Cisco AnyConnect Secure Mobility Client

Overview, Download, and Installation Guide for Linux

1. Overview

Cisco AnyConnect Secure Mobility Client is an enterprise VPN solution used to provide secure remote access to private networks. It establishes an encrypted connection between a user’s device and an organisation’s internal systems.
Common use cases include:

• Accessing corporate resources remotely
• Secure connections for staff and contractors
• Enforcing organisation-wide security policies
• Protecting data in transit on public or untrusted networks

AnyConnect supports multiple security modules, such as VPN, Network Visibility, and Diagnostic and Reporting (DART). Organisations choose which modules to deploy based on their security needs.

2. Downloading AnyConnect

Cisco does not provide public, open download links. Access requires a valid Cisco account with an active AnyConnect licence.

To download:

1. Sign in to the Cisco Software Download portal.
2. Navigate to:
   Products → Security → Secure Client (formerly AnyConnect) → Secure Client v4.x
3. Download the Linux 64-bit pre-deployment package, typically named:
   anyconnect-linux64–predeploy-k9.tar.gz

If AnyConnect was provided by your organisation, you may receive the file directly from your IT administrator.

3. Installing AnyConnect on Linux

The Linux distribution must support 64-bit architecture. No additional repositories are required.

3.1 Preparation

Move to the directory where the downloaded package is stored. For example:

cd ~/Downloads

3.2 Extract the package

tar -xzf anyconnect-linux64-4.9.01095-predeploy-k9.tar.gz

This creates a folder similar to:

anyconnect-linux64-4.9.01095

3.3 Install the VPN module

Navigate to the VPN module and run the installer:

cd anyconnect-linux64-4.9.01095/vpn
sudo chmod +x vpn_install.sh
sudo ./vpn_install.sh

The installer places the client under:

/opt/cisco/anyconnect

3.4 Launching the client

Graphical interface:

/opt/cisco/anyconnect/bin/vpnui

Command-line interface:

/opt/cisco/anyconnect/bin/vpn connect <vpn-server-address>

Enter your credentials when prompted. Once connected, network traffic is encrypted and routed through your organisation’s VPN gateway.

4. Updating and Removing

Update

Download the new pre-deploy package and run the installer again. It will automatically replace the existing version.

Uninstall

sudo /opt/cisco/anyconnect/bin/vpn_uninstall.sh

5. Support

For issues such as failed connections, authentication errors, or missing modules, contact your organisation’s IT support or refer to Cisco’s official documentation on the Secure Client knowledge base.