Cisco Secure Client (BobcatRAS): Accessing the DCVPN with Azure MFA - MacOS

How to download, connect, and disconnect from BobcatRAS (Bobcat Remote Access Service), the DCVPN, on MacOS.

Description

This article describes how to set up the Cisco Secure Client (BobcatRAS) to access the DCVPN on MacOS machines.

Environment

Mac OS

Table of Contents

• Removing the old VPN

  • Unmanaged/Personal Mac computer

  • Managed Mac computer

• First-time setup

  • Unmanaged/Personal Mac computer

  • Managed Mac computer

• How to connect to/disconnect from the DC VPN

  • To connect

  • To disconnect

Removing the Old VPN

If you currently use a VPN associated with Duo Mobile (the old multi-factor authentication app) or the current Campus VPN, you will want to remove it before installing Cisco Secure Client (BobcatRAS). If you do not currently use a VPN, skip this section and go to First Time setup.

Unmanaged/Personal Mac

An unmanaged computer refers to a computer that does not require an OHIO log-in to access the computer and can be a personal computer.

• On Macs running macOS Ventura:

  1. Select the Apple icon in your upper left screen to open the Apple menu. 

  2. Select System Settings.

  3. Select the Privacy & Security section from the left-hand menu.

  4. Select Profiles at the bottom.

  5. Select Remove and enter your password.

• On Macs not running macOS Ventura:

  1. Select the Apple icon in your upper left screen to open the Apple menu. 

  2. Select System Preferences. 

  3. Open the Profiles section.

  4. Select the profile to remove and select the minus button at the bottom.

  5. Select Remove and enter your password.

Managed Computer

A managed computer refers to a computer that requires an OHIO log-in to access the computer.

1. In the bottom left corner of your dock, open Finder.
   

2. Open the Applications folder.

3. Navigate to Self Service.

4. Select the Communications category.

5. Select Remove under the VPN profile you want to remove.

6. Select Remove again.

First Time Setup

You must have Azure Multi-Factor Authentication Set Up to complete the steps below. You can only connect to VPN if your multi-factor authentication method is set to Microsoft Authenticator app - notification or a phone call. You cannot connect through a text message or token. If you need to change your authentication method, follow the instructions in Changing Your Default Authentication Method.

Note: Any reference to "Cisco Secure Client" or "AnyConnect" is referring to Cisco Secure Client (BobcatRAS). Cisco Secure Client (BobcatRAS) is OHIO’s version of the Cisco Secure Client.

Unmanaged/Personal Mac Computer

An unmanaged computer refers to a computer that does not require an OHIO log-in to access the computer and can be a personal computer.

1. If you do not have access to the Software Center, navigate to https://bobcatras.ohio.edu. Single sign-on with your OHIO account and on the "Cisco Secure Client Download" page, select the "Download for Mac" button to download the installation package for your operating system (Mac).

2. Locate and open the downloaded installation package.

3. Follow the installation steps by allowing, agreeing, and installing the Cisco Secure Client.
      

4. Enter your device's password to continue installation.
   

   1. A Cisco Secure Client System Extension Block message may appear at this point. Select Open Security Preferences.
      

   2. Select the General button on the top of the Security & Privacy control panel. Select Allow next to the dialog stating System software from developer “Cisco” was blocked from loading.
      

5. You have successfully installed the Ohio University Campus VPN, Cisco Secure Client (BobcatRAS), and it is now ready for use. Follow the instructions on How to Connect/Disconnect.

Managed Mac Computer

A managed computer refers to a computer that requires an OHIO log-in to access the computer.  You must have Azure Multi-Factor Authentication set up to complete the steps below.

Note: Any reference to "AnyConnect" or "Cisco Secure Client" is referring to Cisco Secure Client (BobcatRAS).  Cisco Secure Client (BobcatRAS) is OHIO’s version of the Cisco Secure Client.

1. Open the Self-Service application in the Communications category in the Applications folder and select Install for the Cisco Secure Client (BobcatRAS) VPN.
   

2. Follow the prompts to complete the installation.

3. You have successfully installed the Ohio University Campus VPN, Cisco Secure Client (BobcatRAS), and it is now ready for use. Follow the instructions on How to Connect/Disconnect.

How to Connect/Disconnect

To Connect

1. To open the Cisco Secure Client, browse to your Applications folder. Navigate to the Cisco folder and select the application, Cisco Secure Client. 

   

    
    

2. Enter BobcatRAS.ohio.edu/DCVPN in the box next to the Connect button 

3. Note: Next time you run the VPN, it will only show DCVPN. This is normal and you do not have to enter the VPN name again and can just select Connect.  

4. Select Connect to establish a secure VPN connection 

   

    

5. Sign in with your OHIO ID and password. You will be prompted to approve your VPN access on your phone by the Microsoft Authenticator App. Once approved, you will be successfully connected to the DCVPN.  

   

    

6. You will receive a notification that Security policies were applied to your session. Click OK.  

   

To Disconnect

1. To disconnect from the Cisco Secure Client, browse to your Applications folder. Navigate to the Cisco folder and select the application, Cisco Secure Client. 

2. Select Disconnect to end the secure VPN connection.

   1. Note: All VPN sessions will automatically disconnect after 12 hours.

Get Help from OIT

• Visit the Remote Network Access: VPN page to create a ticket.

• View all Help & Resources: VPN