Big Sur Cisco Anyconnect

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AnyConnect 4.9.04xxx leverages the System Extension framework available in macOS 11 (Big Sur). This differs from past AnyConnect versions, which rely on the now-deprecated Kernel Extension framework. This is the minimum version required to run AnyConnect on macOS 11. AnyConnect uses a network system extension on macOS 11, bundled into an application named Cisco AnyConnect Socket Filter. The app controls the extension activation and deactivation and is installed under /Applications/Cisco.

  1. Cisco Anyconnect 4.9 Release Notes
  2. Cisco Anyconnect Download

Installing the VPN Client

Cisco
  1. Download the AnyConnect VPN client for macOS 11.0 (Big Sur), macOS 10.15 (Catalina), or macOS 10.14 (Mojave).
  2. In your Downloads folder, double-click the file you just downloaded to open it. An icon will appear on the desktop called AnyConnect, and a separate window will open.
  3. Double-click on AnyConnect.mpkg to run the installer, then follow the steps to complete the installation. NOTE: We recommend you un-check everything (Web Security, Umbrella, etc) except for the VPN and the Diagnostic and Reporting Tool (DART). This will give you a minimal install. The other features are not supported so there's no need to install them.
    • NOTE TO macOS users: During the installation, you will be prompted to enable the AnyConnect software extension in the System Preferences -> Security & Privacy pane. The requirement to manually enable the software extension is an operating system requirement.

Cisco Anyconnect 4.9 Release Notes

Big Sur Cisco AnyconnectBig sur cisco anyconnect downloadDownload

Starting the VPN Client

  1. In your Applications folder, go to the Cisco folder and double-click the Cisco AnyConnect Secure Mobility Client.
  2. Enter vpn.uci.edu in the Ready toConnect to field, then press the Connect button.
  3. Select your desired connection profile from the Group drop-down menu:
    • UCIFULL – Route all traffic through the UCI VPN.
      • IMPORTANT: Use UCIFULL when accessing Library resources.
    • UCI – Route only campus traffic through the UCI VPN. All other traffic goes through your normal Internet provider.
  4. Enter your UCInetID and password, then click OK.
  5. A banner window will appear. Click Accept to close that window. You are now connected!

Disconnecting the VPN Client

When you are finished using the VPN, remember to disconnect.

Cisco Anyconnect Download

  1. Click the AnyConnect client icon located in the menu bar near the top right corner of your screen.
  2. Select Quit.