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 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. 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 WhatsApp or SMS).
4. Agree to abide by the UCT network policies > click Continue.
5. Select Download for Linux.
6. After downloading the file, open a terminal window and navigate to the directory that contains the cisco-secure-client-linux64******.sh file. (Take note of the exact file name as the version number will be updated as new versions become available.)
7. Type cd ~/Downloads, then select Enter.
8. Enter sudo bash cisco-secure-client-linux64*****.sh (use the exact file name of the file located in the downloads folder, ***** has been used as a placeholder), then select Enter.
9. The installation should now proceed. Close the Terminal application and proceed to Step 3: Connecting from home / remote location.

Step 2: Manually install the client (Installation via "apt" using the DEB packages for Ubuntu 22+)

1. Navigate to ICTS Downloads > Select your operating system >  VPN > installation file.
2. Download cisco-secure-client-linux64-5.1.17.3394-predeploy-deb-k9.tgz from ICTS Downloads.
3. Under Show Apps on the Ubuntu taskbar, select the Terminal application.
4. Type cd ~/Downloads, then select Enter.
5. Type mkdir cisco-vpn-install, then select Enter.
6. Type mv cisco-secure-client-linux64-5.1.17.3394-predeploy-deb-k9.tgz ~/Downloads/cisco-vpn-install, then select Enter.
7. Type cd cisco-vpn-install, then select Enter.
8. Type tar xfvz cisco-secure-client-linux64-5.1.17.3394-predeploy-deb-k9.tgz, then select Enter to extract the package files.
9. Type sudo apt install ./cisco-secure-client-dart_5.1.17.3394_amd64.deb ./cisco-secure-client-vpn_5.1.17.3394_amd64.deb, then select Enter.
             Note: You may be prompted to enter your Linux user account password
10. The installation will proceed until completed.
11. Close the Terminal application and proceed to Step 3: Connecting from home / remote location. 
    
     

Step 3: Connecting from home / remote location

1. Open the Cisco Secure Client by clicking Apps > Cisco Secure Client.
2. Enter the following information in the Cisco Secure Client and click Connect:
   • Groups: Select vpn.uct.ac.za
   • The AnyConnect group will be auto-populated.
   • Enter your UCT username and password.
3. A browser will open, asking you to log in with your UCT credentials. Log in using your UCT username and password. (Staff members will use staffnumber@wf.uct.ac.za, while students will use studentnumber@myuct.ac.za.)
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 WhatsApp or SMS).
5. Upon successful authentication, Agree to abide by the UCT network policies > click Accept.
6. You are now connected to the UCT VPN and the Cisco Secure Client icon should appear pinned in the desktop Dock.

Use this icon to view the details of the connection or to disconnect from the VPN. If the icon does not appear in your menu bar, go to Apps > Cisco Secure Client.

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. 

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 UCT username and password. (Staff members will use staffnumber@wf.uct.ac.za, while students will use  studentnumber@myuct.ac.za.)
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.