Install AnyConnect

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 AnyConnect clients for Windows, Mac and Linux operating systems. A mobile client is also available.

You will need the following to access AnyConnect VPN:

• At your remote location:

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

  • an Internet connection, and 

  • a Java-enabled web browser.

• A valid UCT username and password.

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

Install AnyConnect on your Windows machine

NOTE: These instructions apply to Windows 10. Instructions for other versions of Windows may differ slightly. 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: AnyConnect
   • 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 AnyConnectSecureMobility 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 AnyConnect Secure Mobility Client icon should appear in your system tray. Using this icon, you can view the details of the connection, or disconnect from the VPN.

Step 2: Connecting from home / remote location

1. Access the Cisco AnyConnect Secure Mobility Client either via the AnyConnect icon in the system tray or via the Start menu. (Start > search for and open Cisco AnyConnect Secure Mobility Client)
2. Enter vpn.uct.ac.za in the Cisco AnyConnect Secure Mobility Client dialog box and click Connect.
3. Enter the following in the Cisco AnyConnect | vpn.uct.ac.za dialog box and click OK.
   • Group: AnyConnect
   • Username: your UCT staff number
   • Password: your UCT password
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.

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 AnyConnect 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.

You'll need to re-authenticate if your connection to the VPN is idle for more than 10 minutes.

Install AnyConnect on your Apple machine

NOTE: These instructions apply to Mac OS X. Instructions for other versions of the Mac operating system may differ slightly.
Ensure that Java is installed on your machine, before starting the AnyConnect installation process.
Before you begin, if you're connected via any type of VPN client, disconnect and close it.

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: AnyConnect
   • USERNAME: your UCT staff number
   • PASSWORD: your UCT password
3. Agree to abide by the UCT network policies by clicking Continue.
4. The AnyConnect Secure Mobility client installs a Java applet.
   • You may be prompted to allow an applet from vpn.uct.ac.za access to your computer. Click Allow.
   • Enter your machine's local username and password and click OK.
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. Double-click on the Mac OS X (intel) link to manually download the client.
2. Navigate to the directory that contains the vpn.pkg file and open it. 
3. Click Continue > Agree to the Terms of the software license agreement. 
4. Click Continue to save the file > Install.
5. You may be prompted to enter your Apple ID login details.
6. Click Install Software.
7. The AnyConnect VPN client will now be installed on your workstation.  
8. Click Close.
9. Close your browser window once the installation is completed.
10. You are now connected to the UCT VPN. The Cisco AnyConnect Secure Mobility 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.
     

    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 AnyConnect Secure Mobility Client.
2. Enter vpn.uct.ac.za in the Cisco AnyConnect Secure Mobility Client dialog box and click Connect.
3. Enter the following in the Cisco AnyConnect | vpn.uct.ac.za dialog box and click OK.
   • Group: AnyConnect
   • Username: your UCT staff number
   • Password: your UCT password
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 AnyConnect 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.
You'll need to re-authenticate to continue using the connection if your connection to the VPN is idle for more than 10 minutes.