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Connect Mac to CU VPN

Connect to Cornell's VPN using Cisco Secure Client software.

This article applies to: CU VPN

To use Cornell's Virtual Private Network (VPN) with campus networks and services, you must use Cisco Secure Client VPN software. See How to Install Cisco VPN Software for instructions.

Two-Step Login is required for all users to authenticate to the CU VPN and all departmental VPNs. Using Two-Step Login allows you to better protect both your personal information and the university's services and data under your custodianship.

Connect to CU VPN with Two-Step Login

Duo Security provides documentation on how to log in to the Cisco Secure Client used with Cornell's VPN service. For more information, see Logging in with Cisco Client.

  1. In a Finder window, click Applications, then Cisco, and then double-click Cisco Secure Mobility Client.

  2. In the Cisco Secure Client window be sure that cuvpn.cuvpn.cornell.edu is selected in the Connect To box, and then click Connect. 

    Cisco Secure Client login window.

     

  3. In the Cisco Secure Client window:

    • In the Group box, select Two-Step_Login. This is required for all VPNs.
    • In the User Name box, enter your Cornell NetID or GuestID. Note: If you are connecting to a departmental VPN, enter your NetID and the name of the departmental group, for example, pqs665@departmental_group_name.
    • In the Password box, enter your NetID password.
    • In the Second Password or DUO Passcode (push/SMS/phone) box, type one of the following options to complete Two-Step Login:
      • push to send a login request to your smartphone or another mobile device
      • phone to call you on your mobile phone or landline
      • SMS to receive a new set of sms passcodes. (You'll need to log in again.)

      • the passcode from a hardware token 
        NOTE: First-time users will see a Second Password box while returning users will see a DUO Passcode (push/SMS/phone) box. 

        Cisco Secure Client login pane prompting for group, username, password, and duo selection.
  4. Click OK.
  5. If you entered push or phone, complete the Two-Step Login process.
    You're now connected to the VPN.
If you don't have access to the default device you use for Two-Step Login, you can use an alternate device. In Step 3 above, enter the method you use to complete Two-Step Login followed by a number, for example push2 or phone2. To see the devices you have set up and the numbers to use for each, go to Your Two-Step Login Devices and use the number in the Device Number column.   Manage Devices screen with Device Number column highlighted

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