Access TU's Virtual Private Network (VPN) on Mac and Windows Computers

If using a TU-owned computer, the VPN application should already be installed. If this is the case, select the Windows Search button beside the Start button and enter/select Cisco AnyConnect Secure Mobility Client. Then skip to Step 3 under Connecting to the VPN below. The VPN Client can only be installed on your computer if it is connected physically to TU’s Ethernet or via the TU-Secure wireless network. 

Install the VPN client

1. Open your preferred web browser and navigate to https://vpnc.towson.edu.
2. Enter your NetID into the username field and then enter your password. Select the login button to continue.
3. A warning message will appear. Select the continue button.
   
   
    
4. The AnyConnect Secure Mobility Client Download window will appear. Select the Download for Windows
   button.
5. The file will begin to download. Once the download has finished, double-click the file.
6. If an "Open File - Security Warning" dialog box appears, select "Run."
7. The Cisco AnyConnect Secure Mobility Client Setup Wizard will appear. Follow the steps to finish the
   installation.

Connect to the VPN

1. Once the installation has finished, select the Windows Search button beside the Start button and type Cisco
   AnyConnect.
2. Choose "Cisco AnyConnect Secure Mobility Client" from the matches that will appear.
   Note: Alternatively, you may select the Start menu, then the Cisco folder, and then select the Cisco AnyConnect
   Secure Mobility Client icon.
3. The Cisco AnyConnect client will launch in the lower right corner of your desktop.
4. First-time users must type vpnc.towson.edu in the text field beneath "Ready to connect."
5. Select the connect button.
   
   
    
6. The Towson University Authenticated Login page will appear. Enter your Username (NetID) and Password
   and then select Login.
7. Faculty and staff members will be prompted to authenticate with Duo.
8. A warning message (figure 1) will appear. Select the accept button to continue connecting to the VPN.
   1. Note:  if the VPN hangs at Establishing VPN Connection and you get error messages, you may need to call OTS at 410-704-5151 to receive access.
9. In the lower-right corner of the screen, you will receive a message confirming the VPN is connected.

Disconnect from the VPN

1. Select the Show hidden icons button (^) in the bottom right-hand corner of your desktop.
2. Select the Cisco AnyConnect Secure Mobility Client button.
3. The client will open. Select the "Disconnect" button.
4. Select the "Close" button at the top right of the window.

Reconnect to the VPN

1. Select the Show hidden icons button (^) in the bottom right-hand corner of your desktop.
2. Select the Cisco AnyConnect Secure Mobility Client button.
3. The client will open. Select the "Connect" button.
4. Enter your Username (NetID) and Password in the appropriate fields and then select the OK button.
5. A warning message (figure 1) will appear. Select the accept button to continue connecting to the VPN.

Install VPN software

1. In your web browser of choice, navigate to https://vpnc.towson.edu.
2. Enter your NetID username and password. Select the Login button to continue.
3. A warning message will appear. Select the Continue button.
4. A Security Certificate box may appear. Select Trust. If you do not see this message, then skip this step and move to Step 5.
5. The AnyConnect Secure Mobility Client Download window will appear. Select Download for macOS. The installer may take a few moments to detect your operating system.
6. Open the .dmg installer file in your Downloads folder to begin the installation.
7. Click on the .pkg file to begin the installation.
8. Follow the prompts to complete the installation
   1. You will be prompted by the Installer for your Mac (not TU) password 
   2. Allow the Cisco AnyConnect Secure Socket Filter by opening the Settings app, clicking on Privacy & Security 
   3. Scroll down to "System software from application Cisco AnyConnect Socket Filter was blocked from loading" and click Allow
   4. Enter your Mac (not TU) password.
   5. At the "Cisco AnyConnect Socket Filter Would like to Filter Network Content" prompt, click Allow
9. You may click Move to Trash to move the installer to the trash.

Use the VPN

1. Select the Launchpad icon on your Dock.
2. Select the search box at the top and type Cisco AnyConnect Secure Mobility Client.
3. Select the app icon to open it. If the Cisco folder is absent, follow the instructions to install the VPN Client.
4. First-time users must enter vpnc.towson.edu in the text field beneath "Ready to connect."
5. The Towson University Authenticated Login page will appear. Enter your TU Username (NetID) and Password and then select Login.
6. Faculty and staff members will be prompted to authenticate with Duo.
7. A warning message will appear. Select the Accept button to continue connecting to the VPN.  Note:  if the VPN hangs at Establishing VPN Connection and you get error messages, you may need to call OTS at 410-704-5151 to receive access.
8. When finished using VPN, in the AnyConnect window, select Disconnect. You may also disconnect and reconnect the VPN Client by selecting the Cisco AnyConnect button in the toolbar in the upper right corner of your display.