VPN - Secure Remote Access
AnyConnect will update to Secure Client for PC on 7/10/2024 and 7/17/2024 for Mac
Interruptions in service are not anticipated. See below for more details
If you are not working within a service that requires the VPN connection, please disconnect from the VPN to save bandwidth on MSU's network.
If you are connecting to the MSU Library, please reference their Off Campus Access webpage.
Do I need the VPN?
Do you use Banner, Knox or Opal folders, Remote Desktop Connections, Electronic Document Management ? If so, then yes, you will need the VPN.
Cisco VPN Secure Client
Cisco Secure Client is MSU's VPN (virtual private network) available to Students, Faculty and Staff. The Secure Client app is required to connect to the VPN. The client is platform and device friendly, enabling employees and students to securely connect to MSU resources anytime and from any device and location.
NOTE: As of July 10, 2024, the Cisco AnyConnect VPN updated and is now Cisco Secure Client. This update is standard but users will notice some changes, though functionality will not change for staff, faculty, or students. However, some things may differ visually depending on the device and/or version used, including icons and layout.
Examples of new visuals Examples of old visuals
What you need to know
- Those using AnyConnect (version 4.10 or earlier) should transition to Cisco Secure Client (version 5.1.2.42) as soon as possible.
- The upgrade experience will differ depending on which version of the AnyConnect app is currently installed.
- Beginning July 10, 2024, most users will receive the upgrade automatically upon connecting
to MSU’s secure VPN.
- Those upgrading from version 4.8 or earlier will need to download and install the update manually.
- You can download it via our software portal.
- PC: users will need to upgrade before or upon launching the VPN.
- Users may have to reboot their computer for this to take effect.
- Mac: users may need to make a security exception within their computer settings
Secure Client: Download Instructions
The new VPN requires the Secure Client to connect. After installing it, you will always use the Secure Client app to connect to the VPN. You will not need to go to network settings or use the network connection previously created for the old VPN. Simply open the app and click connect.
First time users: If you are experiencing issues connecting for your first time, please email the
Service Desk or your Departmental IT.
For more information about the VPN, visit Secure Client VPN FAQ.
Follow the instructions below to download the client and connect to the new VPN.
Desktop/Laptop*
Mobile Devices
- Android
- Apple iOS for use on iPad, iPhone, and iTouch
- Google Chrome
- Windows Phone
* If you don't see the version of your operating system listed above then it is not supported. Please contact the UIT Service Desk with questions.
VPN Behind DUO
Effective 5/22/2023 you must go through the DUO process before you connect to the VPN.
When you launch the VPN and click "Connect" you will be asked to:
1. Select Your Group
2. Enter username
3. Enter password
Once you enter your password and click OK, the client software will show a yellow circle with an exclamation point.
This yellow circle with an exclamation point means that you will need to go through the DUO Authentication Process https://www.montana.edu/uit/duo/index.html
Please note, that you may not get a DUO PUSH when you go through this process. You may need to open the DUO app on your device and then you would have a PUSH / APPROVE delivered to your phone.