VPN (Cisco Secure Client)

Follow these steps to connect to the University VPN using Cisco Secure Client.

Before you start

Make sure you have:

• your University username and password
• access to Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA)
• an internet connection

Step 1: Open Cisco Secure Client

Open Cisco Secure Client from your desktop or Start menu.

If UoB VPN does not appear in the connection field, enter vpn.beds.ac.uk and select Connect.

Step 2: Select the VPN group

Select the Staff_UoB from the Group dropdown menu, then select OK.

Selecting the wrong group will prevent you from connecting.

Step 3: Sign in

Enter your University username and password, then select OK.

Step 4: Approve Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA)

Approve the MFA request on your registered device.

If you do not approve the request, the connection will fail.

You may see security modules downloading during this step.

Step 5: Device security checks

Your device will be checked to make sure it meets the University's security requirements.

Step 6: Connection complete

Once the checks are complete, the VPN will connect and you will be able to access University systems.

If a security check fails, the VPN will disconnect and display a notification.

Check that your device has the latest security updates before contacting the ICT Service Desk.

Follow these steps to install Cisco Secure Client and connect to the University VPN using your personal device.

Before you start

Make sure you have:

• your University username and password
• access to Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA)
• an internet connection

If you already have Cisco Secure Client installed, go straight to Step 2.

Step 1: Download Cisco Secure Client

Go to vpn.beds.ac.uk

Select the Staff-BYOD from the Group dropdown menu and sign in using your University username and password. Approve the MFA request when prompted.

Once you have signed in, select Download.

Select Instructions in the bottom-right corner to view the installation steps.

Step 2: Connect to the VPN

Open Cisco Secure Client.

Enter vpn.beds.ac.uk in the connection field and select Connect.

Select Staff-BYOD from the Group dropdown menu.

Selecting the wrong group will prevent you from connecting.

Step 3: Sign in

Enter your University username and password, then select OK.

Step 4: Approve Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA)

Approve the MFA request on your registered device.

If you do not approve the request, the connection will fail.

You may see security modules downloading during this step.

Step 5: Device security checks

Your device will be checked to make sure it meets the University's minimum security requirements.

These checks are required and cannot be skipped.

Step 6: Connection complete

Once the checks are complete, the VPN will connect and you will be able to access University systems.

If a security check fails, the VPN will disconnect and display a notification.

Troubleshooting

If you cannot connect, check that:

• you selected the correct VPN group
• you approved the MFA request
• your operating system is supported and up to date
• your antivirus software is working and up to date
• your device meets the University's security requirements