What is Cisco AnyConnect?

Remote working has become a reality for many companies. The problem is that remotely accessing software license servers, secure sites, and networks may be both impractical and unsafe. As a unified security endpoint agent, the Cisco AnyConnect Secure Mobility Client enables employees to access company servers from anywhere without compromising security.

Main Features of Cisco AnyConnect

Cisco AnyConnect is a modular software that combines IPSec IKEv2 and VPN access using SSL. It offers additional built-in models for web security, including Cisco Cloud Web Security and networking roaming protection (Cisco Umbrella). Here are the six major features that define Cisco AnyConnect:

Web Security – The Cisco AnyConnect Security Module gives you a choice of Cisco Cloud Web Security and Web Security Appliance, depending on if you need a cloud-based or on-premise solution. Administrators will have the tools to defend networks against web malware and an overview of all connected users and their activities.

Unified Endpoint Compliance – This module checks the state of installed Cisco AnyConnect software, automatically updating the antispyware, antimalware, and antivirus. It also monitors OS levels, hardware, and applications to verify their compliance.

Network Visibility – The Network Visibility Module is supported on devices that run macOS, Linux, Windows, and Samsung-Knox. It allows administrators to monitor end-user application usage. This enables quick identification of potential data breaches. NetFlow can analyze usage data to help to improve the network design.

Highly Secure Network Access – This enables administrators to control the network, as they permit endpoints to connect. It uses authorization, authentication, and accounting capabilities while combining them with encryption technologies.

Off-Network Protection – This cloud security service protects devices that are allowed to access the network. Security is enforced at the DNS layer, and it protects against phishing, command-and-control callbacks, and malware.

Mobile Device Support – AnyConnect is compatible with the most popular mobile devices used by employees, who can connect to the company network in two ways. Administrators can approve the device, permitting the use of everything on the company’s network. The other solution is a per-application VPN, which is more secure as it restricts access to confidential business data. It also reduces bandwidth costs.

It should be noted that as a modular software, AnyConnect can be customized according to the needs of the company. Cisco doesn’t sell this software in fixed packages but rather encourage companies to contact them for personalized offers. You can define the features, subscription term, and the size of your company. While the software supports organizations with up to 100,000 employees, it can be scaled down for small or medium-sized businesses.

How to Install Cisco AnyConnect Mobility Client for Windows

Go to the download page and select AnyConnect Secure Mobility Client v4.x.
Download AnyConnect Pre-Deployment Package (Windows) – includes individual MSI files.
Unzip the package and run Setup
Now, select the modules you need to install. If you are not sure what to install, ask your network administrator. By default, every module will be checked. Optionally, you can also install LockDown Component Services. If you do so, users won’t be able to shut down the Windows Web Security service.
After finishing the installation, launch the Cisco client from the Start menu. Log in to your company’s network using your VPN username and password. Every time you use the Cisco client, it will check for a newer version and install it if available. Only then will you be able to log in.

Note that to download the AnyConnect SSL client, you will have to log in to your account, which has a valid service contract. If you do not have it, you’ll need to contact one of the Cisco partners, or Cisco if you’ve made a direct purchase.

How to Install Cisco AnyConnect Application on Your Android Device

You can download Cisco AnyConnect for free from Google Play, or the Amazon Appstore if you need it for Kindle devices. Note that the app only supports Android 4.0 software and newer. If you want to use the Network Visibility Module, Samsung devices require Samsung Knox 2.8 or later. These are the steps to install:

Tap the AnyConnect Icon to start the program
When you run the app for the first time, you will have to accept both the End User License Agreement (EULA) and Acceptable User Policy (AUP). Data collection is optional and defined by the network administrator.
Select Connection and then Add New VPN connection.
Check your active VPN connection by tapping on Details. You can see the statistics and summary.
Tap Menu and select:
1. Settings.
2. Diagnostics to manage AnyConnect localization, certificates, and profile. You can also view log messages.
3. About to view the license information.
4. Exit to close AnyConnect.

How to Install Cisco AnyConnect Application on Your iOS Device

AnyConnect comes in two versions for Apple iOS.

Cisco AnyConnect is the latest version recommended for iOS 10.3 or newer. This is the only version to be updated with bug fixes and new features.

Legacy AnyConnect should be installed only on devices unable to run iOS 10.3 or later. Per-App tunneling is available, but only on iOS 8.3 or later.

These are the steps to install:

Open App Store and install Cisco AnyConnect or Cisco AnyConnect Legacy.
Launch the App via the icon.
Once you start the app, you will need to allow it to extend VPN capabilities.
Tap Add VPN Connection. Choose Add VPN Connection and fill in the information you got from the network administrator.
Now choose Cisco AnyConnect as your connection and use your credentials to authenticate and log in to the network.

Intuitive Remote Working

Cisco AnyConnect is an excellent VPN client solution that offers protection from data breaches and malware. Connecting and operating is quick and secure, as all you need are your credentials and URL. While there might be occasional disconnect issues, this software comes recommended. It might be the best solution for companies that rely on remote work.

Have you used Cisco AnyConnect? What other remote work solutions are you using in your company? Tell us in the comments section.