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Install Cisco VPN (Mac)
The NMSU Cisco VPN (Virtual Private Network) application establishes a secure connection to our network off-campus. It allows Mac users to perform functions that normally would only be possible while on our network such as file transfer to our web servers (FTP), as well as sending mail without authenticating on our outgoing (SMTP) mail server.
For an encrypted Internet connection or to access the NMSU local area network off-campus, NMSU offers a Virtual Private Network Client for students, staff, and faculty to download. The VPN allows users to perform network activities such as mapping a network drive, using FT for web publishing and sending email(s) without turning on authentication in email programs such as Outlook, Thunderbird, or Apple Mail.
Step 1:
Click on the link http://vpn.nmsu.edu/ to direct you to the NMSU VPN Client Installer page.
Step 2:
On the Client Installer page, you will be required to provide your NMSU credentials. After providing your NMSU username (i.e. ahmed13) and password, click on Login.
Note: after logging-in, either an approval request will be sent to your registered 2FA device or a call will be initiated to verify your identity, follow the prompts and proceed to the next step.
You may be prompted to choose a sign-in preference, if prompted, select Yes.
Please be aware that verification process may vary depending on contact preference provided in your initial 2FA set-up.
Push Notification Alert Call-in Alert
. 
Step 3:
You will then be redirected to the AnyConnect Secure Mobile Client page. On the Secure Mobile Client page click on Download for macOS (for mac users).
Step 4:
After downloading is complete, navigate to your Downloads folder to locate the VPN installation tool. Double click on file (installer) to complete installation prompts.
Note: (Mac users) you may have to double click on the download file the open folder. After opening folder, double click on the installer icon within that folder to start installation prompt.
In the dialogue display box, click Continue to complete prompts on:
- License
Read "License Agreement" for AnyConnect and click Continue. After clicking continue, select Agree to proceed to the next field.
- Destination Select
Under "Destination Select" you will be presented with options to choose from, thus, a specific location to complete your installation.
I.e. for this document "Mac HD" was selected as destination for installation.
After selecting Destination, click on Continue to proceed to the next field.
- Installation Type
Under this section, you will be provided with information on the size of the file you plan to install.
Click on Install to complete standard installation of software.
- Installation
Provide your password information and proceed by clicking on Install Software.
Note: The password and username should be consistent with your computer login credentials (please don't provide your NMSU password and login here).
Note: Also in some cases the extension may be blocked after clicking on install, if this occur, a dialogue box will be displayed with the notice "Attention Required".
Navigate to the bottom right corner of the dialogue box and click on Open Preferences to update Security and Privacy Settings, then click on Allow.
- Summary
If your Installation is complete, you will be informed with the notice "The installation was successful".
Then click on Close to exit the dialogue box.
Step 5:
Navigate to the Search tool on your computer home-screen and type "Cisco". After search is complete, select Cisco from the options provided. In the Cisco folder, double click "Cisco AnyConnect Secure Mobility Client".
Step 6:
A dialogue box will be displayed, type "vpn.nmsu.edu" in the field provided and click Connect.
Step 7:
Next, type your email in the sign-in field and click Next.
Note: the email you provide in this field should be consistent with your NMSU email and must have @nmsu.du at the end.
i.e., akore@nmsu.edu
Step 8:
Type in your "NMSU password" and click Sign-in.
Note: after signing-in, either an approval request will be sent to your registered 2FA device or a call will be initiated to verify your identity, follow the prompts to complete set-up.
You may be prompted to choose a sign-in preference, if prompted, select Yes.
Please be aware that verification process may vary depending on contact preference provided in your initial 2FA set-up.
Push Notification Alert Call-in Alert
. Step 9:
If connected, you will be notified with the display image below.
