VPN Setup on macOS and Windows

How to Login and Connect to Swarthmore VPN on macOS or Windows

Check Duo Setup and VPN App Installation

NOTE: Swarthmore VPN requires Duo authentication via a phone call or the Duo mobile app -- it will not work with Touch ID. You can check your Duo device registration by using a web browser to log into your Swarthmore email or the ITS Service Portal. You will be prompted to set up Duo the first time you login.

Personal Computers

For personal computers and devices, you will need to install Cisco Anyconnect.

Go to swatvpn2.swarthmore.edu/ShibSSO.

Note: If the webpage is blank, use a different web browser. The web page does not work properly in Safari.
Log in using your Swarthmore user name and password.
Authenticate with Duo.
Click the Download button.
Go to the anyconnect installer that downloaded to your computer, and double-click on it to install
For full installation instructions, click the +Instructions button on the Cisco VPN download page.
After install, follow the configuration instructions below to get connected.

Swarthmore issued faculty and staff computers

Cisco Anyconnect comes pre-installed on Swarthmore issued computers. It is located in the Start menu program list (Windows) or the Applications folder (Mac), in a folder labeled "Cisco."

Configure Cisco AnyConnect VPN Client and Connect to the Network

NOTE: connection may timeout if too much time passes before you complete the Duo verification.

Launch the Cisco AnyConnect Secure Mobility Client (located in Programs or Applications).
Enter the server name swatvpn2.swarthmore.edu/ShibSSO then click Connect.

Note: On future logins, choose SwatVPN Login from the server drop down list.
A Swarthmore login page will open. Enter your Swarthmore username and password in the Swarthmore login page, and then click Login.
- Note: If the webpage is blank, use a different web browser. The web page does not work properly in Safari.
- Note: If you see the three fields for Username, Passcode, and Second Password instead of the Swarthmore login webpage, it connected to the wrong server. Quit the application and start over.
Authenticate with Duo. Duo will default to the last authentication method that you used. Click Other option to choose a different authentication method.
Complete Duo authentication to verify your login.
Wait while the client connects and check for the lock symbol on the Cisco VPN client icon:
- Locked padlock means connected
- Unlocked padlock means disconnected.
Note: If unsuccessful you will be brought back to the login screen to try again.

Disconnect VPN at the end of the session:

Click the minimized VPN client icon in the taskbar (Windows) or menu bar (Mac).
Select Disconnect.