Cisco Secure Client Installation Guide for macOS Devices

This guide is for unmanaged macOS devices. For University-owned devices, follow the instructions to install software via Self Service.

Your experience may vary slightly depending on the installed macOS version. You will need to confirm your actions and enter your device password several times throughout the process.

  1. Download the Cisco Secure Client installer package.
  2. An alert will appear indicating that the package was Not Opened.
     

    Screenshot: Mac warning dialog box. Unverifiable file with options to move to trash or mark as done.


    Click or select "Done".

  3. Open System Settings.
  4. On the left, Click or select Privacy & Security, then scroll down to the Security section.
  5. Find the notice "Cisco Secure Client was blocked…". Click or select "Open Anyway"
     

    Screenshot: macOS Privacy & Security settings. Shows blocked file notification and security options.
  6. Another alert will appear, this time choose the option to "Open Anyway"
     

    Screenshot: Mac warning dialog box about opening an unverified application file.
  7. Proceed with the installation.
  8. A window will appear advising you that you will need to enable the VPN manually. Leave this window open as you continue. Click or select  the "Open System Settings" button provided. (Or open manually at System Settings > General > Login Items & Extensions.)
     

    Screenshot: Notification indicating VPN not enabled. Has instructions to enable it.
  9. Under "App Background Activity" enable the Cisco Secure Client service.
     

    Screenshot: Computer settings showing app background activity with toggle switch for AnyConnect VPN.
  10. An alert will appear to enable the "Cisco Secure Client - Socket Filter" network extension. Leave this window open as you continue. Click or select  "Open System Settings". (Or open manually at System Settings > General > Login Items & Extensions. Scroll down to Extensions, then Click or select  the "i" icon next to "Network Extensions".
  11. Enable the "Cisco Secure Client - Socket Filter" network extension.
  12. If still open, the alert window will show that your setup was successful.
     

    Screenshot: Cisco Secure Client notification: System Extension Enabled. Has a success checkmark.

Go to VPN: Virtual Private Network for information on connecting to the VPN service.