Cisco Secure Connect VPN

VPN Software Update – August 15, 2025

As part of our ongoing efforts to enhance security and user experience, USC is upgrading its VPN software from Cisco AnyConnect to the new Cisco Secure Client. This upgrade provides improved performance, better support for modern authentication, and a more seamless connection experience.

If your local IT has not already upgraded your VPN to Cisco Secure Connect, then the upgrade will begin Aug. 15 and will happen automatically when you log in to the VPN. No action is required for most users. If your software does not update on its own, you can follow the manual installation instructions or contact the Customer Support Center (CSC) at 213‑740‑5555 for assistance.

After the recent upgrade from Cisco AnyConnect to Cisco Secure Client, desktop shortcuts to the VPN may no longer work. The VPN itself is fine — the shortcut just needs to be recreated.

Quick fix: Delete the old shortcut and create a new one from the Cisco Secure Client application.

Some USC online services require access through on-campus USC Secure Wireless or a wired network connection. USC offers Cisco Secure Connect Virtual Private Networking (VPN) to provide secure remote access to these services when you are off-campus. 

VPN, also called IP tunneling, is a secure method of remotely accessing USC computer resources. The VPN encrypts all traffic to and from a computer to prevent others from viewing the information. VPN also provides the user with a virtual USC IP address that allows access to restricted USC resources.

Your USC VPN connection cannot be tested from the USC wired or wireless network. In order to successfully test a VPN connection, you will need to be on an external network such as a hotspot or your home network. If you want to use wireless to connect to the USC Network or if you want to connect to USC restricted resources from your own Internet Service Provider (ISP), you will need to use the Cisco Secure Connect VPN client.

Features

Use Cisco Secure Connect VPN if you are away from the USC campus and are unable to connect to services. You should be able to use the Cisco Secure Connect VPN client over any Internet Service Provider (ISP) that allows IP tunneling and whose web browsers do not require a proxy. To confirm, please contact your ISP. 

All Cisco Secure Connect VPN users (students, faculty, staff, and iVIP affiliates) are required to use Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA) from Duo to safely connect to VPN. Duo’s additional security features enable our remote workforce and students to log in securely and easily. 

The following URLs will still be supported via AnyConnect VPN:

  • vpn.usc.edu
  • sslvpn.usc.edu
  • connect.usc.edu

How do I connect to VPN?

  • Faculty/Non-IT Staff and Students: Use Cisco Secure Connect VPN using the following address: vpn.usc.edu. Duo Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA) is required.
  • IT Employees/SIS Users: Use Cisco Secure Connect VPN using the following address: connect.usc.edu. Duo MFA is required.

Additionally, you must use Cisco Secure Connect VPN to access internal USC systems handling confidential or sensitive data, such as Student Information Systems (SIS), and file servers for specific schools and departments. You DO NOT need to use Cisco Secure Connect VPN when accessing Brightspace, Zoom, Workday, ServiceNow, Microsoft Office 365, or Google Apps at USC.

Eligibility 

  • Available to all current USC faculty, staff, and students. 

Pricing

  • VPN is a free service. 

Helpful Links 

Manual Update Instructions

If your VPN software does not update automatically, follow these instructions to update your software manually:

ITS Support 

  • The ITS Service Desk provides support to the USC community 24 hours a day, 365 days a year. 
  • Call (213) 740-5555 and choose option 2 to receive assistance. Please note that some requests may require a government ID for user verification.
  • Report an Issue on the ITS Service Portal.
  • Search for information on the ITS Service Portal.