VPN App for the iPhone or iPad

Overview

The Tufts VPN can be accessed from an iOS device (including iPhones and iPads) by downloading the Cisco AnyConnect Secure Client application from the App 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 Tufts 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.

  1. Open the App Store on your iOS device.iOS App Store icon
  2. Search for the Cisco Secure Client application and download it. (Note: You will need to authenticate with your iOS App Store credentials, using your Apple ID password, Face ID, etc.)
Cisco Secure Client application in App Store

 

  1. On your mobile device, open the AnyConnect Secure Client app.
  2. After opening the application, tap Connections.Connection field 
  3. Tap Add VPN Connection... to create a shortcut to the Tufts VPN. Add Connection option

     

  4. Description - Enter "Tufts VPN"
  5. Server Address - Enter 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”
    • 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”Setting up Tufts VPN
  6. Tap Save.
  7. Select Allow to modify your device's VPN configurations. You may also be asked to provide your device’s passcode.
iOS allow VPN 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. On your mobile device, open the AnyConnect Secure Client app.AnyConnect app icon
  2. In the Connections section, make sure you have the Tufts VPN selected.
  3. To begin connection, slide the AnyConnect VPN slider from OFF to ON. An authentication screen will appear.the VPN toggle switch

     

  4. 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.Selecting a group
  5. In the Username field, enter your Tufts username (eg. jjumbo01)
  6. 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 Passcode. Note 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

         

    • 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.Entering password,phone

         

    • 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.Entering password,passcode

         

You now have a secure link to the Tufts network available to you as indicated by the VPN icon 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. 

Your device will display a VPN icon at the top of the screen when you are connected to a VPN.

iOS VPN icon

Remember to disconnect at the end of your session.

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

  1. From your home screen, open the AnyConnect Secure Client application. AnyConnect app icon
  2. After opening the application, tap the AnyConnect VPN slider from ON to OFF.vpn toggle switch

     

Once disconnected, your status should now be Disconnected and the VPN icon should disappear from the toolbar on the top of your device's screen.