UNI VPN (Virtual Private Network)
Background
The UNI Virtual Private Network (VPN) lets employees securely connect to the UNI network from off campus, including when working from home or traveling. It creates an encrypted connection so you can safely access campus systems, files, and applications as if you were on-site. By protecting sensitive data, the VPN enables secure remote work and keeps UNI information safe—no matter where you are.
There are three steps in utilizing the VPN, this page walks you through each step.
Step 2 - Installing the VPN Client Software
Step 3 - Connecting to the VPN
Step 1 - Requesting Access
VPN access is not given by default, so if you do not already have access, it will need to be requested. The most common request is for the external VPN (VPN_External_UNI), which allows your computer to connect to the UNI network from off-site and access resources that are only allowed to be accessed from the campus network.
To make the request:
Open the SRS (security request system).
Choose Request Roles in the upper-right-hand corner.
For System: choose VPN and click on Search:
In the search results, select the correct VPN. The External VPN is called VPN_External_UNI.
Click the arrow to select the role.
Provide a justification for why the VPN access is needed, then choose Submit Role Request:
What Happens Next?
Your request for VPN access will be routed through an approval chain that will include your supervisor and IT personnel. You will be notified via email once all approvals have happened.
Step 2 - Installing the VPN Client Software
If this is your first time using the VPN client software, you may need to install it on your computer first. The instructions below will help you with that process.
Installing on a UNI Owned and Managed Computer
Below are instructions on installing the VPN on a UNI managed computer (not personally owned).
Windows
The Cisco Secure Client app can be installed through the Software Center app:
If you are unfamiliar with the Software Center app at UNI, you can find more information on how to use it here: How to Use Software Center article.
The Cisco Secure Client should appear in the list of available programs. Look for the program with the icon below, click on it, and choose Install:
If you don't see Cisco Secure Client in this list, create a request for it to be installed through Service Hub.
Cisco Secure Client will install in a couple minutes.
Once installed, you can follow the instructions to connect to the VPN.
macOS
The Cisco Secure Client app is installed by default on laptops, but can be re-installed through the Self Service app. If you don't see Cisco Secure Client in this list, create a request for it to be installed through Service Hub. To reinstall Cisco Secure Client:
Follow the instructions on How to Use Apple's Self Service Application.
In the Search field, type Cisco.
Click Install on the Cisco Secure Client app.
Click Install a second time.
Installing on a Personal Device
Below are instructions to install the VPN on a personal device (not managed by UNI).
Windows
Visit https://sslvpn.uni.edu in your web browser.
Make sure the Group dropdown box has General selected.
Enter your CatID username and password.
Click Login.
If you are enrolled in multi-factor authentication, the Duo prompt will appear. Approve the prompt. Those not enrolled in Duo will skip to the next step automatically.
Click the Download for Windows link to download the VPN software to your computer. The filename will begin with Cisco.
Run the file that was just downloaded which will install the Cisco Secure Client
. Approve and/or log into any User Account Control prompts that may appear.
When the install is complete, click Finish. Restart your computer if prompted to do so.
macOS
Visit https://sslvpn.uni.edu in your web browser.
Make sure the Group dropdown box has General (or the appropriate option) selected.
Enter your CatID username and password.
Click Login.
If you are enrolled in multi-factor authentication, the Duo prompt will appear. Approve the prompt. Those not enrolled in Duo will skip to the next step automatically.
Click the Download for macOS link to download the VPN software to your computer. The filename will include secure-client and will be a disk image (DMG) file:
Run the Secure Client DMG file downloaded.
Double-click the cisco-secure-client-macos.pkg* file to Install Cisco AnyConnect Secure Mobility Client
:
Follow the on-screen prompts to install the Cisco Secure Client. Approve any administrative prompts that may appear.
When the install is complete, click Close. You may drag the Cisco Secure Client - AnyConnect VPN disk mount on the desktop to the trash to dismount it.
Step 3 - Connecting to the VPN
Once the Cisco Secure Client is installed, follow the instructions below to connect.
Windows
From the Windows start menu, type Cisco and the secure client will appear as the first choice. Select that.
If this is your first time connecting to the VPN, you’ll need to enter the VPN address in the client when it opens. Type in sslvpn.uni.edu/General in the box (it IS case sensitive):
Then click Connect.
A box will pop up for you to login with your CatID. Enter your information and click Login.
You will next be prompted by Duo Multi-Factor Authentication. Approve the prompt.
The Cisco Secure Client will connect to the VPN.
When you wish to disconnect, open the client again and click Disconnect.
macOS
From your Mac’s dock, look for the Apps icon and click it.
In the search box, type Cisco. The first result will be the secure client software. Click it.
When the client launches, type sslvpn.uni.edu/General (it IS case sensitive) in the box and click Connect.
The CatID login box will appear. Enter your information and click Login.
You will be prompted by Duo Multi-Factor Authentication. Complete the approval as normal.
You are now connected! When you are done, you can now disconnect by clicking the Disconnect button.