Impact of the change on users:

After the maintenance period, when you launch the Cisco AnyConnect client to log into the Virtual Private Network (VPN), you may receive the automatic update. The following computers will receive the automatic update of the Cisco AnyConnect client:

• Unmanaged Mason-owned computer (Windows, Mac, or Linux)
• Mason-managed computer (Windows only)
• your own personal computer (Windows, Mac, or Linux)

You may be prompted to reboot your computer after the update; however, this is not required for the update to work. Please allow extra time to install the update.

Mac Mason-managed computers have already received this update and do not need to take further action.

Note: If you are in an existing VPN session prior to or during the maintenance period, you will not receive the automatic Cisco AnyConnect client update until your current VPN session ends and you try to reconnect to the VPN. Additionally, the Cisco AnyConnect automatic update will not terminate an existing VPN session.

The download for unmanaged computers is available on the Virtual Private Network (VPN) service page.

Reason for the change: 

ITS is updating the Cisco AnyConnect client for personal computers, unmanaged Mason-owned computers, Mason-managed computers (Windows only) to address security vulnerabilities. (ID # 215625)