Cisco VPN Linux Review

Cisco VPN Linux Review 2024 – How To Install Cisco VPN on Linux?

In our previous articles, we’ve discussed the many benefits of a Cisco VPN. However, one benefit often overlooked is how protective a VPN can be in challenging network conditions. This is particularly important when it comes to Linux servers. Because the inability to access certain IP addresses or networks will prevent an attacker from escalating their privileges and accessing sensitive data. In order to mitigate this risk, Cisco has developed a Linux-based line of clients that ensures each user’s login credentials are encrypted before being transmitted over the wire. It provides extra protection from hackers and malicious actors. For better understanding read Cisco VPN Linux Review.

About Cisco VPN Linux

First, let’s start with what exactly makes Intel’s VPN on Linux different from other VPN solutions. Unlike traditional VPN services that provide dedicated gateways for each incoming connection, Cisco’s version of the VPN only requires the Linux server to exist on the local network. Cisco VPN Linux permits greater flexibility in control and metering of network resources because all traffic coming into the network will be sent through one device. One big advantage of this is that it reduces both incoming connections and outbound bandwidth. There are no additional connections for packets to traverse before reaching their intended destination. 

The downside of this approach is that it puts more pressure on the server to handle all incoming traffic, which can be difficult if multiple users are updating high-bandwidth content at once. Due to this challenge, Cisco is continuously improving its implementation by monitoring usage statistics and caching information for later use.

Components of Cisco VPN Linux 

Components Of Cisco Linux VPN

Cisco VPN Linux has two major components: its client implementation and implementation on the server. The client is available for download from Cisco’s website where customers can also view usage statistics and their encryption configuration. The software works with any version of Linux (including distributions like Ubuntu) and requires no changes to the operating system; however, it does require a minimum installation of 500MB of disk space to be used as a work area to store packages and configuration data.

The software will plug right into the system through the standard networking stack, allowing network traffic to be sent to the VPN when it’s configured to use that specific interface. When it’s not selected, normal traffic will usually be sent without any encryption. Cisco Linux VPN has established a default gateway for the network in order to prevent applications like SSH from connecting outbound through their server; however, any changes to this configuration can be done either in the remote web user interface or by editing their configuration file.

Why Cisco AnyConnect VPN?

VPNs are a great way to ensure your privacy and security when you’re on the internet. Especially for Ubuntu, running a VPN on Linux can really become a headache sometimes. So, Cisco offers a different lineup for its Linux users.

This article will show you how to install a VPN from Cisco because they have been around for years and have great security features. There are other good VPN providers as well, but Cisco is one of the most widely used.

Cisco AnyConnect VPN: Security Features 

Cisco AnyConnect VPN secures your Internet connection and makes it more difficult for third parties to monitor or attack it. It also protects your personal information and identity so you can create a secure connection to corporate resources, such as email servers.

Since the Cisco AnyConnect Secure Mobility Client software is included with some Cisco hardware, you’ll want to make sure that all of the features are enabled on your device. These are the top security features that AnyConnect VPN offers:

  • SSL, IPSec, and IKEv2 algorithms provide secure Vpn tunnels.
  • Cisco Identity Services Engine (ISE), which protects from unauthorized access, and Cisco Cloud Web Security are two more security “modules.”
  • As a core feature, it includes multi-factor verification.
  • AES-256 and 3DES-168, as well as a number of next-generation security symbols, are among the encrypting options.

How to Install Cisco AnyConnect VPN Client on Linux?

Installing a VPN on a Linux device differs significantly from installing one on a Windows or Mac computer. To proceed, follow the instructions below to install Cisco VPN Linux Client Download:

Step 1:Go to the Cisco Software Downloads page on your web browser.

Step 2: Start putting ‘Anyconnect’ into the search bar, and the possibilities will emerge. Select AnyConnect Secure Mobility Client v4.x from the drop-down menu.

Step 3: Cisco AnyConnect VPN Client is available for download. The AnyConnect Pre-Deployment Package (Linux 64-bit) will be selected by the vast majority of users. But you can choose according to your requirements. 

Step 4: By hitting Ctrl+Alt+T on your keyboard, you can access the Terminals. Use the command ‘cd directory name’ to get to the folder where you installed the AnyConnect Client Packages.

Step 5: The initial installation is a tarball archive (a collection of files compressed into a single file) that must be extracted. ‘tar xvf filename’ extracts the contents to the same directory as the original file.

Step 6: Use the ‘cd directory name’ command to navigate back inside the folder once it has been extracted.

Step 7: ‘cd’ into the VPN subfolder after entering the main folder.

Step 8: Type sudo./VPN install.sh to launch the AnyConnect install script. This will start the installation with admin privileges.

Step 9: To finish the installation, type ‘y’ to accept the terms of the licensing agreement. That’s it! The installation is complete. 

How to Run/Connect Cisco AnyConnect VPN?

Now that Cisco AnyConnect VPN has been successfully installed on your Ubuntu desktop, it’s time to use the software to connect to a new network.

Step 1: Launch the Terminals by typing Ctrl+Alt+T on your computer to get to the Anyconnect program. ‘/opt/cisco/anyconnect/bin/vpnui‘ is the command to use.

To open up the search bar, hit Super+A on your keyboard (the Super key is the Windows symbol button). The app will pop up after you keep writing ‘Anyconnect.’

Step 2: The Anyconnect app will appear now, you simply click on it.

Step 2: Give a specific server’s IP address or hostname, accompanied by the specific port, and hit “connect”. The VPN is now connected to your device. 

Note: While running a trustworthy SSL certificate, many connections may not be safe. Connection queries to these servers are blocked by default in AnyConnect Application. Uncheck the option “Block connections to untrusted servers” to connect to these servers.

How to Uninstall Cisco VPN Linux?

If you ever want to switch to a different VPN provider or simply don’t want to use VPN any longer! You must uninstall AnyConnect VPN from your desktop. To do so, follow these instructions:

Step 1: By using ‘cd’ command in Terminal, open the folder containing the uninstallation command prompt.

Step 2: Enter sudo./VPN uninstall.sh to run the Anyconnect uninstall script.

With superuser permissions, this will start the removal procedure.

Step 3: Type the sudo passwords on the screen, and the client program will be uninstalled.

Also Read: How To Turn Off VPN on iPhone?

Bottom Line – Cisco VPN Linux Review

That concludes the discussion. You’ve now mastered the processes for installing, using, and uninstalling the Cisco AnyConnect VPN on a Linux system. Cisco is one of the most well-known figures in the world of cyber defense, and AnyConnect is the company’s best-known VPN service. AnyConnect provides for many platforms, provides different network models, and expands up as businesses grow, with very strong encryption, leak prevention, and standards. However, privacy problems and slow bandwidth make it far from ideal.