Secure Remote Access — BSD VPN — Connection Guide for Macintosh

*** BSD VPN access will be turned off on 3/1/22. Please use cVPN instead. https://uchicago.service-now.com/it?id=kb_article&kb=KB06000630 ***

This document explains how to install, uninstall, upgrade and use BSD VPN, the Biological Sciences Division’s secure VPN, on a Macintosh computer.

Note: If you intend to use the BSD VPN, you will need to enroll in DUO Two-Factor Authentication and register a qualifying device. This is a requirement for the BSD instance of VPN. Step-by-step instructions are available at University of Chicago Information Technology Services Knowledge Base: Two-factor Authentication.

Using the Biological Sciences Division’s VPN (BSD VPN) with a Macintosh computer requires Mac OSX 10.6 or later. Earlier versions of the Apple Macintosh Operating System are not compatible with the VPN software.

Note: Before trying to run AnyConnect, Java must be installed and running on your computer. To enable Java, open Finder. Then, at the top, select Go > Utilities. In this folder, open Java Preferences and click Install.

Using the VPN for the First Time

Firstly, Point your browser to https://bsdvpn.uchicago.edu.
Installation:

For detailed installation instructions with screenshots please reference this page in the UChicago ITS Knowledge Base: Install Cisco AnyConnect Client on MacOS and Connect to cVPN.

Note: Mac OS X Mavericks (10.9), Mountain Lion (10.8), Lion (10.7) and Snow Leopard (10.6) users: You may manually download and install the client from insert link to Refer To Install Guide

Once installation is complete:

1. When the install is complete you will see the Cisco AnyConnect in your Application folder.
2. To see details of the VPN connection, click the Cisco AnyConnect icon.
3. To disconnect from the VPN, click the Cisco AnyConnect icon and select Disconnect in the Cisco AnyConnect VPN Client Window.

Subsequent times that you use the VPN

1. Open your Mac’s Applications folder and double-click the Cisco AnyConnect VPN Client icon.
2. Log in with your BSDAD Username and Password.
3. The Cisco AnyConnect icon will display in the dock when connected.

Occasionally Cisco AnyConnect VPN software will need to be updated. Every time you connect to BSD VPN, the software checks for an update. If there is an update available, the application will update itself, then reconnect you when its done.

Uninstall

To uninstall an older version, double click on the uninstaller application found in the Cisco Folder within the Applications folder or follow the steps below:

1. Open a terminal window (Applications > Utilities > Terminal).
2. Run the following command: sudo /opt/cisco/vpn/bin/vpn_uninstall.sh
3. Enter your Mac OS X password.
4. Answer Yes when prompted to remove each item.
5. Restart your machine.