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.
KAUST uses the Cisco AnyConnect Secure Mobility Client for VPN connections. This application is installed on all IT-managed devices. For personal or unmanaged devices, the AnyConnect 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.
The VPN is required 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's 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. |
| Linux device setup | Try OpenConnect or manual setup; limited support is available |
