The KAUST Virtual Private Network (VPN) allows members of the KAUST community to connect securely to internal systems and services while working from off campus. Whether you're traveling, working from home, or accessing restricted resources, the VPN helps maintain a secure and private connection to the KAUST network.
Some KAUST resources are only accessible from inside the campus network. The VPN bridges that gap by creating a secure tunnel between your device and KAUST, making it possible to access internal sites, applications, and file shares from anywhere in the world. It also ensures that all traffic to and from KAUST is encrypted and authenticated, which is especially important when working over public or unsecured networks.
VPN access is automatically granted to the following groups:
VPN is not automatically enabled for Service Providers, Visiting Students, or Business Visitors.
To request access, your KAUST proponent (sponsor) must submit a request on your behalf through the KAUST Connect Account Request Form.
Effective Monday, 29 September 2025, the Cisco AnyConnect client has been replaced with Cisco Secure Client. If you have not yet updated, please initiate a connection to the KAUST VPN by visiting vpn.kaust.edu.sa. On first connection, the new client will automatically install, remove AnyConnect, and configure your device. Use Cisco Secure Client for all future KAUST VPN connections.
Note: If you cannot find the Cisco AnyConnect client on your device, this is expected. It has been replaced by Cisco Secure Client.
Newly issued KAUST laptops and desktops will have Cisco Secure Client pre-installed. The client is also available in Windows Software Center and macOS Self Service.
KAUST uses the Cisco Secure Client for VPN connections. This application is installed on all IT-managed devices. For personal or unmanaged devices, Cisco Secure Client can be downloaded directly from the VPN portal.
To connect:
VPN access requires two layers of authentication:
Complete the DUO setup before your first VPN login.
Use the VPN when accessing internal web portals, shared drives, or remote desktop sessions. It is not needed for most cloud-based services such as Microsoft Outlook, Teams, OneDrive, and SharePoint.
Disconnect from the VPN when it is not needed to preserve bandwidth and reduce load.
Support is available Sunday to Thursday, 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM.
| Problem | Suggested Action |
|---|---|
| VPN does not connect | Check that DUO is working and the internet connection is stable |
| Connection keeps dropping | Switch to a more reliable or wired network if possible |
| Access is denied | Confirm that your account is approved for VPN access. If you're a Service Provider, Visiting Student, or Business Visitor, VPN access must be requested via your KAUST sponsor through KConnect. |
| Cannot find Cisco AnyConnect client | The Cisco AnyConnect client has been replaced with Cisco Secure Client. Connect to vpn.kaust.edu.sa to automatically install the new client and remove AnyConnect. |
| Linux device setup | Try OpenConnect or manual setup. Limited support is available. |
