Configure VPN on your Mac

Owned by Josue Altamirano
Last updated: Aug 09, 2024Version comment
7 min read

This article is intended for use by students who need to setup their Macs with VPN.

Requirement:

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.

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 can use three methods of identification to validate your UNI identity. Those methods are:

  • Push notifications sent through the Duo mobile device app

  • An automated phone call.

  • One-time use passcodes.

Install the Cisco AnyConnect Secure Mobility Client

We will use the Push notification method to download and install the Cisco Anyconnect app. Please follow the steps to install the Cisco AnyConnect Secure Mobility Client on your Mac:

  1. Visit the Columbia VPN portal.
    https://vpn.cc.columbia.edu/

    Fig. 2.3.1.1.png



  2. Enter:
    USERNAME: YourUNI
    PASSWORD: YourUniPassword
    Duo Action: push

    Fig. 2.3.1.2.png



  3. Click the Login button.

  4. Tap the checkmark to approve the login request from your mobile device.



  5. Click the AnyConnect link.

  6. Click the Start AnyConnect link.

  7. Click the Download for macOS button.

You may get a prompt from your internet browser asking to Allow the download.

  1. On the Dock, Click the Finder icon.

  2. Click your Downloads folder.

  3. Double-click the anyconnect-macos-4.10...vpn-webdeploy-k9.dmg file to start the installation.

  4. Double-click the anyconnect-macos-4.10.0...eploy-k9.pkg file.

  5. Click the Continue button.

  6. Click the Continue button.

  7. Click the Agree button.

  8. Click the Install button.

  9. Enter your Mac's login password and click the Install software button.

  10. Click the Close button.

  11. Click the Open System Settings button.

  12. Click the Allow button.

  13. Enter your Mac’s login Password and Click the blue Modify Settings button.

  14. Click the Allow button.

  15. Click the Close button.

  16. Click the Close button.

Connect to Columbia VPN for the first time.

You have to connect one time so that your Mac can save the server address. Please follow the steps to connect to Columbia VPN:

  1. On the Dock, Click the Finder icon.

  2. Click your Applications Folder.

  3. Double-click the Cisco folder.

  4. Double-click the Cisco AnyConnect Secure Mobility Client icon.

  5. Enter: vpn.cc.columbia.edu in the text field.

  6. Click the Connect button.

  7. Enter:
    Username: YourUNI
    Password: YourUniPassword
    Second Password: push

  8. Click the OK button.

  9. Tap the checkmark to approve the login request from your mobile device.

  10. On the Dock, Click the Finder icon.

  11. Click your Applications Folder.

  12. Double-click the Cisco folder.

  13. Double-click the Cisco AnyConnect Secure Mobility Client icon.

  14. Click the Disconnect button to end the VPN connection.