Install Cisco Secure Client

Cisco Secure Client (Cisco AnyConnect) allows you to install and use the Virtual Private Network (VPN) client on your personal PC or laptop. This means that you can access the UCT network even while you are off campus.

There are Cisco Secure Clients for Windows, Mac and Linux operating systems. A mobile client is also available.

You will need the following to access Cisco Secure Client VPN:

• At your remote location:

  • a computer with an up-to-date anti-virus program and the latest patches

  • an internet connection

• A valid UCT username and password.

Note: You can only log on to VPN when you are off campus.

Install Cisco Secure Client on your Windows machine

NOTE: These instructions apply to Windows 10 and Windows 11. The installation is a once-off step. Once the client is installed, you won't need to repeat this procedure.

Step 1: Installation at home / remote location

1. Navigate to ICTS Downloads > Select your operating system >  VPN > installation file. Alternatively, navigate to https://vpn.uct.ac.za. (If you don't have Java installed, you'll be prompted to install it).
2. Enter the following on the University of Cape Town - SSL VPN Service page and click Login.
   • Group: vpn.uct.ac.za
   • USERNAME: your UCT staff number
   • PASSWORD: your UCT password
3. Agree to abide by the UCT network policies > click Continue.
4. The automated installation process begins.

   NOTE: During this process, your browser may display a security warning regarding the installation of the Cisco Secure Client, published by Cisco Systems, Inc.
   Select the option that will enable you to proceed - such as Install and Yes.

5. You may close your browser window once installation is completed.
6. You are now connected to the UCT VPN. The Cisco Secure Client icon should appear in your system tray. 
   
   Using this icon, you can view the details of the connection, or disconnect from the VPN. If the Cisco Secure Client icon cannot be located in your system tray, reboot your computer or locate the application under your Applications menu.

Step 2: Connecting from home / remote location

1. Access the Cisco Secure Client either via the icon in the system tray or via the Start menu. (Start > search for and open Cisco Secure Client)
2. Enter vpn.uct.ac.za in the Cisco Secure Client dialog box and click Connect.
3. A browser will open, asking you to log in with your UCT credentials. Log in using your username@wf.uct.ac.za and password.
4. Complete the multi-factor authentication using the method you previously set up (i.e. either the authenticator app, or via a verification code sent to you by SMS).
5. Upon successful authentication, Accept the agreement to abide by the UCT network policies.

NOTE: If you are connecting to VPN simply to perform Windows updates, keep your Windows installation active, or connect to UCT services that require VPN, stop here. Proceed to the steps below only if you need to remotely connect to your PC on campus.
 

1. To connect to your PC on campus, click Start > search for and open Remote Desktop Connection.
2. In the Remote Desktop Connection dialog box, find the Computer text box, enter the name of your UCT computer, then click Connect.
3. When prompted, enter your UCT username@wf.uct.ac.za, along with your UCT password.

NOTE: When using the Cisco Secure Client, you won't be able to access resources on your local network - such as printers, cameras or Windows devices (tethered devices) that sync with the local computer.

Install Cisco Secure Client on your Apple machine

Step 1: Installation at home / remote location

1. Navigate to ICTS Downloads > Select your operating system >  VPN > installation file. Alternatively, navigate to https://vpn.uct.ac.za.
2. Enter the following on the University of Cape Town - SSL VPN Service page and click Login:
   • Group: vpn.uct.ac.za
   • USERNAME: your UCT staff number
   • PASSWORD: your UCT password
3. Agree to abide by the UCT network policies by clicking Continue.
4. Download the Cisco Secure Client and run the installer.
5. The automated installation process begins.
   If the process is successful, proceed to step 3. Otherwise, you'll need to do a manual installation (step 2).

Step 2:  Manually install the client

1. Navigate to ICTS Downloads > Select your operating system >  VPN > installation file. 
2. After downloading the file, navigate to the directory that contains the .dmg file and run the installer. 
3. Click Continue > Agree to the Terms of the software license agreement. 
4. Select the components to be installed by selecting or clearing the corresponding check boxes. All components are installed by default.  
   Note: clear all components except for AnyConnect VPN.
5. Click Continue > Install.
6. You may be prompted to enter login details.
7. An Action Required” notice may appear.  
   • Allow Cisco Secure Client - AnyConnect VPN Service in System Settings > General > Login Items.
   • Cisco Secure Client cannot operate correctly unless this is enabled.
8. The Cisco Secure Client will now be installed on your workstation.  
9. Click Close.
10. Close your browser window once the installation is completed.
11. You are now connected to the UCT VPN. The Cisco Secure Client icon should appear in the upper right part of your menu bar and in the dock at the bottom of the screen. 
    
    Use this icon to view the details of the connection or disconnect from the VPN. Alternatively, from Launchpad, open the Cisco Secure Client.
     

    Note If you upgrade from one major Mac OS X release to another, you'll need to manually uninstall the client first, then after the upgrade, reinstall it manually or by establishing a web-based connection to a security appliance configured to install it.

Step 3: Connecting from home / remote location

1. From Launchpad, open Cisco Secure Client.
2. Enter vpn.uct.ac.za in the Cisco Secure Client dialog box and click Connect.
3. Enter the following in the Cisco Secure CLient | vpn.uct.ac.za dialog box and click OK.
   • Group: vpn.uct.ac.za
4. A browser will open, asking you to log in with your UCT credentials. Log in using your username@wf.uct.ac.za and password.
5. Complete the multi-factor authentication using the method you previously set up (i.e. either the authenticator app, or via a verification code sent to you by SMS).
6. Upon successful authentication, Accept the agreement to abide by the UCT network policies.
7. After successful connection to the UCT VPN, open your remote desktop app.

Note: When using the Cisco Secure Client, you won't be able to access resources on your local network - such as printers, cameras or Windows Mobile devices (tethered devices) that sync with the local computer.