What is AnyConnect?

Cisco Anyconnect is a remote access SSL VPN and security software for establishing remote connections between client PCs and destination servers (usually corporate networks.)

It also is a secure and comprehensive solution for enterprise mobility that provides internal security to protect against phishing and malicious threats.

IT professionals can use the endpoint application to detect potential behavioral anomalies and strengthen the immunity of corporate networks against threats.

What does Cisco Anyconnect do?

Simply put, Cisco Anyconnect lets you connect to a private network guarded by a firewall that is inaccessible through the public Internet.

Cisco Anyconnect software provides a secure tunnel to transfer data between PC clients and computer networks via SSL VPN.

It acts as a bridge to connect the employees to the company’s network with a safe and valid remote connection.

What is Cisco Anyconnect used for?

In addition to being a remote access software, Cisco Anyconnect is an integrated agent designed to protect organizations.

Cisco Anyconnect, with its absolute access to users, has the ability to control and identify people and cases during intrusion and attack.

It enables administrators to monitor the access to the VPN, verify users’ devices with multi-factor authentication, and block threats in terminals using the Cisco AMP platform.

Is Cisco VPN safe?

Cisco Anyconnect is the leading remote access VPN on the market. It uses SSL and DTLS protocols to keep your data sound and safe.

What VPN protocols does Anyconnect use?

To configure routing and authenticate users, Cisco AnyConnect uses TLS protocol. After that, it uses DTLS to encrypt and transfer traffic through the VPN tunnel.

In case you use Anyconnect by IPSec protocol, it implements UDP/500 and UDP/4500, and TCP 80 is used for SSL redirection.

What ports are required for Anyconnect VPN?

Cisco Anyconnect VPN utilizes multiple VPN protocols. The ports that it uses are listed below:

Why do companies use Cisco Anyconnect?

Cisco AnyConnect is a great security agent that enhances the security of remote connections. This is why most companies start or continue using this product.

It’s crucial to note that Cisco is a well-known company that has been around for many years, and a lot of corporations still use its products.

What are the Cisco Anyconnect platforms?

Cisco Anyconnect can be installed on a variety of platforms, including:

• Windows
• Mac OS
• Linux
• Apple iOS
• Android

and some other platforms.

What are the features and benefits of Cisco Anyconnect?

AnyConnect Secure Mobility Client is considered a multifaceted endpoint software which benefits from multiple features that are mentioned below:

• Global Access and Mobile Device Support

Using Cisco Anyconnect, employees can securely access corporate networks remotely at any time by supported devices.

Additionally, Cisco Anyconnect supports connection drops, which means it auto-reconnects the user to the server.

• Network Monitoring

Cisco Anyconnect is an efficient tool for software security experts as it provides the monitoring feature and the ability to scrutinize users’ behaviors across the network.

This enables experts to identify potential behavioral disorders and make corresponding network design decisions.

• Cutting-Edge Encryption

Using Cisco Anyconnect, advanced encryption algorithms will fully encrypt your organization’s tunneled data.

• Management Simplification

Using Cisco Anyconnect as an agent to simplify user management in both On-Premises and Off-Premises modes reduces IT unit costs.

• Conservation Elevation

Cisco ISE can prevent cyber-threat systems from connecting, and the Cisco Duo is used to implement multi-step authentication structures.

Besides, Cisco Umbrella is used to protect users who disable their VPN. It is interesting to note that Cisco Anyconnect provides all of these together.

• Endpoint Adaptability

AnyConnect ISE Agent provides integrated endpoint status and modification capabilities for Cisco ISE across all wired, wireless, and VPN environments.

As the source of endpoints, this feature examines OS levels and the latest antivirus updates and thus improves endpoint compatibility and security.

• Clientless Access

End users can securely access the organization’s network using a clientless VPN from anywhere with the help of an SSL-enabled Web browser.

And as mentioned before, Cisco Anyconnect is an SSL VPN.

• Web Security

The AnyConnect module provides Built-In web security through the Cisco Web Security Appliance in On-Premise or cloud-based structures.

By combining web security and VPN access, administrators provide immensely secure and comprehensive capabilities for end-users.

What is the security issue with Cisco AnyConnect?

The latest security issue with the Cisco Anyconnect is the act of using multiple vulnerabilities by an authenticated attacker to cause a Denial of Service (DoS) condition.

These vulnerabilities enable the attacker to log in simultaneously when the user on the affected device accesses the Cisco Secure Client.

If the attacker succeeds, he can crash the VPN Agent service and make it unavailable to all of the users.

What is the Cisco Secure Client?

Cisco Secure Client is the next generation of the Cisco AnyConnect security agent.

It presents numerous features, such as auto-connection and a shared user interface, and it is equipped with Zero Trust Network Access (ZTNA).

Is Cisco Secure Client the same as Cisco AnyConnect?

Yes, it is the next generation of Cisco AnyConnect, which contains these security services:

• Anyconnect VPN
• Cloud Umbrella Service
• Network Access Manager
• Secure Endpoint
• ISE Posture

What are the decent alternatives to Cisco Anyconnect?

Although Cisco AnyConnect is a great option, it can be quite overwhelming for some users. Therefore, you may want to consider some alternatives.

Here is a list of Alternatives for Cisco Anyconnect:

1. FortiClient
2. CrowdStrike Falcon Endpoint Protection Platform
3. Harmony Endpoint
4. Ivanti Connect Secure
5. Zscaler Private Access
6. ThreatDown
7. SentinelOne Singularity
8. ManageEngine Endpoint Central
9. IBM Security MaaS360
10. Microsoft System Center

What is the minimum license for AnyConnect?

The Cisco Anyconnect license under the term “L-AC-PLS-LIC=” offers 25 users, the minimum size of the users among its numerous licenses.

What are the different types of Anyconnect licenses?

Cisco Anyconnect has three licenses:

• Secure Client Premier (formerly Apex),
• Secure Client Advantage (formerly Plus),
• and Secure VPN Client Only.

The prices vary based on the features they offer.

How much does Cisco Anyconnect VPN cost?

It is free and comes with a Cisco router. You only have to pay for the Cisco router. But paid licenses start from 150$.

Can I use Cisco Anyconnect for free?

Yes, it comes on a CD with the Cisco router you bought.

Cisco Anyconnect only connects to Cisco-specific equipment, meaning that to connect to Cisco routers or firewalls, these devices must be the heart of the network activity.

Can I use Cisco AnyConnect as a VPN?

Yes. To use Cisco Anyconnect VPN, follow the steps described below:

1. Download, install, and open the Anyconnect application
2. Add or configure a connection, then select it
3. turn the VPN on

Is Cisco a good VPN?

Cisco Anyconnect is one of the best VPN clients for companies and corporates. Users claim it to be reliable, easy to configure, and secure.

Is AnyConnect an SSL VPN?

Cisco Anyconnect is an SSL VPN (Secure Sockets Layer Virtual Private Network) that enables users to access private networks remotely and securely.

What is the difference between Cisco AnyConnect and Cisco VPN?

They have two main differences:

1. Cisco AnyConnect uses both SSL and IPsec, while Cisco VPN only uses IPsec.
2. Unlike Cisco VPN, Cisco AnyConnect goes beyond just being a VPN client to be a solution for multiple needs.

Why is Cisco VPN not working?

There may be various reasons that cause the Cisco VPN not to work. The simple one is the connection drops., So first check your Internet connection.

If the problem is not solved, check the following steps. Bear in mind that this is not a technical solution.

1. Right-click on the Cisco VPN and close it.
   
2. Open the Windows task manager and find “vpnagent.exe” in the services section.
   
3. Right-click on it, and press the “Stop” button.
4. Re-open the Cisco VPN and try to connect once more. The problem should be solved.

FAQ

Conclusion

Cisco AnyConnect Secure Mobility Client is a virtual private network software that allows you to connect to a specific network from anywhere in the world with high security.

Cisco Anyconnect offers a secure solution for protecting the internal network.

It is highly recommended to implement Cisco Anyconnect if you are a business owner and want to safeguard your corporate network.