Center for Information Technology Services

Cisco Any Connect VPN Client Requirements

The Cisco AnyConnect VPN client is a web-based VPN client that does not require user configuration. Using the VPN client, sometimes referred to as IP tunneling, is a secure method of accessing UM computer resources.  Below are the workstation/user requirements needed to utilize this resource.

What You Need before Connecting

The Cisco AnyConnect VPN Client  is downloaded and installed via WebLaunch; you must use the 32-bit versions or Internet Explorer or Firefox for the install.

Microsoft Windows

Windows Support Notes

  • Upgrading from Windows XP to Windows Vista or Windows 7 or later requires a clean install since the Cisco AnyConnect Virtual Adapter is not preserved during the upgrade.  Manually uninstall AnyConnect, upgrade Windows, then reinstall AnyConnect manually or via WebLaunch.
  • Windows 2008 is not supported; however, we do not prevent the installation of AnyConnect 3.1 on this OS.
  • To start AnyConnect with WebLaunch, you must use the 32-bit version of Firefox 3.0+ and enable ActiveX or install Sun JRE 1.4+ (available at http://www.java.com)
    Note:  Internet Explorer 6.0 is no longer supported.
  • AnyConnect VPN is compatible with 3G data cards which interface with Windows 7 or later via a WWAN adapter.

Windows Requirements

  • Pentium class processor or greater.
  • 100 MB hard disk space.
  • Microsoft Installer, version 3.1.

Mac OS

Mac versions

  • Mac OS X 10.5 is no longer supported. AnyConnect 3.1 will not install on this platform.

      Mac OS X Requirements

AnyConnect requires 50MB of hard disk space.

Internet Explorer Users:

  • How to add the VPN security appliance to the List of Trusted Sites in Internet Explorer.
    • From the IE browser
      • Tools - Internet Options - Trusted Sites
      • Click the Security tab.
      • Click the Trusted Sites icon.
      • Click Sites.
      • The Trusted Sites window opens.
      • Type http://vpn.umaryland.edu.
      • Click Add, then Click OK several times

Netscape, Mozilla, Firefox users:

  • If you get a "Certified by an Unknown Authority" display, install a self-signed certificate
    • How to install a self-signed certificate
      • Click the Examine Certificate button in the "Web Site Certified by an Unknown Authority" window. 
      • Click the "Accept this certificate permanently" option.
      • Click OK.
      • The security appliance window opens, signifying the certificate is trusted.   

Other requirements:

  • An active internet connection
  • Ability to install the software on the workstation – Local Admin rights required for installation
  • A valid myUM account name and password for authentication
    • If you need assistance with your myUM account, please contact the IT Help Desk help@umaryland.edu or 6-HELP.
  • Authorization to use the VPN service
    • Contact your local network administrator. If you don’t know who your admin is, please email or call help@umaryland.edu 6-HELP.