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VPN sign-in shifts to browser-based authentication

On Oct. 13, the VPN sign-in experience for users connecting through Cisco Secure Client will be updated to match the sign-in process used by other Purdue applications. Users will notice a browser window or tab opens during sign-in to complete authentication using Purdue Single Sign-On (SSO). No action is required before the change.

Note: Users who need to connect to VPN before logging into Windows should follow the Start Before Login (SBL) instructions here. 

What is changing?

Previously, users completed the entire VPN authentication process within Cisco Secure Client. After the update, Cisco Secure Client will automatically open a browser window or tab where users will sign in with their Purdue credentials and complete Microsoft multifactor authentication (MFA). After authentication is complete, users can close the browser tab and Cisco Secure Client will finish establishing the VPN connection automatically.

What should users expect?

When connecting to the VPN:

  1. Open Cisco Secure Client.
  2. Enter the VPN profile name, such as webvpn.purdue.edu, and select Connect.
  3. A browser window or tab will open automatically.
  4. Sign in using your Purdue email address and password.
  5. Complete Microsoft MFA using one of your registered authentication methods.
  6. Return to Cisco Secure Client to complete the VPN connection.

Note: Opening a separate browser window or tab during VPN sign-in is expected behavior and is required for authentication.

Important reminder
The default sign-in method setting on the Microsoft My Sign-Ins page is no longer used to determine how users authenticate when signing in to the VPN. Instead, Microsoft Entra ID will determine which authentication methods are available and prompt users based on the methods they have registered. To avoid issues signing in, users should make sure their authentication methods are current and accessible.

Contact the local Purdue IT Service Desk or email it@purdue.edu for assistance or to report issues.

Related Resources:
About Purdue VPN
About Microsoft MFA