Faculty, Staff, Students
A VPN creates a secure connection between your off-campus computer and on-campus resources. This ensures that data will not be intercepted by unauthorized users during transmission over the internet. You can only connect to resources for which you already have access.
Whether installing the AnyConnect software or opening a VPN session, you are required to authenticate using Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA).
Install the Cisco AnyConnect Software
If this is your first time using a VPN, first install the software. This is only done once and can be done on or off campus.
Step 1 - Open the appropriate VPN URL
Using either Firefox or Internet Explorer, navigate to:
Staff, faculty and students: remoteaccess.ecu.edu
The Cisco Logon dialog box opens.
Step 2 - Type in your PirateID and passphrase.
Step 3 - Authenticate your ECU identity
You are prompted to verify your identity using MFA. The Terms of Use open. ATTENTION: The MFA phone option will not work during your first use of Cisco AnyConnect. Therefore, temporarily change your primary MFA method to text message or mobile app. After your first VPN connection, feel free to change back to the phone option.
Step 4 - Agree to the AnyConnect Terms of Use
Read to the Terms of Use. Click Continue. The Cisco AnyConnect Secure Mobility Client download website opens.
Step 5 - Download the software
From the Cisco web page, click the Download for Windows button.
Save the file. Next, click the Run button. The Client Setup Wizard opens.
Step 6 - Run the wizard
From the wizard, click Next. Accept the End-User License Agreement. Click Next. The Ready to Install dialog box opens.
Step 7 - Finish the install
In the Ready to Install dialog box, click the Install button. Click the Finish button to complete the process.
You now see the Cisco icon in your computer's system tray. You may need to restart your computer.
Open a VPN Session
Step 1 - Start the session
Click the AnyConnect icon from your computer’s system tray in the taskbar to begin a VPN session. The Cisco AnyConnect Secure Mobility Client dialog box opens.
The client can also be found in the Windows Start apps list under Cisco.
Step 2 - Enter the appropriate URL
From the Cisco AnyConnect Secure Mobility Client dialog box, type in the appropriate VPN address:
Staff, faculty and students: remoteaccess.ecu.edu
Click Connect. The username and password dialog box opens.
Step 3 - Enter your credentials
Enter your PirateID and passphrase.
Click OK.
Step 4 - Authenticate using MFA
Verify your identity through Multi-Factor Authentication. The Acceptable Use Policy dialog box opens.
Step 5. Accept the terms and conditions
Review the Acceptable Use Policy and click Accept to continue. If you do not agree, please click Disconnect to end the connection.
You are successfully connected and able to open any ECU resources for which you have access. You can verify your connection and check the session timer by clicking the AnyConnect icon in the systems tray.
At the end of your session, click the Disconnect link.