Cisco AnyConnect VPN Client: Installing/Connecting to the MSU VPN on macOS

Downloading & Installing the Cisco AnyConnect VPN Client

1. Open Safari and go to vpn.msstate.edu. Choose the appropriate group for your type of user, enter your NetID and NetPassword, then click Login. Authenticate with Duo, when prompted.

2. Click Start AnyConnect.

3. You will see a message that says "The installer is detecting your operating system and CPU. Please wait..." Once the detection is complete (it can take up to 60 seconds), click Download for macOS.

4. Once the VPN client is downloaded, run it from your Downloads folder or browser to start the installation process.

5. Double click the .pkg file.

6. Click Continue.

7. Click Continue then click Agree in the slide down dialog.

 8. Click Install to start the installation.

9. Enter your computer password, then click Install Software.

10. During the installation, you will most likely be prompted to allow the Cisco program/extension via the Security panel in System preferences (you may see both a message from Cisco and a message from your operating system). Click Open Preferences or Open Security Preferences, then click Allow next to "System Software from developer "Cisco" was blocked from loading." Installation should continue from there.

Message from macOS

Message from Cisco

11. Click Close once you see the "The installation was successful." message.

Connecting to the MSU VPN using the Cisco AnyConnect VPN Client

1. Open Finder, go to your Applications folder, double-click the Cisco folder, then open Cisco AnyConnect Secure Mobility Client.

2. If the server field is blank, type in vpn.msstate.edu. Click on Connect.

3. Choose/enter the options based on your group:

Additional instructions for 2FA/Duo

To use Duo push: Type push into the Duo password field, then accept the notification on your mobile device.

To use a two-factor passcode:

Mobile Devices:  Open Duo Mobile on your mobile device. Tap on Mississippi State University. A six digit code will display; this is what you will type in the Duo Password field.

Key Fobs: Press the button and enter the number from your display in the Duo Password field.

2FA website: Generate a two-factor passcode at 2fa.msstate.edu/passcode (Detailed Instructions); this is what you will type in the Duo Password field.

4. Click OK. Once you see Connection Established, you are connected to the MSU VPN.

Disconnecting from the MSU VPN using the Cisco AnyConnect VPN Client

1. When you are finished using the VPN, you can disconnect by clicking on the menu bar icon for Cisco AnyConnect and selecting Disconnect.

2. When you are ready to reconnect to the VPN, follow the steps for Connecting to the MSU VPN from the section above.