When you are off campus, some of Illinois State University’s electronic services are unavailable to you unless you establish a VPN connection.
Disconnecting from the MSU VPN using the Cisco AnyConnect VPN Client. When you are finished using the VPN you can disconnect by right clicking on the tray icon for Cisco AnyConnect and selecting Disconnect. When you are ready to reconnect to the VPN, please follow the instructions for Connecting to the MSU VPN from the section above. See full list on cisco.com.
Cisco AnyConnect is an application that the University makes available to students, faculty, and staff for free which may be used to establish a VPN connection with the University from off campus.
NOTE: If you need to request and install the application on your computer, please skip to the section further below entitled Download and Install Cisco AnyConnect. If you already have the application installed and would like to know how to connect to it, please read the section immediately below entitled Connect to the Cisco AnyConnect VPN Client Once Downloaded. The instructions below are listed for both Windows and Mac machines, respectively.
Connect to the Cisco AnyConnect VPN Client Once Downloaded
Windows:
- Open the Cisco AnyConnect VPN client.
- Windows 8: On the Start screen, click Cisco AnyConnect Secure Mobility Client.
- Windows 10: Start > All Apps > Cisco > Cisco AnyConnect Secure Mobility Client.
- Alternatively, you can click Start and begin typing Cisco AnyConnect Secure Mobility Client and the application will show up. Click on the icon to start the application.
- Verify that the path in the field underneath “Ready to connect.” is VPN01.ILSTU.EDU.
- If the path name does not automatically appear, click the arrow to the right of the field and select VPN01.ILSTU.EDU from the drop down menu, or enter the path name manually.
- Click Connect.
Figure 1:
- When prompted, select the appropriate Group (Figure 1):
- To access most ISU resources, you will select –ISU-.
- Important: To access ISU Oracle or SQL database resources directly (via software such as Microsoft Access, Oracle SQL Developer, Microsoft SQL Management Studio, etc.), select DB-User_Access.
Note: When you attempt to connect, you may receive a prompt that tells you that Cisco AnyConnect is updating. Do not attempt to cancel this update, as this update will allow your VPN software to work.
Figure 2:
- Enter your ULID and password in the appropriate fields, then click OK.
- After a moment, an informational banner window will appear that typically says “Welcome to Illinois State University,” but could display a different, informational message.
- Click Accept.
You are now connected with the Cisco AnyConnect VPN client. A Cisco AnyConnecticon with a yellow, locked padlock will be visible in your system tray (in the lower-right corner of your desktop, next to the clock). This indicates that you are connected. If the icon appears without a padlock, this indicates you are no longer connected through VPN.
Mac OS X:
- Open the Cisco AnyConnect VPN client. Click Finder > Applications> Cisco > Cisco AnyConnect Secure Mobility Client.
Figure 3:
- Alternatively, you can search for the application in your “Dashboard” by simply clicking the rocket icon on your bottom toolbar. After that, start typing Cisco AnyConnect Secure Mobility Client and you will see the application. Click on the application to start the set-up process, or to access it once you’ve configured the settings properly.
Figure 4:
- Verify that the path in the field underneath “Ready to connect.” reads VPN01.ILSTU.EDU. If the field is empty, you will need to manually enter the file path exactly how it is shown in this article.
Figure 5:
- Click Connect.
- When prompted, select the appropriate Group (Figure 6):
- For most ISU resources, you will select –ISU-.
- Important: To access ISU Oracle or SQL database resources directly (via software such as Microsoft Access, Oracle SQL Developer, Microsoft SQL Management Studio, etc.), select DB-User_Access.
Figure 6:
- Enter your ULID and password when prompted to do so and click Connect.
- After a moment, an informational banner window will appear that typically says “Welcome to Illinois State University,” but could display a different, informational message.
- Click Accept.
You are now connected with the Cisco AnyConnect VPN client. A Cisco AnyConnect icon with a yellow, locked padlock is now in your system tray (in the lower-right corner of your desktop). This indicates that you are connected. If the icon appears without a padlock, this indicates you are no longer connected through VPN.
Disconnect from the VPN
Windows:
To disconnect from the VPN on a Window’s machine:
- Locate the Cisco AnyConnect VPN client icon and click on it. It is usually on your toolbar, but if it is not, here are some additional ways to find the application:
- Windows 8: On the Start screen, click Cisco AnyConnect Secure Mobility Client.
- Windows 10: Start > All Apps > Cisco > Cisco AnyConnect.
- Alternatively, you can click [Start] and begin typing Cisco AnyConnect Secure Mobility Client and the application will show up. Click on the icon to start the application so you can disconnect from the VPN.
- In the Cisco AnyConnect Secure Mobility Client pane, click Disconnect.
Figure 7:
- Close Cisco AnyConnect Secure Mobility Client.
You are now disconnected from VPN.
Mac OSX:
To disconnect from a VPN connection on Cisco AnyConnect on Mac running Mac OS X or later:
- Click on the Cisco AnyConnect icon in your Dock.
- Click Disconnect.
- Close Cisco AnyConnect Secure Mobility Client.
Figure 8:
You are now disconnected from VPN.
Download and Install Cisco AnyConnect for Windows or Mac OS X
Students, faculty, and staff may download the Cisco AnyConnect VPN Client for Windows or Mac OS X from the University IT Help portal by following the directions below:
Windows:
- Navigate to the IT Help portal (at ITHelp.IllinoisState.edu),
- Click Downloads in the middle of the screen.
- Under Cisco AnyConnect, select the version you would like to download. You will need to select the version that is compatible with your machine. You can choose either Windows or Mac.
- Click on Windows or Mac and log in with your ULID and password if prompted to do so. You will be directed to a form to request the download file be sent to you. You will need to fill out the required fields in the submission form. Once submitted, your request will be handled in the order it was received. Once approved, you will receive an email. You will then click Download Files and you may be navigated to a Central Login page where you will need to enter your ULID and password. Once you log in, click the file next to Attached Files.
NOTE: If you have never access Liquid Files (SendTo) before, you may see a log in page to log into Liquid Files itself. Instead, you will want to click the SSO Sign In button to be navigated to a Central Login page. You will enter your ULID and password. Upon logging in, you will need to accept some terms and conditions. Once you have done that, you will never be prompted again for an SSO sign in.
- Upon successfully downloading the installer, you will need to open the installer and follow the prompts.
Figure 9:
- Agree to the Terms and Conditions and proceed with the installation by clicking Accept. You may need to enter your computer’s profile credentials in order to accept the installation.
Figure 10:
- Once the software has finished downloading, click Finish to close out of the installation process. You can now access the VPN software.
AnyConnect VPN Client FAQ
Mac OS X:
- Navigate to the IT Help portal (at ITHelp.IllinoisState.edu),
- Click Downloads in the middle of the screen.
- Under Cisco AnyConnect, select the version you would like to download. You will need to select the version that is compatible with your machine. You can choose either Windows or Mac.
- Click on Windows or Mac and log in with your ULID and password if prompted to do so. You will be directed to a form to request the download file be sent to you. You will need to fill out the required fields in the submission form. Once submitted, your request will be handled in the order it was received. Once approved, you will receive an email. You will then click Download Files and you may be navigated to a Central Login page where you will need to enter your ULID and password. Once you log in, click the file next to Attached Files.
NOTE: If you have never access Liquid Files (SendTo) before, you may see a log in page to log into Liquid Files itself. Instead, you will want to click the SSO Sign In button to be navigated to a Central Login page. You will enter your ULID and password. Upon logging in, you will need to accept some terms and conditions. Once you have done that, you will never be prompted again for an SSO sign in.
- Upon successfully downloading the installer, you will need to open the installer and follow the prompts. When you get to the Installation Type screen, ensure that only the VPN checkbox is selected, then click Continue to proceed with the installation
Figure 11:
- Click Continue to finish the installation. Once finished, open the Cisco AnyConnect Secure Mobility Client. You can find it in the Cisco folder in your applications, or can be manually searched in your Launchpad, as instructed above.
Figure 12:
- Type VPN01.ILSTU.EDU in the empty text field, then press Connect.
Figure 13:
- Enter your ULID in the Username field and your current password in the Password field. Click OK.
Figure 14:
- You will see a welcome window. Click Accept to be connected to the VPN.
Figure 15:
- Now that you are connected, you will be able to access university-restricted applications such as iPeople.
- When you are ready to disconnect from the VPN, go back to the application and click Disconnect and close out of the application.

Figure 16:
How to Get Help
For technical assistance, you may contact the Technology Support Center at 309-438-4357 or by email at SupportCenter@IllinoisState.edu.
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As of May 16, 2019, UI Anywhere VPN users are required to use Two-Step Login to verify and complete their VPN connections. If you do not have devices enrolled in Duo Two-Step Login, review the Two-Step Login set-up and management instructions.
After downloading and installing Cisco AnyConnect software, UI faculty, staff, and students access the VPN using their HawkID credentials. To connect to the VPN with Cisco AnyConnect, enter your HawkID and password in the 'Username' and 'Password' fields, then enter your preferred Two-Step Login authentication method into the 'Second Password' field.

Step 1: Check your Two-Step Login enrollment
Please review the authentication method you are using for Two-Step login. Your authentication method and other setup details are found on the Two-Step enrollment page:
Push notifications to the Duo Mobile app on your phone are the fastest, easiest authentication method, but you also can use phone calls, text messages, and pre-generated passcodes to connect to the VPN. (Follow these instructions to switch to push notifications.)
If you’ve enrolled more than one phone or another device in Two-Step Login, your default device will receive Two-Step notifications unless otherwise specified. Find your default device by looking for the message 'This is your default device' in green text:
If you need to make changes to your device list, follow these instructions to add/delete a device or change your default device.
Step 2: Complete VPN login with Two-Step authentication
Follow these instructions to complete your VPN login:
Launch the Cisco AnyConnect client. (If you do not have AnyConnect installed, review the AnyConnect download/installation instructions.) If necessary, enter or select 'vpn.uiowa.edu' and click/tap the 'Connect' button.
Leave 'Default' selected in the 'Group' field.
Enter your HawkID in the “Username” field.
Enter your HawkID password in the “Password” field.
Enter your preferred method in the 'Second Password' field in Cisco AnyConnect to complete your VPN login. (Note that the characters you enter will not be shown.)
Refer to the table below for available methods to enter in the 'Second Password' field.
push
Enter “push” (without quotation marks) to receive a push notification if you are using the Duo Mobile Push app. Tap 'Approve' on the notification to complete your login.
phone
Enter “phone” to receive a phone call at the number you’ve enrolled for two-step logins. Respond to the call to complete your login.
sms
Enter “sms” to receive a list of passcodes via text. Your initial authentication attempt will be denied. Repeat the process and enter one of the new passcodes you’ve received.
(passcode number) Enter a valid passcode number received via text, generated by the Duo Mobile app or a token device, or generated from the Two-Step enrollment page.
The above methods will send notifications to your default device unless otherwise specified. You can direct push notifications, phone calls, or texts to your secondary device by entering “push2,” “phone2,” or “sms2,” respectively.Click or tap the “Connect” or “OK” button.
After approving the Two-Step Login request, you should receive a message indicating you are now connected to VPN.
