Installing the Cisco SecureClient VPN client

You can install Cisco SecureClient VPN on Windows and Mac computers by following the instructions below. Duo multifactor authentication is required to download and log in to the Cisco VPN.

If you need assistance, submit a ticket to the CUIT Service Desk to ask questions or report an issue. You can also call the Service Desk at 212-854-1919.

Installation directions for Windows 11

Before installing, uninstall any instance of the Cisco VPN client (or Cisco SecureClient) on your computer.

After the download is complete, run the installer.

Go to Start and search for "Cisco Secure Client"

1. Enter “vpn.columbia.edu” in the Secure Client window.

Enter vpn.columbia.edu into the dialog box.

2. Log in with your UNI and authenticate with Duo Action/2nd Password*.

Enter your UNI (username), UNI password, and Duo Action. Click OK.

Username: Your UNI
Password: UNI Password
2nd Password/Duo Action*: Use one of the following methods:

Method 1
(recommended); Type push,
then click OK
*Note: The first time you use VPN with Duo MFA, you will see a 2nd Password field instead of the Duo Action field. After you have successfully connected to Cisco SecureClient once, the field will always display as Duo Action.: You will receive a notification sent to your mobile device.
Follow prompts from the Duo mobile app on your smartphone or tablet to Approve (or Accept and Confirm) the request.

Method 2; Type phone,
then click OK
*Note: The first time you use VPN with Duo MFA, you will see a 2nd Password field instead of the Duo Action field. After you have successfully connected to Cisco SecureClient once, the field will always display as Duo Action.: You will receive an automated phone call.
Your enrolled landline or cell phone will receive an automated phone call from Duo, follow the instructions you hear to complete verification.

Method 3; Type sms,
then click OK
*Note: The first time you use VPN with Duo MFA, you will see a 2nd Password field instead of the Duo Action field. After you have successfully connected to Cisco SecureClient once, the field will always display as Duo Action.: You will receive a batch of one-use passcodes via text.
Your primary Duo device will receive a text message with 10 passcodes. Then, enter a passcode in the Duo Action*: field of the Cisco SecureClient window (you may need to re-enter your UNI and password again), and click OK.

Method 4; Enter your pre-generated passcode,
then click OK
*Note: The first time you use VPN with Duo MFA, you will see a 2nd Password field instead of the Duo Action field. After you have successfully connected to Cisco SecureClient once, the field will always display as Duo Action.: Open the Duo app on your smartphone, and tap on your Columbia University account to reveal a 6-digit passcode (one-time use only). Type this code into the the Duo Action*: field of the Cisco SecureClient window, then click OK.

Installation directions for macOS/OS X

SecureClient MacOS

Depending on which macOS/OS X version you are using, you may or may not see the screen below. Either way, you can choose to keep the installer or delete it. We recommend Move to Trash to save space on your computer.

1. Go to your Applications Folder > Cisco > Cisco Secure Client, and double click on it.

2. Enter vpn.columbia.edu into the text field then click Connect.

3. Log in with your UNI and authenticate with Duo Action/2nd Password*.

Username: Your UNI
Password: UNI Password
2nd Password/Duo Action*: Use one of the following methods:

Method 1
(recommended); Type push,
then click OK
*Note: The first time you use VPN with Duo MFA, you will see a 2nd Password field instead of the Duo Action field. After you have successfully connected to Cisco SecureClient once, the field will always display as Duo Action.: You will receive a notification sent to your mobile device.
Follow prompts from the Duo mobile app on your smartphone or tablet to Approve (or Accept and Confirm) the request.

Method 2; Type phone,
then click OK
*Note: The first time you use VPN with Duo MFA, you will see a 2nd Password field instead of the Duo Action field. After you have successfully connected to Cisco SecureClient once, the field will always display as Duo Action.: You will receive an automated phone call.
Your enrolled landline or cell phone will receive an automated phone call from Duo, follow the instructions you hear to complete verification.

Method 3; Type sms,
then click OK
*Note: The first time you use VPN with Duo MFA, you will see a 2nd Password field instead of the Duo Action field. After you have successfully connected to Cisco SecureClient once, the field will always display as Duo Action.: You will receive a batch of one-use passcodes via text.
Your primary Duo device will receive a text message with 10 passcodes. Then, enter a passcode in the Duo Action*: field of the Cisco SecureClient window (you may need to re-enter your UNI and password again), and click OK.

Method 4; Enter your pre-generated passcode,
then click OK
*Note: The first time you use VPN with Duo MFA, you will see a 2nd Password field instead of the Duo Action field. After you have successfully connected to Cisco SecureClient once, the field will always display as Duo Action.: Open the Duo app on your smartphone, and tap on your Columbia University account to reveal a 6-digit passcode (one-time use only). Type this code into the the Duo Action*: field of the Cisco SecureClient window, then click OK.

Installing the Cisco SecureClient VPN client

1 Download the VPN client

2 Install the VPN client

Before installing, uninstall any instance of the Cisco VPN client (or Cisco SecureClient) on your computer.

3 Launch Cisco SecureClient

Go to Start and search for "Cisco Secure Client"

1. Enter “vpn.columbia.edu” in the Secure Client window.

2. Log in with your UNI and authenticate with Duo Action/2nd Password*.

4 Duo instructions

1 Download the VPN client

2 Install the VPN client

3 Launch Cisco SecureClient

1. Go to your Applications Folder > Cisco > Cisco Secure Client, and double click on it.

2. Enter vpn.columbia.edu into the text field then click Connect.

3. Log in with your UNI and authenticate with Duo Action/2nd Password*.

4 Duo instructions

Support Contact

Phone

Contact Us

Installing the Cisco SecureClient VPN client

Related Information

Installation directions for Windows 11

1 Download the VPN client

2 Install the VPN client

Before installing, uninstall any instance of the Cisco VPN client (or Cisco SecureClient) on your computer.

3 Launch Cisco SecureClient

Go to Start and search for "Cisco Secure Client"

1. Enter “vpn.columbia.edu” in the Secure Client window.

2. Log in with your UNI and authenticate with Duo Action/2nd Password*.

4 Duo instructions

Installation directions for macOS/OS X

1 Download the VPN client

2 Install the VPN client

3 Launch Cisco SecureClient

1. Go to your Applications Folder > Cisco > Cisco Secure Client, and double click on it.

2. Enter vpn.columbia.edu into the text field then click Connect.

3. Log in with your UNI and authenticate with Duo Action/2nd Password*.

4 Duo instructions

Phone

Contact Us