This article is intended for use by students who need to set up their Windows devices with Columbia VPN.
Virtual Private Network (VPN) is a service that allows you to connect to the Columbia network via an encrypted tunnel. VPN essentially simulates you being on campus without physically being here. To use the Columbia VPN service you will have to setup Duo MFA with your UNI identity. Duo MFA is required to access Columbia VPN services.
Duo Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA)
Authentication is the process of proving your identity during the login process. Two-factor authentication adds an additional proof of identification. Multi-factor authentication (MFA) layers multiple methods of identification for greater security.
Duo is a tech company that provides identity and access management solutions. Duo's Multifactor authentication (MFA) system is what is currently being used at Columbia University.
Duo MFA is a system that uses three methods of identification to validate your UNI identity. These secondary methods include push notifications sent through the Duo-Mobile smartphone app, an automated phone call to a mobile device or LAN line, and finally, one-time use passcodes that can be generated before or during the login process.
Enroll mobile device in Duo MFA
Enroll your mobile device in Duo MFA so you can use it as a method of identification along with your UNI identity. Please follow the steps to setup Duo MFA on your mobile device:
Visit the Columbia MFA website.
https://www.cuit.columbia.edu/mfa
Click the blue Manage Your Duo Account link.
Enter YourUNI and password.
Click the blue LOGIN button.
Click the blue Setup button.
Enter YourUNI and password.
Click the blue LOGIN button.
Click the green Start setup button.
Ensure the Mobile phone radio button is selected.
Click the green Continue button.
Enter your Mobile device’s phone number.
Select the checkbox to confirm.
Click the green Continue button.
Select a radio button to confirm your mobile device type.
Click the green Continue button.
Click the green I have Duo Mobile button.
From your iPhone, Tap the App Store app
Tap the Search Bar.
Enter Duo Mobile in the Search field
Tap the blue search button.
Tap the gray GET button.
Tap the blue Install button.
Tap the gray OPEN button.
Tap the blue Continue button.
Tap the blue Use a QR Code button.
Tap the OK option.
Point your mobile device to the QR Code that is displayed on your PC's screen like you are taking a picture of it.
From your mobile device, tap the blue Next button.
Tap the blue done button.
Tap the white Skip button.
Tap the blue Allow Notifications button.
Tap the Allow option.
Tap the white Turn off button.
Tap the blue OK button.
Click the green Continue button.
Click the blue Continue to Login button.
Click the green Send me a Push button.
Tap the green checkmark to approve the login request from your mobile device.
Tap the blue OK button.
Install Cisco AnyConnect and Connect to Columbia VPN for the first time.
Please follow the steps to install Cisco AnyConnect and connect to Columbia VPN from your Mac:
Visit the Columbia VPN portal
https://vpn.cc.columbia.edu
Enter:
Username: YourUNI
Password: YourUniPassword
Duo Action: push
Click the Login button.
Tap the green checkmark to approve the login request from your mobile device.
Click the AnyConnect link.
Click the Start AnyConnect link.
Click the blue Download for macOS button.
You may get a prompt from your internet browser asking to Allow the download.
From the taskbar, right-click the Start button.
Click the File Explorer shortcut.
Click your Downloads folder.
Double-click the anyconnect-win-4.10.04071-core-vpn-... file to start the installation.
Click the Next button.
Click the I accept the terms in the License Agreement radio button.
Click the Next > button.
Click the Install button.
Click the Yes button.
Click the Finish button.
From the taskbar, right-click the Start button.
Select the Search shortcut.
In the Search field, enter:
Cisco
Click the Cisco AnyConnect Secure Mobility Client app.
In the text field, enter: vpn.cc.columbia.edu
Click the Connect button.
Enter:
User name: YourUNI
Password: YourUniPassword
Second Password: push
Click the OK button.
Tap the green checkmark to approve the login request from your mobile device.
From the taskbar, right-click the Start button.
In the Search field, enter: Cisco
Click the Cisco AnyConnect Secure Mobility Client app.
Click the Disconnect button to end the VPN connection.
