How to Connect to the UT VPN

As of March 2016, the VPN connection now requires two-factor authentication via DUO.  To setup DUO, follow the instructions at https://mfa.login.utexas.edu

Installing the VPN Application (Cisco Anyconnect Secure Mobility Client)

Departmental computer

  • The application, Cisco AnyConnect Secure Mobility Client, should already be installed.
  • If you don't see it, open "Software Center" on a PC or "UT Self Service" on a Mac and click Install.

Personal computer: PC or Mac

  • Go to https://vpn.utexas.edu and enter your UT EID and Password. 
  • Authenticate with DUO
  • Click the Download button
  • Run the downloaded installer.

Mobile Device

  • Download the free Cisco AnyConnect Secure Mobility Client app
  • Please be sure to keep the apps updated.


Connecting to the VPN

  1. Start the application:  Cisco AnyConnect Secure Mobility Client.

  2. Enter the following:
    1. Connect to:  vpn.utexas.edu
  3. Click Connect
  4. You will be redirected to a UT Logon website.
  5. Enter your EID and EID password.
  6. Use DUO for multi-factor authentication.


The UT VPN service is implemented to enable UT affiliates who are away from campus to access university resources securely by encrypting the user's internet connection.  Because the VPN server is hosted on-campus, the user's computer appears over the internet to be located in Austin, Texas regardless of where the user is physically located. 

To reduce the burden on UT's infrastructure, the VPN is configured to create what is called a 'split tunnel' connection.  What this means is only traffic bound for UT will be encrypted over the VPN.  Any other network traffic will be sent over the user's standard, non-encrypted internet connection, and will appear on a network to be located locally (rather than in Austin, Texas).  In short, the VPN does not 'trick' third-party websites into thinking the user is in country other than the one they are actually in, for the purpose of bypassing regional content restrictions.



Overview

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