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VPN: Complete Guide to VPN

Rice's VPN system allows secure transportation of data between the university network and a remote computer connected to the Internet outside of Rice. Duo Authentication is required when using and setting up VPN. This document explains how to obtain the VPN software, AnyConnect, for your specific device and points to resources for enrolling in Duo.

What is VPN?

Setting Up VPN

Installing AnyConnect VPN Software

Duo Authentication

Need help?

What is VPN?

VPN stands for Virtual Private Network and its purpose is to provide additional digital security. Rice's VPN system allows secure transportation of data between the university network and a remote computer connected to the Internet outside of Rice. For security reasons, many Rice resources can only be accessed from the Rice network– either from an on-campus location or using VPN. 

Setting Up VPN

You need to download the necessary software, Cisco Secure Client VPN, for your computer (also called client). See the next section for links to download the software, which will require you to use the Duo authentication service. If you have not set up Duo previously, see the section below: Duo Authentication.

Before you download the software, you must agree to certain conditions for using Rice's VPN software, including:

  • You acknowledge that the software and your account are for your personal use only and may not be used by any other person or entity anywhere in the world for any purpose
  • You will not give anyone access to the VPN software or your account in order to access the Rice University network.
  • You acknowledge that you understand that taking your computer with installed VPN software outside of the United States is viewed by the U.S. government as an export of the VPN software and may require prior government authorization for several specific countries.

Installing Cisco Secure Client VPN Software

Use the links (campus login required) below to access information about how to install and use the VPN software for specific devices:

VPN: AnyConnect VPN for Windows using Duo Authentication

VPN: AnyConnect VPN for Mac OS X using Duo Authentication

VPN: AnyConnect VPN for iPhone and iPad using Duo Authentication

VPN: AnyConnect VPN for Android using Duo Authentication

VPN: AnyConnect VPN for Red Hat Linux using Duo Authentication

VPN: AnyConnect VPN for Ubuntu Linux using Duo Authentication

Duo Authentication

Duo is an authentication service (sometimes called two-factor or multi-factor authentication (2FA or MFA)) that can be utilized for Rice systems that require an additional layer of security such as Esther, VPN, and the online account management system.
Authentication strengthens access security by requiring multiple methods (also referred to as factors) to verify your identity. These factors can include something you know - like a username and password, plus something you have - like a smartphone app to approve authentication requests. Duo helps protect against phishing, social engineering, and password brute-force attacks and secures your accounts from attackers exploiting weak or stolen credentials.

To get started with Duo, read Complete Guide to Duo. This document will explain how to use Duo for managing and enrolling devices as well as using the authentication service while traveling.

Need help?

If you need assistance setting-up VPN or Duo, contact the OIT Help Desk.

See Also


Keywords:
Duo mobile vpn security multi-factor 2FA manage accounts MFA multi factor multifactor two-factor two factor authentication and 
Doc ID:
82263
Owned by:
NeedsOwner U. in Rice U
Created:
2018-05-15
Updated:
2025-07-18
Sites:
Rice University
Clean URL:
https://kb.rice.edu/two-factor-authentication-and-vpn