VPN Services

Requirements

• Windows 7-10
• Windows Vista (clean install, not upgraded from Windows XP)
• Mac OS X 10.11 or later.

How to Download VPN Software

1. All active University faculty, staff, and student employees have access to Boise State’s VPN service.
2. Download the VPN software.
   If you’re on campus, download the VPN software using this link.
   If you’re off campus, download the VPN software using this link.
3. Log in to the Boise State VPN service using your Boise State account. (If you are unable to log in, please contact the Help Desk for assistance.)
   
4. Click the AnyConnect link.
5. Click the Start AnyConnect link.
6. The Boise State VPN software (Cisco AnyConnect) will install and connect your computer securely to the Boise State network.
7. If you are using macOS Big Sur, you may be prompted to open System Preferences > Security & Privacy and select Allow to load the “Cisco AnyConnect Socket Filter”:
   
8. If the automatic installation fails, click the “Windows Desktop” or “Mac OS X 10.6+” link to download and install the VPN software manually.

How to Use the VPN Software

Once you have the VPN software (Cisco AnyConnect) installed, here’s how to work securely and connect to the Boise State network:

1. Connect to the Internet via Wi-Fi or cable like you always do.
2. Launch the Cisco AnyConnect Secure Mobility software.
   Windows: Start > All Programs > Cisco > Cisco AnyConnect VPN Client > Cisco AnyConnect VPN Client
   Mac: Finder > Applications > Cisco > Cisco AnyConnect VPN Client
3. Enter either the on-campus VPN address or the off-campus VPN address, depending on your location:
   On-campus VPN address: bsuvpn-oncampus.boisestate.edu
   
   Off-campus VPN address: bsuvpn-offcampus.boisestate.edu
   
4. Sign in with your Boise State username and password.
5. As of May 19, Boise State requires Duo multi-factor authentication when connecting to VPN. For information about enrolling and using Duo, visit the Multi-factor Authentication page.

Optional: Connect to Your Work Computer

You may use VPN in conjunction with Microsoft Remote Desktop to connect remotely to a Windows desktop or laptop computer.

Learn how to configure and use Remote Desktop

Requirements

iOS 10.0 or later. Compatible with iPhone, iPad and iPod touch.

How to Download and Install

1. Launch the App Store on your device and search the Store for the Cisco AnyConnect app.
2. Select Get to download and install the app.

How to Configure the AnyConnect App

1. Launch the AnyConnect app.
2. The first time you run the app you may see a pop-up asking you choose your Notifications preferences.
3. Tap Connections.
4. Tap Add VPN Connection…
5. For “Description” enter a name for the connection (e.g., “Boise State VPN”).
6. For “Server Address” enter bsuvpn-offcampus.boisestate.edu (if you’re connecting from off-campus) or bsuvpn-oncampus.boisestate.edu (if you’re connecting from on-campus).
7. Tap Save.

If you need to connect from both off- and on-campus, tap Connections to configure a second connection with the appropriate VPN address.

How to Connect to the VPN

1. Launch the AnyConnect app.
2. To connect, activate the “AnyConnect VPN” on/off slider.
3. Enter your Boise State username and password to authenticate to the Boise State network.
4. As of May 19, Boise State requires Duo multi-factor authentication when connecting to VPN. For information about enrolling and using Duo, visit the Multi-factor Authentication page.

When you are finished with your VPN session, open the app and disconnect by deactivating the “AnyConnect VPN” on/off slider.

Requirements

Android 4.x – 8.x.

How to Download and Install

1. Launch the Play Store app on your device and search for the “AnyConnect” app from Cisco Systems, Inc.
2. Select Install to download and install the app.

How to Configure the AnyConnect App

1. Launch the AnyConnect app.
2. The first time you run the app you may see a couple of pop-up messages regarding IT administrator access to information about your device, and/or asking if you want AnyConnect to make and manage phone calls (there is no reason for the app to manage phone calls when connecting to the Boise State’s VPN).
3. Tap Connections.
4. Tap Add VPN Connection…
5. For “Description” enter a name for the connection (e.g., “Boise State VPN”).
6. For “Server Address” enter bsuvpn-offcampus.boisestate.edu (if you’re connecting from off-campus) or bsuvpn-oncampus.boisestate.edu (if you’re connecting from on-campus).
7. Tap Save.

If you need to connect from both off- and on-campus, tap Connections to configure a second connection with the appropriate VPN address.

How to Connect to the VPN

1. Launch the AnyConnect app.
2. To connect, activate the “AnyConnect VPN” on/off slider.
3. Enter your Boise State username and password to authenticate to the Boise State network.
4. As of May 19, Boise State requires Duo multi-factor authentication when connecting to VPN. For information about enrolling and using Duo, visit the Multi-factor Authentication page.

When you are done with your VPN session, open the app and disconnect by deactivating the “AnyConnect VPN” on/off slider.

• Review Boise State Policy 8130 (Remote Access) to ensure you understand your responsibilities when using the University’s VPN service.
• Remember that you are responsible for maintaining the security and confidentiality of Boise State’s data while working remotely.
• Take care to ensure that mobile devices are not at risk of being stolen (for example, visible in a parked car or left in a public space).
• Whenever possible, use a Boise State-managed device to access confidential and restricted University data. Refer to Boise State University Data Classification Standards to review data classification definitions.
• If you must use a personal device do not download confidential or restricted data.
• Be sure that work-related materials are not accessible to others. For example, log out of all Boise State systems when not in use, and/or set a device password.