VPN App for an Android Phone or Tablet

VPN App for an Android Phone or Tablet

Overview

Tufts VPN can be used from an Android device by downloading the Cisco AnyConnect Secure Client application from the Google Play Store. It provides Tufts users with a secure remote link to the Tufts network allowing mobile devices access to web pages that have Tufts-only access restrictions. While connected, all of your data traffic will go over the VPN which creates adherence to all Tufts Acceptable Use Policies.

As with the desktop application, logging into the Tufts VPN on the mobile app will require you to complete two-factor authentication.

Installing the Cisco Secure Client from the Android app store

 

  1. From the Play Store on your Android device click the Search icon. 

  1. Search for the "Cisco Secure Client" app.

  1. Tap the Install button to install the app. 

  1. Click Accept to give the Cisco Secure Client the necessary permissions. (Note: The device will display a list of information the app will access.) 

  1. Open the Cisco Secure Client app on your Android device. 
  2. From the home page, tap Connections to create a shortcut to the Tufts VPN.  Once created, the link is available for future use.Android Cisco Secure Client Connections option
  3. Tap the Add button.add connection button
  4. Input the following information in the Connection Editor.
    • Description – Enter "Tufts VPN"
    • Server AddressEnter one of the following:
      • For a direct connection to the general Tufts VPN profile (available to all Tufts users) - Enter “http://vpn.tufts.edu/duo” and tap Save.
      • To be presented with a dropdown list of additional VPN profiles when logging in (Note: Access via these profiles requires special privileges.) - Enter “http://vpn.tufts.edu” and tap Save.Adding Tufts VPN to the Android app
  5. Tap Done at the bottom of the Connection Editor to complete the configuration.

You now have a shortcut to the Tufts VPN saved and available to you for future use. Remember to disconnect at the end of every session to ensure that you do not have a secure link open for another user to access. 

  1. Open the Cisco Secure Client app on your Android device.
  2. To begin connection, tap the AnyConnect VPN switch to change it from OFF to ONVPN toggle switch

     

  3. Depending on which VPN server address you are connecting to, you may see a Group field. The majority of users should select “Tufts-DUO-Authentication” for general VPN usage. The other profiles require special privileges to access.
  4. In the Username field, enter your Tufts username (eg. jjumbo01)
  5. To complete the Password field, pick one of the options below. What you pick will determine how you will be asked to complete two-factor authentication – Push (Default), Call, or Hardware Token PasscodeNote that the default behavior will be a push to the Duo Mobile application on your mobile device if you simply put in your password, but you can choose an alternate Duo authentication method via Duo's Append Mode. The steps are described in detail below.
     
    • To authenticate via Duo Push (default)
      • Enter your Tufts password.
      • Tap Connect.
      • You will receive a push notification on the Duo mobile app on your smartphone. Click Approve to complete the login process.Entering password into password field

         

    • To authenticate via Duo Call
      • Enter your Tufts password and the word “phone” separated by a comma. (i.e. TuftsPassword,phone). If you have multiple phone numbers registered with Duo, you can have Duo call your second registered number by entering “phone2”, etc.
      • Tap Connect.
      • You will receive a phone call at the number you have registered with Duo. When prompted, press any key to verify your login.Choosing the phone verification method

         

    • To authenticate via Hardware Token Passcode
      • Press the button on your hardware token to generate a new passcode.
      • In the Password field, enter your Tufts password and the passcode on your hardware token separated by a comma. (i.e. TuftsPassword,728292).
      • Tap Connect.Choosing the passcode verification method

         

You now have a secure link to the Tufts network available to you as indicated by the VPN icon that looks like a key in the toolbar. Note that while connected, all of your data traffic will go over the VPN which creates adherence to all Tufts Acceptable Use Policies. 

Remember to disconnect at the end of your session. 

vpn switch toggled off

Disconnect from the VPN at the end of every session to ensure that you do not have a secure link open for another user to access. 

  1. Open the Cisco Secure Client app on your Android device. 

  1. Tap the AnyConnect VPN toggle switch from the ON to OFF position to disconnect. 

Once disconnected, your status should now be "Disconnected" and the VPN icon that looks like a key is no longer in the toolbar.