The KAUST VPN gives you a secure connection to KAUST systems when you are off campus, at home, traveling, or on public WiFi. It puts your device on the KAUST network so you can reach things that only work on campus. It works on computers, phones, and tablets.
Automatic
Faculty, researchers, students, postdocs, staff, consultants, and PTSAs.
Request it
Service providers, visiting students, and business visitors cannot request VPN themselves. Your KAUST sponsor does it in two steps: first a KAUST Connect account is created for you, then your sponsor requests VPN access for external people. The account has to exist before VPN can be added.
A step-by-step walkthrough. Use Back and Next to move through it, or tap a stage to jump.
You sign in to the VPN with a Duo passcode, the second step on your KAUST account. Duo protects more than the VPN, so you need it set up before you can connect.
This sets the right steps for you.
KAUST-managed computers install the app a simpler way.
Open Applications and look for Cisco Secure Client.
Open the Start menu and look for Cisco Secure Client.
Already have it? Tap Connect in the tracker above to skip ahead. If not, continue.
Open Self Service+, find KAUST VPN Secure Client, then click Install.
Open Software Center, click Applications, find KAUST VPN Secure Client, then click Install.
Go to vpn.kaust.edu.sa and sign in with your KAUST username, password, and a Duo passcode. On the download page, click Download for macOS Download for Windows.
In Downloads, open the file you downloaded (its name starts with cisco-secure-client-macos). A small disk image window opens. Then:
In Downloads, open the file you downloaded (its name starts with cisco-secure-client-win and ends in .exe). Then:
Install Cisco Secure Client from the App Store, then open it.
This is the same app KAUST uses on laptops and desktops. There is no separate KAUST app to look for.
Install Cisco Secure Client-AnyConnect from Google Play, then open it and accept the license terms.
Google Play still shows AnyConnect in the app name. That is expected, and it is the correct app. It is the same one KAUST uses on laptops and desktops.
On a phone or tablet the connection is not created for you, so you add it once by hand. Open the app and tap Connections.
You only do this once. After that, the connection stays in the app.
Back on the main screen, turn on the AnyConnect VPN toggle.
The first time you do this, iOS asks permission to add VPN configurations. Tap Allow, then confirm with Face ID, Touch ID, or your passcode.
When Android asks to allow the connection request, tap OK.
The app name on the toggle still says AnyConnect. That is the app's own label, and it is correct.
A short security notice appears. Tap Accept to finish connecting.
Open Cisco Secure Client, the VPN app you installed.
Press Command + Space, type Cisco Secure Client, and open it.
Open the Start menu, type Cisco Secure Client, and open it.
Type vpn.kaust.edu.sa and click Connect.
Choose the Group that matches your role, enter your username, password, and Duo passcode, then click OK.
A short security notice appears. Click Accept to finish connecting.
That is it. To disconnect later, open the app and click Disconnect.
That is it. To disconnect later, open the app and turn the AnyConnect VPN toggle off. Leaving it on all day will use battery, so turn it off when you are done.
Need help? Contact the IT Service Desk. Want the full Duo walkthrough? Duo guide.
Still stuck? Contact the IT Service Desk.
