Open a VPN Connection – MacOS

Faculty, Staff and Students

A VPN connection creates a secure path between an off-campus computer and on-campus resources. This insures that data will not be intercepted by unauthorized users during transmission over the internet.

Users can only connect to resources for which they already have access.

Multi-Factor Authentication is required to begin your VPN session. Please have your authentication device with you.

Step 1. If you have not already done so, install the AnyConnect VPN software.

1. Open either Firefox or Internet Explorer (IE).
2. Navigate to the appropriate URL:

   Staff,  faculty and students: remoteaccess.ecu.edu

3. Log in using your PirateID/passphrase.
4. Verify your identity through Multi-Factor Authentication. ATTENTION: If this is your first VPN connection, it will not work using the MFA phone option. 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.
5. Read the Terms of Use and click Continue.
6. Follow the prompts to install the AnyConnect Secure Mobility Client.

The AnyConnect icon is now in your system tray (Windows).

Step 2. To open a VPN connection, launch the AnyConnect client.

This may be from the status bar where your time is displayed or the Launchpad located on your dock.

Having trouble finding the icon? Use the Spotlight to search.

Step 3. 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 4. Enter your PirateID and passphrase.

Click OK.

Step 5. Verify your identity through Multi-Factor Authentication. The Acceptable Use Policy dialog box opens.

Step 6. 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.