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University Systems

VPN remote access

Use UVic’s Virtual Private Network (VPN) to securely access UVic’s digital resources from off campus. VPN provides better security and you need it to access many systems and services. These include:

Details

For
Students & employees
Cost
Free
Platform
Windows, Mac, iPhone & iPad, Android

Get the VPN client

Windows and Mac

If you’re using a UVic-managed computer, Cisco Secure Client may be installed by default. If it’s not, you can install it from Company Portal or Software Center (Windows) or Self Service (Mac).

If you’re not using a UVic-managed computer, you’ll need to download and install Cisco Secure Client. To do this:

  1. Go to the utility.
  2. Choose a VPN group that you have access to (student, employee or department employee).
  3. Sign in to UVic with your NetLink ID and passphrase. Authenticate with your MFA app, token or passcode.
  4. At the UVic VPN login banner, select Continue to go to the download page.
  5. Select Download for (your OS) to download the installer. Also note the Help icon in the page header, where you can find troubleshooting tips.
  6. Select + Instructions (below the download button) for step-by-step instructions to run the installer.

If you’re using a Windows PC, you can start to use VPN immediately after the installer is finished.

If you’re using a Mac, you may need to unblock the Cisco Secure Client system extension. If you see a popup labelled Attention Required / Cisco Secure Client System Extension Blocked, select Open Preferences. Follow the instructions in the popup.

iPhone & iPad

QR code Scan the QR code with your iPhone or iPad to go to Cisco Secure Client on the App Store.

Android

QR code Scan the QR code with your Android device to go to Cisco Secure Client on Google Play.

Set up and use VPN on your device

You must have multi-factor authentication (MFA) set up to use the UVic VPN. 

  1. Launch Cisco Secure Client.
  2. You should see “vpn.uvic.ca” listed in the connection box. If not, type it in. Select Connect.
  3. A new window will open with a Group selector. If you don’t see right away, it may be hidden behind another window. Choose the group you want to sign in to.
  4. Sign in to UVic with your NetLink ID and passphrase. Authenticate with your MFA app, token or passcode.
  5. At the UVic VPN login banner, select Continue.
  6. You are now connected to the UVic VPN. A small Cisco Secure Client icon will appear in your task bar as long as the client is running.

  1. Install the Cisco Secure Client app from the App Store.
  2. Once it’s installed, launch it.
  3. In the app, select Connections, then Add VPN Connection.
  4. In the Description field, enter UVic. In the Server Address field, enter vpn.uvic.ca.
  5. Select Save.
  6. If you’re prompted that “Cisco Secure Client” would like to add VPN configurations, select Allow. If prompted, enter your passcode.

Your device is now configured to use the UVic VPN. When you want to use it, open the Cisco Secure Client app and turn on Cisco Secure Client VPN.

  1. Install the Cisco Secure Client app from Google Play.
  2. Open the app, read the User Agreement and select OK.
  3. You will see a request for Cisco Secure Client to access information about the device. Select OK to continue.
  4. Select Connections, then Add VPN Connection.
  5. In the Description field, enter UVic. In the Server Address field, enter vpn.uvic.ca. Select Done.
  6. If you’re prompted that “Cisco Secure Client” would like to add VPN configurations, select Allow.
  7. Sign in to UVic with your NetLink ID and passphrase. Authenticate with your MFA app, token or passcode.
  8. Select Accept to accept the acceptable use policy.
  9. At the Connection request prompt, select OK.

You are now be connected to the UVic VPN. When you want to use it, open the Cisco Secure Client app and turn on Cisco Secure Client VPN. A key icon will appear in your status bar.

We don't support Cisco Secure Client for Linux at this time. We've done some informal testing on using but only provide best-effort support.

VPN groups

There are 3 VPN groups. Depending on your roles at UVic, you might have access to more than one of them.

  • If you’re a student, you have access to group 3 – Student. This gives you access to teaching and learning resources.
  • If you’re faculty, staff, affiliate or emeritus, you have access to group 1 – Employee. This gives you access to teaching and learning resources, department resources and business applications.
  • If you use department-specific business and admin applications, you may need to use Group 2 – Employee Dept Network to access them.

Get help now

Contact IT support to:

  • get help installing Cisco Secure Client
  • report an outage or issue
Get help