Dear User, The Enhanced VPN service has been launched; KAUST IT has upgraded and enhanced its

Remote Connectivity Services (VPN). The newly enhanced VPN service uses your standard KAUST Connect ID and password to access wider KAUST resources remotely. If you already have the Cisco AnyConnect VPN client installed, you can immediately access the VPN service using the VPN Address as vpn.kaust.edu.sa and your KAUST Connect ID and password. All existing client platforms, including Windows, Mac, and Linux are supported. More information and an FAQ are included below. Please contact the IT Help Desk if you do not have the Cisco AnyConnect VPN Client, or if you need assistance. Effective immediately the only way to connect to the VPN is using your KAUST Connect ID and password. If you require the client, please follow the steps below to install the client; if you face any issues please do not hesitate to contact the ithelpdesk.

How to install the Cisco AnyConnect VPN client (Mac/Windows)

1. Open your favorite browser and type https://vpn.kaust.edu.sa in the address bar as shown below.

2. Select the group that you belong to fro the drop down list, enter your KAUST Connect ID and Password and click Login.

3. Read the Terms of Use and click on Continue to agree.

4. The installation of the VPN client will start from within the browser; you will be prompted to allow the installation to go through. Depending on the browser you may see a different screen. a. For IE, click on the information bar in blue and click on Run Add-on to allow the installation, on the next screen that comes up.

On the Internet Explorer Security pop-up windows, Click Run, Allow and Yes when prompted.

Once the installation is complete, you would receive a confirmation that the client has successfully connected as below.

b. The steps for installation from Firefox and Safari browsers are a little different, when the installation starts, click on Allow when prompted to continue with the installation.

The below screen confirms the successful installation of the client.

How to connect to the new VPN using the Cisco AnyConnect VPN client (Windows)
1. Run the VPN client program from the start menu.

2. Cisco AnyConnect VPN Client screen will be displayed. Type the host name in the Connect to: field as vpn.kaust.edu.sa, and then click on Select button. Once the drop down list is provided, select your group.

3. Enter your KAUST Connect ID and Password and Accept the Terms of Use

4. On the Security Alert window, click on Yes to accept the Certificate

5. Now, you are connected to KAUST per the assigned privileges to your account. An icon will appear at system tray and you can connect/disconnect from there.

How to connect to the new VPN using the Cisco AnyConnect VPN client (Mac OS X)
1. Run the VPN client from the dock or search in spotlight.

2. Cisco AnyConnect VPN Client screen will be displayed. Type vpn.kaust.edu.sa in the Connect to: field, and then click on Select button.

3. Select your appropriate Group from the drop-down list, and type your Username and Password. Then, click on Connect.

4. Read the disclaimer and select Accept on the next window.

5. Once, you are connected to KAUST Network per the assigned privileges to your account, a notification is displayed on the screen and an icon will appear on the system tray which will allow you to disconnect and connect.

Or can be disconnected for the VPN Client window.

How to contact the IT Service Desk

For any questions, please contact the IT Service Desk on 900 or 02-8080900 and select the IT option, or via the self-service site: http://servicedesk.kaust.edu.sa/ , or by email to ithelpdesk@kaust.edu.sa

Frequently Asked Questions

1. What is changing with the VPN Service?
KAUST IT has enhanced its Remote Connectivity Services (VPN). The new VPN service will allow you to use your standard KAUST Connect ID and password to access wider KAUST resources remotely. Also, except for contractors, users are not required to submit any Access Request Forms for VPN access to their default profiles.

2. Whom do I contact for any issues or problems with the VPN?

For any questions, please contact the IT Service Desk on 900 or 02-8080900 and select the IT option. Or via the self-service site: http://servicedesk.kaust.edu.sa/ , or by email ithelpdesk@kaust.edu.sa

3. What software do I need to use the new VPN?

You will need Cisco AnyConnect VPN Client software, which may already be installed in your workstation. You may use the client software to connect to the VPN by connecting to the Address https://vpn.kaust.edu.sa

4. I dont have the Cisco AnyConnect VPN Client software, what should I do?
Please contact the IT Service Desk.

5. Why do I have to use my KAUST Connect ID and password to access the new VPN service?
Our goal is to streamline the authentication process and use the standard KAUST Connect ID and password for all access. We are eliminating the old VPN user IDs and passwords which required the user to remember different IDs and password. The new VPN service will allow you to use your standard KAUST Connect ID and password. The KAUST Connect ID and password are the credentials that you already use to access the portal and email.

6. What are these VPN Groups and why do I have to choose one when I connect to the VPN?
Access to appropriate KAUST resources is managed via VPN groups. There are four groups, based on your official affiliation with KAUST, one of which should be yours. The groups are: a. Faculty-Researcher b. Students c. Staff d. Contractor-Consultant If you need assistance to determine which group you belong to, please contact the IT Service Desk.

7. How do I get a KAUST Connect ID and password to access the VPN?

If you are an existing KAUST network user then you already have the KAUST Connect ID and password that can be used to access the new VPN using the URL https://vpn.kaust.edu.sa. Your KAUST Connect ID and password are the credentials that you already use to access the portal and email. For more information about KAUST Connect, please contact the IT Service Desk. This change will allow streamlined access as you dont have to remember an extra set of user IDs and passwords. Additionally, you will be able access more network resources remotely.

8. Is my access to KAUST resources different using the enhanced VPN service as compared to the old VPN service?
Yes. With the new VPN service the entire campus network is accessible through VPN except for some restricted areas and networks. Selected lab resources are also available for appropriate personnel with authorized access. The enhanced VPN service now supports remote desktop and shared folder access.

9. What resources can I access remotely through the VPN service?

Our goal is to provide the necessary access to the user per business requirement and in accordance with KAUST IT Security Policies and Guidelines. Please contact the IT Service Desk if you believe that your access is unnecessarily restricted.

10.What should I do if I cannot access the resources I want to access remotely?

Please contact the IT Service Desk if you believe that your access is unnecessarily restricted.

11.What client operating systems are supported to run the VPN client software?
The VPN client software is a product made by and support by Cisco. Most operating systems that are part of the KAUST standard are supported including Windows, Mac, and Linux. We are continuously testing multiple variations of these operating systems and will report any issues we find.

12.What browsers can I use?

Most browsers that are part of the KAUST standard are supported, including Internet Explorer, Firefox, and Safari. We are continuously testing multiple variations of these browsers and will report any issues we find.

Thanks and Regards,

IT Service Desk
Phone: (in KAUST) 900 option 1 Phone: (out of KAUST) +(966) 2 808 0900 option 1 Email: ithelpdesk@kaust.edu.sa Web: http://servicedesk.kaust.edu.sa

King Abdullah University of Science and Technology