Follow the instructions below to download, install and connect the AnyConnect Secure Mobility Client on your Mac computer (OS X 10.9 or newer) to the new MSU VPN.

Instructions

Download:

  1. Go to https://www3.montana.edu/software.
    Locate the Cisco AnyConnect (VPN Client) section (see image below).
  2. Click box next to I accept Software Terms of Use.
  3. Click the AnyConnect Secure Mobility Client (4.8) download link in the Mac OS X row (shown in red below).
    screenshot of software portal showing Mac AnyConnect VPN installer link.
    The installer file downloads.  When download is complete, follow steps below to install.

 Install client:

  1. Go to your Downloads folder (or whatever location the file was downloaded to) and CTRL-click anyconnect-macos-4.8.00175-core-vpn-webdeploy-k9.dmg and select "Open" from the shortcut menu.
  2. The AnyConnect Secure Mobility Client Installer window should now open (see 2nd image below).
  3. Click Continue and follow the steps to install.
    screenshot of .pkg file and installer wizard
  4. Enter your computer's password when prompted.
  5. Click Close to shut installer window, after installation is finished.
  6. Click the Move to Trash button when prompted.

Installation will now be complete.

A notice may appear that you need to make an exception; if this is the case, there should be a window with an "open preferences" button at the bottom. Click this. The Security and Privacy window should open.  Click the lock to allow changes. There will be a blurb about "system software from Cisco was blocked from loading".  Click on the "allow" button. If this does not solve you issue, contact the UIT Service Desk at 406-994-1777 or via helpdesk@montana.edu, or visit www.montana.edu/uit/servicedesk.

Connect to VPN:

  1. Go to your Applications folder, open the Cisco folder and then click the Cisco AnyConnect Secure Mobility Client. app.
    The AnyConnect window opens (see image below).
  2. Enter vpn.msu.montana.edu (if not already entered) and click Connect (see top image below).

    In the login window that opens (see bottom image):
  3. Select Group (appropriate for you role at MSU, ie MSU-Employee or MSU-Student).
  4. Enter NetID and NetID password, click OK.
    VPN 1

 

VPN 2

You will now be connected to the MSU VPN. The Cisco icon in the dock will now have a little padlock on it and a tiny version Cisco round logo with padlock will be displayed on top menu bar.

To disconnect:

Right-click on the icon in top menu bar and select Disconnect.  

To connect in the future:

You will no longer go through Network Preferences to connect to the VPN, just use the AnyConnect app.

Connect by right-clicking on the Cisco AnyConnect icon in the top menu bar or dock, then click the Connect button in the "VPN Ready to connect" box. 
If you don't see the icon in your top menu bar or dock, go to your Applications folder, open the Cisco folder and click the AnyConnect Secure Mobility Client.app. Next click the Connect button as shown in the image under step 4 above.