Virtual Private Network (VPN) is a convenient way to access network-restricted resources on the campus network that would otherwise be unavailable from off campus. In some countries, access to the University’s VPN service may be limited or restricted. To connect to the BU VPN you’ll need to install the Cisco AnyConnect Secure Mobility Client. For Medical Campus resource access, please see the BUMC VPN instructions.
Duo Two-Factor Authentication is required of all clients when logging into the VPN
Note: We no longer support built-in VPN programs on Mac or Windows, as they are incompatible with the Two-Factor VPN.
Below are the installation files and instructions which will walk you through the process of downloading, installing, and launching the appropriate VPN client. Please choose the correct operating system:
Mac OS X (10.12 and higher)
Goto https://vpn.bu.edu and login with your BU username and Kerberos password

Complete the Duo authentication

Wait for the download link to appear and click “Download for macOS”

Once the file is completely downloaded, click open the .dmg file, it will automatically mount on your desktop as a disk named AnyConnect VPN x.x.xxxx. Open this disk and launch the installer named like Anyconnect-macos-x.x.xxx-core-vpn-webdeploy-k9.dmg. The installer will require that you have administrative access to the machine.
Ensure that you have an active network connection. You must have an active network connection in order for the VPN client to connect.
Launch the Cisco AnyConnect Client, which is located in /Applications/Cisco.
In the connect to: field enter : vpn.bu.edu

- Next, click Select. The client will connect, and you will be prompted for your BU login name
and Kerberos password.

- You will then be prompted for Duo Two-Factor Authentication (note: if you are not enrolled and using Duo 2FA at BU you will be prompted to enroll upon login)
- You may close the window, but not quit the application for the duration of your session. When you have finished using the connection, click Disconnect in the top right menu bar.

Windows
Goto https://vpn.bu.edu and login with your BU username and Kerberos password

Complete the Duo authentication

Wait for the download link to appear (this may take some time for the page to fully load) and click “Download for Windows”

Once the file is completely downloaded, click open the .exe file, to launch the installer named like anyconnect-win-x.x.xxxx-core-vpn-webdeploy-k9.exe. The installer will require that you have administrative access to the machine.

After the installation is complete, you should restart your computer — especially if you are upgrading from an older version of the AnyConnect Secure Mobility Client.
Ensure that you have an active network connection. You must have an active network connection in order for the VPN client to connect.
Launch the Cisco AnyConnect Client, which is located in Start > All Programs > Cisco > Cisco AnyConnect Secure Mobility Client.
In the VPN: field enter : vpn.bu.edu

Next, click Connect. The client will connect, and you will be prompted for your BU login name and Kerberos password.

You will then be prompted for Duo Two-Factor Authentication (note: if you are not enrolled and using Duo 2FA at BU you will be prompted to enroll upon login)
You may close the window, but not quit the application for the duration of your session. When you have finished using the connection, click on the icon in the bottom left menu bar then click Disconnect.
iOS Device (iPhone, iPad)
- Download the Cisco AnyConnect Secure Mobility Client from the App Store on your iPhone.
- Once the application is installed, run the client to set up a connection. Click Add VPN Connection, use the following information when prompted, and then click Save.
- Description: BU VPN
- Server Address: vpn.bu.edu
- NetworkRoaming: ON
- Certificate: Automatic
- Connecton Demand : OFF
- Next, slide the AnyConnect VPN from OFF to ON and then use your BU login name and Kerberos password to log in.
- You will then be prompted for Duo Two-Factor Authentication.
Android Device (4.0 and above)
- Download the Cisco AnyConnect Secure Mobility Client from the Google Play Store on the Android Device.
- Once the application is installed, run the client to set up a connection. Click Add VPN Connection, use the following information when prompted, and then click Done.
- Description: BU VPN
- Server Address: vpn.bu.edu
- Certificate: Automatic
- Next, click the AnyConnect VPN on the main page and then use your BU login name and Kerberos password to log in.
- You will then be prompted for Duo Two-Factor Authentication.