NOTE: Most students, faculty and staff will NOT need to use USC’s AnyConnect VPN. You DO NOT need to use a VPN when accessing Brightspace, Zoom, Workday, ServiceNow, Microsoft Office 365, or Google Apps at USC.
Some USC online services require access through on-campus USC Secure Wireless or a wired network connection. USC offers Virtual Private Networking (VPN) to provide secure remote access to these services when you are off-campus. Use AnyConnect VPN if you are away from the USC campus and are unable to connect to services. Additionally, you must use AnyConnect VPN to access internal USC systems handling confidential or sensitive data, such as Student Information Systems (SIS), and file servers for specific schools and departments.
Examples of Applications that Require AnyConnect VPN
- Pitchbook – Marshall
- Business Intelligence – Kuali
- Remote Desktop Access
- MyAccess
- Student Information System (SIS)
- High-Performance Computing (HPC)
How Do I Connect to VPN?
- Faculty/Non-IT Staff and Students: Use the Cisco AnyConnect client by accessing it at vpn.usc.edu. Duo Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA) is not required.
- IT Employees/SIS Users: Use the Cisco AnyConnect client via connect.usc.edu. Duo MFA is required.
Existing VPN URLs
The following URLs will still be supported via AnyConnect:
- usc.edu, sslvpn2.usc.edu, sslvpn.usc.edu
Students, faculty and staff connecting via a native operating system VPN client via the following URLs will need to migrate to Cisco AnyConnect in the next 7 days
- vpn-student.usc.edu, vpn-staff.usc.edu, vpn-faculty.usc.edu
Install VPN for Mac
Click the attachment below for instructions on how to download and connect to VPN using a Mac device.
Install VPN for Windows
Click the attachment below for instructions on how to download and connect to VPN using a Windows device.
Where Do I Go for Help?
If you need help setting up your VPN, please contact the ITS Customer Support Center.
If you have questions regarding confidential data protection, please email infosecgrm@usc.edu.