VPN (Virtual Private Network) Client Overview

Rutgers VPN utilizes the Cisco AnyConnect Secure Mobility Application to provide secure remote access functionality for end users running Microsoft Windows, MacOS, or Linux. As of July 1, 2019, the Cisco client is the only officially supported method for VPN connections at the University. Service activation is available at https://netid.rutgers.edu/

If you have not previously installed the Cisco AnyConnect client, you can authenticate to the VPN through a web-browser which will allow you to download and install the appropriate AnyConnect client. Simply visit https://vpn.rutgers.edu and complete login.

Using the VPN

Once the installation is complete, the “Cisco Anyconnect Secure Mobility Client” will be located in the Cisco folder, located in Applications after the initial download. The icon will look like this:

connect vpn anyconnect mac 01

  1. Open the “Cisco AnyConnect Security Mobility Client” application.
  2. Enter the address of the VPN: vpn.rutgers.edu

    connect vpn anyconnect mac 02

    NOTE: You must be enrolled in Duo 2FA (NetID+) NetID+ 2-factor authentication information: https://netid.rutgers.edu/setupTwoFactorAuthentication.htm

  3. You will see fields for Username, Password, and Duo Action/Second Password (see below). The options are detailed in the dialogue box.

    connect vpn anyconnect mac 03

    1. The Username will be your NetID
    2. The password field for either will be your NetID Password
    3. For 2FA, you have 4 options to enter in the Second Password/Duo Action field:
      • Enter a 6 digit Duo Passcode. These are generated either by a Hard Token, showing the passcode in the Duo Mobile App, or from a previous “SMS” request. Simply type in the 6 numbers and hit OK.
      • Type the word “push”. This will send a push notification to the primary device you have enrolled with Duo through NetID+ with the option to Accept or Deny.
      • Type the word “phone”. You will receive a phone call to the primary device you have enrolled with Duo through NetID+ with touch tone options to Accept or Deny.
      • Type the word “sms”. You will receive a text message to the primary device you have enrolled with Duo through NetID+ containing passcodes you can use to logon.
  4. Once the credentials have been entered click OK
  5. You should now be connected to the VPN and the icon should reflect this by having a small lock on it like this:

    connect vpn anyconnect mac 04

 

NOTE: When you are finished with University business, always remember to end the VPN session!

 

Ending a VPN Session

  1. To end your session, locate the AnyConnect icon in the menu bar on the top right of your display. Clicking the icon gives the option to view details of your session (Open), to end your session (“Disconnect”) or to end your session and close the AnyConnect application (Quit).

  2. Choose “Disconnect” or “Quit” when you are ready to terminate the connection based on your preference.