1. Prerequisite
- MFA authentication (MFA) is required for accessing the HKUVPN service.
- Only the Microsoft Authenticator App or SMS (Phone Text) are supported as sign-in methods for logging into the HKUVPN service. The phone call method is NOT compatible with HKU VPN. Please refer to the appendix for instructions on changing your default sign-in method to a supported option.
- Cisco Secure Client (Formerly AnyConnect Secure Mobility Client) is required to run on Android devices with Android 4 or above. Please uninstall any earlier version of Cisco Anyconnect VPN client from your device before you start the following installation.
2. Configuration Procedures (to be done once only)
- Go to Play Store.
- In the search box, type “cisco secure client” and tap Install.
- After installation, tap Open to launch the application.
When you open the application for the first time, you will be prompted to read the license agreement. Tap OK to accept.
- Tap Connections to add a VPN profile.
- Tap the button with + icon
- Under Connection Editor–
- Type “HKU VPN” in the Description field.
- Type “vpn2fa.hku.hk” in the Server Address field.
- Tap Done to complete.
3. Connection Procedures
- Tap AnyConnect on your device to open the VPN client.
- Tap AnyConnect VPN to start the connection.
- Enter your HKU email address (UID@hku.hk or UID@connect.hku.hk) and PIN in the Username and Password fields respectively and tap Connect.
- (i) For users who choose Microsoft Authenticator App as the default sign-in method (The most common method):
- Open the Microsoft Authenticator app on your mobile device.
- Retrieve the One-time password (OTP).
(ii) For users who choose SMS (Phone Text) as the default sign-in method:
- You will receive an SMS containing the One-time password (OTP) on your registered phone number.
- The OTP is valid for 3 minutes from the time it is sent. Retrieve the OTP from the SMS.
- Enter the 6-digit One Time Password (OTP) in the Answer box and click Continue.
- Tap OK to accept the Connection Request.
- You are now connected to HKU VPN.
- To disconnect from HKU VPN server, tap AnyConnect VPN.
- You are now disconnected from HKUVPN.
Appendix: (Optional Step) Updating the Default Sign-in Method in MFA
- Visit your Microsoft 365 account settings at https://myaccount.microsoft.com/
- Sign in using your HKU credentials.
- Go to the “Security info” section.
- Set “App-based authentication – Notification” as your default sign-in method under the section titled “You’re using the most advisable sign-in method where it applies.”