure Client provides many options for automatically connecting, reconnecting, or disconnecting VPN sessions. These options offer a convenient way for your users to connect to your VPN and support your network security requirements.
Is Cisco AnyConnect VPN client free? ›
Stay safe while surfing the internet
Cisco AnyConnect is a free, easy to use, and worthwhile VPN client for Microsoft Windows computers.
