Overview
Accessing restricted resources while you're off-campus? You will need to connect to VPN. Follow this guide to learn when and how to connect to VPN.
If you are on campus, you do not need this guide: use Ethernet or USC Secure Wireless (do not use USC Guest Wireless) to access restricted resources.
How to install Cisco AnyConnect VPN
If you are using a Dornsife-managed computer or Dornsife-managed Apple device, Cisco AnyConnect is already installed. Otherwise, first follow our guide, Installing Cisco AnyConnect VPN on a non-Dornsife-managed computer.
When to use VPN
Use VPN if you are off-campus and need to access:
- Areas of myDornsife designated with a lock icon
- Remote desktop
- SPSS
- *Secure CRT/SIS
- *Dornsife network drives (such as G: and U:)
*For Secure CRT/SIS and network drives, we recommend connecting to remote desktop to access these applications.
You do not need VPN if you are off-campus and need to access:
- USC Google Drive or Google apps
- Microsoft OneDrive
- Microsoft Office 365
- Workday
- Brightspace
- Zoom
- Slack
Connecting to VPN on a Windows PC
Quick guide
- Open Cisco AnyConnect:
-
Windows 11: Click the Start menu. In the search bar, type VPN. Select Cisco AnyConnect Secure Mobility Client.
-
Windows 10: In the Start menu search bar, type VPN. Select Cisco AnyConnect Secure Mobility Client.
- To connect to VPN:
- First-time users: Type vpn.usc.edu and click Connect.
- Repeat users: Cisco will automatically begin to connect to USC's VPN profile, 1 - USC SSL VPN.
- The Shibboleth prompt appears. Sign in using your USC NetID and passphrase.
- The Duo prompt appears. Complete the verification.
- You are now connected to VPN. To disconnect once you're done, click Disconnect.
Detailed guide (with screenshots)
- Open Cisco AnyConnect:
-
Windows 11: Click the Start menu. In the search bar, type VPN. Select Cisco AnyConnect Secure Mobility Client.
-
Windows 10: In the Start menu search bar, type VPN. Select Cisco AnyConnect Secure Mobility Client.
- To connect to VPN:
- First-time users: Type vpn.usc.edu and click Connect.
- Repeat users: Cisco will automatically begin to connect to USC's VPN profile, 1 - USC SSL VPN.
- The Shibboleth prompt appears. Sign in using your USC NetID and passphrase.
- The Duo prompt appears. Complete the verification.
- You are now connected to VPN. To disconnect once you're done, click Disconnect.
Connecting to VPN on a Mac
Quick guide
- Open Cisco AnyConnect.
- Open Finder and go to Applications > Cisco. Double-click Cisco AnyConnect Secure Mobility Client.
- To connect to VPN:
- First-time users: Type vpn.usc.edu and click Connect.
- Repeat users: Cisco will automatically begin to connect to USC's VPN profile, 1 - USC SSL VPN.
- The Shibboleth prompt appears. Sign in using your USC NetID and passphrase.
- The Duo prompt appears. Complete the verification.
- You are now connected to VPN. To disconnect once you're done, click Disconnect.
Detailed guide (with screenshots)
- Open Cisco AnyConnect.
- Open Finder and go to the Applications folder. Double-click Cisco.
- Click Cisco AnyConnect Secure Mobility Client.
- To connect to VPN:
- First-time users: Type vpn.usc.edu and click Connect.
- Repeat users: Cisco will automatically begin to connect to USC's VPN profile, 1 - USC SSL VPN.
- The Shibboleth prompt appears. Sign in using your USC NetID and passphrase.
- The Duo prompt appears. Complete the verification.
- You are now connected to VPN. To disconnect once you're done, click Disconnect.
Connecting to VPN on an iPad
First time setup
If you've never connected to VPN on the iPad before, you will need to complete these steps:
Quick guide
- Open the AnyConnect app.
- Depending on your iPad orientation:
- iPad, portrait mode: Tap Secure Client in the upper left corner. Then, tap Connections.
- iPad, landscape mode: Tap Connections.
- Tap Add VPN Connection…
- Fill in the following fields, and tap Save:
-
Description: vpn.usc.edu
-
Server Address: vpn.usc.edu
- Tap Allow.
- If prompted, type your passcode or use biometrics to confirm the action.
Detailed guide (with screenshots)
- Open the AnyConnect app.
- Depending on your iPad orientation:
- iPad, portrait mode: Tap Secure Client in the upper left corner. Then, tap Connections.
- iPad, landscape mode: Tap Connections.
- Tap Add VPN Connection…
- Fill in the following fields, and tap Save:
-
Description: vpn.usc.edu
-
Server Address: vpn.usc.edu
- Tap Allow.
- If prompted, type your passcode or use biometrics to confirm the action.
Connecting to VPN
Once you've completed the first-time setup, follow the steps below to connect to VPN:
Quick guide
- Open the AnyConnect app.
- Depending on your iPad orientation:
- Portrait orientation: Tap Secure Client in the upper left corner. Then, tap the AnyConnect VPN toggle on.
- Landscape orientation: Tap the AnyConnect VPN toggle on.
- The Shibboleth prompt appears. Sign in using your USC NetID and passphrase.
- The Duo prompt appears. Complete the verification.
- You are now connected to VPN. To disconnect, tap the AnyConnect VPN toggle off.
Detailed guide (with screenshots)
- Open the AnyConnect app.
- Depending on your iPad orientation:
- Portrait orientation: Tap Secure Client in the upper left corner. Then, tap the AnyConnect VPN toggle on.
- Landscape orientation: Tap the AnyConnect VPN toggle on.
- The Shibboleth prompt appears. Sign in using your USC NetID and passphrase.
- The Duo prompt appears. Complete the verification.
- You are now connected to VPN. To disconnect, tap the AnyConnect VPN toggle off.
Troubleshooting
"Authentication failed" error
Some staff have reported receiving the following error message after successfully completing Duo authentication:
Authentication failed due to problem retrieving the single sign-on cookie.
If you receive this error, one workaround is to connect to VPN using connect.usc.edu instead of vpn.usc.edu or 1 - USC SSL VPN.