How to Set Up & Use Missouri State's VPN

Summary

Guide to connecting to a Missouri State network resource from off campus on a Windows or MacOS computer.

Body

The purpose of the VPN is to provide a secure & encrypted method for transferring data. As a convenience to faculty, staff, and students many network resources can be accessed off-campus with use of the VPN. This includes file servers, internal websites, and workstations.

VPN Access: Access to the VPN is assigned to those who require it for a university business or academic function. To request access, submit an Access Request in the IT Service Portal. Include a short description of the academic or business reason you are requesting VPN access.

Step-by-Step Guides

How to Set Up Cisco AnyConnect VPN for Windows

Open your browser and navigate to https://vpn.missouristate.edu/
In the Login window, select the default GROUP *MissouriState, then click Login.

Please Note:

If you will be using an assigned special group, refer to How to Connect to a Special VPN Group.
You will be directed to a Missouri State authentication window that requires your Missouri State Account login information.
After a successful sign-in, you will be directed to the VPN installer download page.
Click Save File to download the Cisco AnyConnect VPN application.
Please Note:
If you are using Microsoft Edge or the Google Chrome web browser, the download bar will be shown in the bottom left corner of the browser window.

If you are using the Mozilla Firefox web browser, there will be a download pop-up window asking for the file to be saved.
To begin the installation process, navigate to the location where the installation file was downloaded to and open the file. The file is typically in the C:\Users\MissouriStateAccountID\Downloads folder.
Click Next
Select the options I accept the terms in the License Agreement, then click Next.
Click Install.

Please Note:
If you are prompted with a User Account Control window, click Yes.
Once the installation is complete, click Finish.
To continue setting up your VPN, open the Cisco AnyConnect application. You can do this by navigating to the Windows Start Menu and searching for Cisco AnyConnect Secure Mobility Client.
Type vpn.missouristate.edu. Then click Connect.
You will be directed to a Missouri State sign in page that requires you to enter your Missouri State Login Account information.

Please Note:

If you will be using an assigned special group, select the group to which you have been assigned from the drop-down GROUP list before clicking Login.
After a successful sign-in, there will be an AnyConnect icon in the lower right corner of the taskbar with a lock showing that you are connected to the Missouri State VPN and are ready to access Missouri State resources from off-campus.
To disconnect from the VPN, right-click the AnyConnect icon and select Disconnect.

How to Set Up Cisco AnyConnect VPN for Mac

Open your browser and navigate to https://vpn.missouristate.edu/
.In the Login window ensure that the selected GROUP is *MissouriState, then click Login.

Please Note:

If you will be using an assigned special group, follow this guide to initially set up the Missouri State VPN.
Then refer to How to Connect to a Special VPN Group.
You will be directed to a Missouri State authentication window that requires your Missouri State Account login information.
After a successful sign-in, you will be directed to the VPN installer download page.
The AnyConnect-macos-core-vpn-webdeploy.dmg file will be saved to the downloads folder.
Run the AnyConnect.pkg file to proceed with the installation.
Click Continue on the Introduction screen.
Select the option Agree on the license agreement window.
Click Install to continue.
You may be prompted for your login credentials for the computer account.
Click Close to complete the installation.
To continue setting up your VPN, open the Cisco AnyConnect Secure Mobility application. You can do this by navigating to the Applications menu.
Type vpn.missouristate.edu then click Connect.
You will be directed to a Missouri State authentication window that requires your Missouri State Account login information.
After a successful sign-in, there will be green checkmark on the applications window showing that you are connected to the Missouri State VPN and are ready to access Missouri State resources from off-campus.

How to Connect to Special VPN Group

Some departments or areas utilize special VPN groups other than the default *Missouri State. If you are a member of a special VPN group, you'll be provided this information by your department. Follow these steps to connect to your assigned VPN group.

Type vpn.missouristate.edu. Then click Connect.
Two screens will pop up simultaneously: the Cisco AnyConnect Group selection window, and the Misssouri State sign-in window.
Select the Cisco AnyConnect Group selection screen. This may be hidden behind the Missouri State sign-in page. You may need to move the sign-in window out of the way using your mouse or ALT+Tab on your keyboard. Do not close the Missouri State sign-in window. Doing so will cancel the login.
From the Cisco AnyConnect Group selection box, select your assigned group from the drop-down options.
You will be directed to a page to enter your Missouri State Account ID (abc123) and password. Then click OK.
You will receive a prompt from your default multi-factor authentication method to approve connection.

Note: When connecting to a special VPN group, some people have reported a delay in the delivery of notification to their authenticator app, or delayed delivery of verification code. If your connection times out before you receive your code or notification, please try again.
Once connected, there will be an AnyConnect icon in the lower right corner of the taskbar with a lock showing that you are connected to the Missouri State VPN and are ready to access Missouri State resources from off-campus.