How to connect to campus VPN on Mac using built-in VPN, no need to download Cisco software

VPN
1
  1. open the network options under system preferences
  2. click the “+” button in the bottom left to add a new service. Choose “VPN” for Interface, “Cisco IPSec” for VPN Type and then name the service whatever you want and click create.


3) Fill in 198.59.55.38 for the Server Address and your identikey user name. Leave password blank for now.
4) Click Authentication Settings. the Shared Secret is “ralphie” and the group name is “cuboulder” all lower case
5) Click “OK” then “Apply” and then “Connect” to connect to CU. a window will pop up asking for your password, and this is your cu identikey password. This will give your computer an IP address that is from CU boulder, so the internet thinks you’re on campus, even if you’re across the world or at a school.
6) click the “show vpn status in menu bar” to have an easy shortcut to connect to VPN all the time.

2

Is there something wrong with the Cisco software?

3

No, it just seems silly to install some software, when the OS can do it natively

4

Although this method works, it’s not recommended. I don’t have a good reference for this aside from an e-mail on the Tier 2 IT Support list of IT practitioners on campus, but here’s what an OIT Networking person said:

“I would like to reiterate that using IPSEC is not the recommended method for remote VPN access due to security reasons.”

There’s no more detail than that though.

Background: I work for JILA’s IT department (we’re the other tall tower that isn’t the Duane Physics tower)

5

Seconding this - it isn’t really a secure option. Better to install anyconnect.