Connecting to the UW Internal Network Remotely Using VPN

Overview

Remote access to some resources requires the use of Virtual Private Network (VPN) software. This document describes how to use a VPN connection to access UWSS or UWSA network resources such as file shares and databases.

Process Considerations

  • These instructions are for Windows or Mac OS only. Additional operating systems are unsupported.
  • UWSA or UWSS employees use their network credentials to authenticate (NOT your UW-Madison NetID).
  • Connecting to the VPN requires that the Cisco AnyConnect client be installed on your computer, instructions can be found below.

Installing or Updating the VPN Client Through the Software Center

Installation of the Cisco AnyConnect client can be installed from Software Center on your UWSS or UWSA issued computer.

  1. Perform a search for “Software Center” and click on the icon to open it.
  2. In Software Center, under the “Applications” tab, select the “Cisco AnyConnect Secure Mobility Client (VPN)” application.
  3. Click on the “Install” button to start installing.
  4. Once installation is complete close the Software Center.
  5. Proceed to “Connecting to the VPN” below.

Manually Installing the VPN Client on a Personal or Mac Device

  1. Open a web browser and go to: https://vpn.wisconsin.edu/.
  2. At the login window, select your organization in the “GROUP” drop-down menu, fill in your user ID and password, and click “Login”.
  3. Complete the requested Okta Multi-factor Authentication.
  4. Select the Continue button to proceed.
  5. The AnyConnect Secure Mobility Client Download web page should now appear.
  6. Select the “Download for Windows” button. The AnyConnect client should start downloading.
  7. Select the download button
  8. Select “Open” on the downloaded file and the AnyConnect client installation should start.
  9. Select “Next” on the client setup wizard.
  10. Choose “I accept …” on the Accept the End-User License Agreement and “Next” to continue.
  11. Select the “Install” button to proceed with the installation.
  12. Previously installed versions of the AnyConnect client will see the “Files in Use” window below, select“Ok”.
  13. Select automatically close and click ok
  14. Select the “Finish” button to complete the installation.

Connecting to the VPN

  1. Search for “Cisco AnyConnect” in your Start menu or Finder to launch the VPN client.
  2. Enter the URL to connect:
    UWSA: https://vpn.wisconsin.edu/UWSA
    UWSS: https://vpn.wisconsin.edu/UWSS
    Note: After you have connected for the first time, the URL will default to UWSS or UWSA.
  3. Complete the Okta Verification Screen
    Note: There is a known issue when using the VPN. MacOS customers should utilize Okta Verify on their Mobile device as their MFA factor. Other MFA methods on MacOS may fail. Please contact the Help Desk if you have questions or concerns.
    AnyConnect Okta Login
  4. Select the “Accept” button to complete the VPN connection process.
  5. Click accept
  6. To disconnect from the VPN, click on the Cisco AnyConnect icon and select the “Disconnect” button in the VPN window.
  7. VPN Icon in system tray
  8. Click disconnect