How do I setup and use the Virtual Private Network (VPN) connection?

Update for Current VPN Users

We are enhancing the security of UM's VPN service to better protect university accounts and university data. Moving forward, all UM VPN users will be required to use Duo Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA) during the authentication process. If you haven't already enrolled in UM Duo MFA, please take the following steps to ensure VPN access:

  1. Enroll in UM Duo MFA:
    • Visit the UM Duo MFA Enrollment page and follow the instructions to set up your Duo account.
    • Choose your preferred authentication method (Duo Push, phone call, or security keys (e.g. passcode, hardware token code)).
    • Please note that VPN only works with a DUO Push, phone call, or security key.  It will not work with a Platform authenticator or Roaming authenticator.
  2. Test your Setup:
    • Connect your VPN using the instructions in "Connection Steps" below.

If you encounter any difficulties during the UM Duo MFA enrollment or have questions, please contact our UM IT Help Desk through Solutions Center / email / phone / Service Desk (main floor of the Mansfield Library).

VPN Connection

Remote access to The University of Montana's network is available by connecting your device to Cisco Secure Client Service. To install this, follow “Installation Steps” below. Once installed, login with your UM NetID and password.

NOTE: You must be granted permission to use remote VPN software. Please complete the VPN Access Request Form. You must also abide by the University's acceptable use policies and agree to use your account according to these policies.

NOTE: You must be enrolled in Duo Multi-Factor Authentication to use VPN services. Follow the UM Duo MFA Enrollment page for instructions.

Check with your departmental technical support staff for assistance with setting up your campus computer so that it is configured correctly for access from off campus.

Installation Steps

University-Owned Devices

Cisco Secure Client should already be installed on your device. Search through your apps to ensure that it's there. If it's not installed, you will need to go through Software Center (Windows) or the Managed Software Center (Apple) to install it.

Personal Devices

If you are installing VPN on a personal device, follow the links below for installation/connection steps based on your device type.

Connection Steps

In order for this to work, you must have Duo Multi-Factor Authentication set up for your UM NetID login.

  1. Launch the Cisco Secure Client.
  2. Verify that evpn2.umt.edu is in the Connect to: field.
  3. Click Connect.Uploaded Image (Thumbnail)
  4. Ensure that UMVPNEXTERNAL-DUO is in the top field.
  5. Login with your UM NetID and password. (If you are using a multi-factor authentication method that is not through a Duo push or a phone callback, see the “Other Authentication Information” section below.)
  6. Click OK. Uploaded Image (Thumbnail)
  7. You will receive a Duo push notification or phone callback. Once you approve it, the VPN will connect.
 

Other Authentication Information

By default, Duo will automatically send you a Duo push or phone callback. Alternatively you can add a comma (",") to the end of your password while on the login screen to use a passcode/hardware token code or change the Duo factor option.
  • If you want to use a passcode/hardware token code to authenticate, enter your UM NetID password, comma, then the passcode provided by your device.
    • Example: badpassword123, 123456
    • It works with or without a space between the comma and the passcode.
  • If you usually receive a push notification but you want to specify a phone callback to authenticate this time, enter your UM NetID password, comma, then type "phone"
    • Example: badpassword123, phone
    • This only works if you have phone callback already set up as another way to authenticate.
  • If you usually receive a phone callback but you want to specify a push notification to authenticate this time, enter your UM NetID password, comma, then type "push"
    • Example: badpassword123, push
    • This only works if you have push notification already set up as another way to authenticate.
  • If you have more than one device enrolled in Duo and you want to use a different device than your usual one, enter your UM NetID password, comma, then "phone2" or "push2"
    • Example: badpassword123, push2

Disconnection Steps

  1. Click on the Cisco Secure Client icon (in the System Tray or Dock).
  2. Click Disconnect.

Troubleshooting Tips

If you experience problems logging in after your VPN request has been approved, reset your UM NetID password from the Change Password then try logging in to VPN again.

Support

UM IT Help
Service Desk: Monday-Friday, 9-12pm, 1-4pm (Mansfield Library)
(406) 243-HELP (4357)

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