VPN Access for Ulm University (macOS)

For secure access to the campus network, the kiz provides the Cisco Secure Client (SSL-VPN). This guide explains how to download, install, and connect to the VPN server on macOS.

5. September 2025Stefan Rau2 Min

For the Windows guide, click here.

📥 1. Downloading the Cisco Secure Client

The download is available through the kiz portal (login with your kiz account required):

👉 Download Cisco Secure Client for macOS

💾 2. Installation on macOS

  • Open the .dmg file and start the installer (file ending with .pkg).
  • Only install the “AnyConnect VPN” module – deselect all other options.
  • Follow the on-screen installation instructions.
  • The software requires certain system permissions — make sure to enable them.

🛑 Note: The Cisco Secure Client is compatible only with macOS 11.x or newer.

🔐 3. Establishing the First Connection

  1. Launch the Cisco Secure Client (via Spotlight or the Applications folder).
  2. Enter the following VPN server address:
vpn.uni-ulm.de
  1. Click “Connect.”
  2. Enter your kiz credentials.
  3. After your password, you’ll also be asked for your current TOTP code (see this guide for more information).

🛑 Important: If a message such as “Untrusted VPN Server Blocked” or a certificate warning appears, do not accept it! → Contact the kiz helpdesk immediately.

🔌 4. Disconnecting

  • You’ll find the VPN icon in the menu bar.
  • Click the icon and select “Disconnect” to end the connection.

🔄 5. Uninstalling the Cisco Secure Client

Standard Method:

  • Use the provided Uninstaller (search via Spotlight or find it in the Cisco Secure Client installation folder)

If the client was deleted manually:

  1. Open Terminal (Spotlight > "Terminal").
  2. Run the following commands:
cd /opt/cisco

sudo find . | grep -i uninstall
  1. Depending on the result, execute one of the following:
sudo ./secureclient/bin/cisco_secure_client_uninstall.sh

or

sudo ./anyconnect/bin/anyconnect_uninstall.sh
  1. Repeat the find command and execute any additional uninstall scripts if they appear:
sudo <output_line>

📎 Additional Notes

• The VPN client can only be used if MFA (TOTP code) is enabled. ➤ Learn more about MFA: Ulmiversity Guide • The app is also available for iOS/iPadOS and Android — directly from the respective app stores.

If you encounter any problems or have questions, contact kiz support:

📧 helpdesk@uni-ulm.de 🌐 https://www.uni-ulm.de/einrichtungen/kiz

🔗 This information is based on the official guide from the kiz.

VPN Access on macOS | Ulmiversität