Cisco VPN for Mac

Click here to access the full PDF version with screenshots.

Cisco VPN is a service that allows you to connect to campus resources such as H Drive, U Drive and CROA.  VPN should only be installed on NIC computers and requires supervisor approval. 

Step 1:  To access the Cisco VPN installation file for Mac, go to https://vpn.nic.edu 

• Note: The link https://vpn.nic.edu is only available off the NIC campus.  If you need assistance getting this installed, please call the IT Help Desk at (208) 769-3280

Step 2:  Sign in with your NIC username and password.  You will be prompted for Duo without a splash screen.
Step 3:  Upon logon, it will take a moment detect your operating system.  Once done, select Download for macOS.
Step 4:  Once the download is complete, click in the download icon in your browser and open the .dmg file.
Step 5:  A window will open, double-click on secure-client-macos-….pkg to run the installation.
Step 6:  Choose Continue to begin the installation.
Step 7:  Click Continue to access the license agreement and select Agree.
Step 8:  Click Install.  You will be prompted for your credentials.  Enter your local computers username and password, click Install Software.
Step 9:  Wait for Cisco Secure Client to complete the installation.  Click Close when the install is complete.
Step 10:  Find the Cisco Secure Client listed in your Application and double-click to open.
Step 11:  When the application opens, enter vpn.nic.edu into the box (if not already entered) and click Connect.
Step 12:  When prompted, enter your NIC username and password.  Click OK.

Important Note: Duo is required for VPN 

If you have Duo set up on your mobile device, you will get an automatic push sent to your mobile device that will need to be approved before you can connect. If you have a FOB, please enter your password in as password,code where the code is the numeric code provided by your Duo FOB.

Step 13:  Once the VPN client establishes a connection, the client will appear in the taskbar as an icon.
Step 14:  To disconnect Cisco VPN, click once on the icon in the taskbar and click Disconnect.
Step 15:  To connect Cisco VPN, click once on the icon in the taskbar and click Connect.
 
NOTE:

• Once connected, all network traffic for your computer will be routed through NIC.  The connection is nearly identical to being connected to the campus network on your desktop.
• After 30 minutes of inactivity the connection will drop and your computer's connection will return to normal. 
• To access to your network drive(s) or course content with VPN, click here for instructions.