Cisco VPN Client Download and Instructions

We like to limit VPN access to those who actually have a defined need for it so as to reduce the security liability of external computers connecting to our internal networks.

It’s possible you don’t actually need VPN access. As a first pass, read Getting by without a VPN client and make sure you actually need VPN access. VPN access is not needed (or recommended) for SSH, accessing Argonne Intranet, using Dayforce, or other Argonne apps. Typically, the only reason you’d need VPN access is to directly access a machine using Windows protocols such as remote desktop.

If you feel you still need VPN access, please send a ticket to [email protected] requesting it and listing what applications/processes require it. After it’s been approved and added to your account, you can follow the directions below to install the software, though please note you will need to open a ticket with the Argonne Service Desk to accomplish this.

It will not work until you’ve been approved for VPN access.

• Download Cisco AnyConnect. You can get the download for it by doing the following:
  • Go to the website: https://my.anl.gov/bis/vpn-client-software
  • If prompted, login with your Argonne username and password.
  • Under the Cisco Anyconnect section, find the version that fits your computer’s OS and click on the version number. This will take you to a Box location to download the installer.
• Launch Cisco AnyConnect. Once AnyConnect is launched, type in vpn.anl.gov to the field and click “Connect”
• When prompted, input your Argonne username, and your Argonne password and hit Ok
• Click Accept on the warning banner. Once done, you will be connected to the VPN.