Installing the Cisco AnyConnect VPN client

You can install Cisco AnyConnect VPN on Windows and Mac computers by following the instructions below. Duo multifactor authentication is required to download and log in to the Cisco VPN. 

If you need assistance, submit a ticket to the CUIT Service Desk to ask questions or report an issue. You can also call the Service Desk at 212-854-1919.

1. Navigate to https://vpn.columbia.edu and log in using your UNI.

Google Chrome is recommended.

Cisco login screen, login with your UNI and UNI password, and Duo action.

If you do not have an active Duo account, please configure Duo multifactor authentication for your UNI. For additional information, visit the MFA FAQ page.

Username: Your UNI
Password: Your UNI Password
2nd Password/Duo Action*: Use one of the following methods:

2. Click the AnyConnect icon in the left-hand panel.

Click on the AnyConnect icon in the left-hand panel.

3. Click the Start AnyConnect button in the middle of the screen.

Click the Start AnyConnect button in the middle of the screen.

4. Download the VPN client by clicking on the AnyConnect link.

Download the VPN client.

Before installing, uninstall any instance of the Cisco VPN client (or Cisco AnyConnect) on your computer.

If your operating system is automatically detected, proceed with the automatic installation.

If your operating system is not automatically detected, click the "AnyConnect VPN” download link.  After the download is complete, run the installer.

Opening the .exe file
Welcome screen featuting Cisco AnyConnect Secure Mobility Client Setup
Click on "I accept the terms in the license agreement" to continue installation
Click the install button to start installing
AnyConnect Secure Mobility Client attempting to use Java for installation

The client can be found in a folder named “Cisco” in your Program Files folder.

1. Enter “vpn.columbia.edu” in the AnyConnect window.

Enter vpn.columbia.edu into the dialog box.

2. Log in with your UNI and authenticate with Duo Action/2nd Password*.

Enter your UNI (username), UNI password, and Duo Action. Click OK.

Username: Your UNI
Password: UNI Password
2nd Password/Duo Action*: Use one of the following methods:

1. Navigate to https://vpn.columbia.edu and log in using your UNI.

Cisco login screen, login with your UNI and UNI password, and Duo action.

If you do not have an active Duo account, please configure Duo multifactor authentication for your UNI. For additional information, visit the MFA FAQ page.

Username: Your UNI
Password: Your UNI Password
2nd Password/Duo Action*: Use one of the following methods:

 

2. Click the AnyConnect icon in the left-hand panel.

Click on the AnyConnect icon in the left-hand panel.

3. Click the Start AnyConnect button in the middle of the screen.

Click the Start AnyConnect button in the middle of the screen.

4. Download the VPN client by clicking on the AnyConnect VPN link.

Download the VPN client.

5. When the download is complete, open the .dmg file and double click on the package in it.

.dmg file
welcome screen
software license agreement
click on agree to proceed
click install to continue
Type your UNI and password.
The installation was successful

Depending on which macOS/OS X version you are using, you may or may not see the screen below. Either way, you can choose to keep the installer or delete it. We recommend Move to Trash to save space on your computer.

Do you want to move the installer file to trash?

1. Go to your Applications Folder > Cisco > Cisco AnyConnect Secure Mobility Client, and double click on it.

Go to the mac finder and navigate to applications

2. Enter vpn.columbia.edu into the text field then click Connect.

Enter vpn.columbia.edu into the dialog box.

3. Log in with your UNI and authenticate with Duo Action/2nd Password*.

Enter your UNI (username), UNI password, and Duo Action. Click OK.

Username: Your UNI
Password: UNI Password
2nd Password/Duo Action*: Use one of the following methods: