Overview
Running the VPN client allows you to establish a secure connection to the college network. Your computer acts as though it were here on campus. Among other things this allows a keyserver connection to run Williams licensed software from off-campus. The VPN connection is limited to Faculty, Staff and Students who are doing academic or administrative work.
Requirements
A college account, a device that meets the minimum requirements for Cisco Secure Client (VPN).
Instructions
Installation Steps
On OIT issued computers the Cisco Secure Client (VPN) is already installed. For other devices (ex. personal, mobile, etc.) or to re-install on a college computer please click the appropriate OS below to see installation instructions.
macOS
On a college-issued computer:
- In the Applications folder launch "Self Service". Under the all category find and install the Cisco Secure Client. Once installed you can find the App in the Cisco folder in your applications folder.
- When you first launch it you'll need to enter the Server Address: sslvpn01.williams.edu (this is a one time entry) then click connect.
- You will then be presented with a login screen. Use your username (e.g. xyz13 without the @williams.edu) and the password you use for email/Okta.
- You will then be prompted for MFA from Okta. Enter the code from Okta or 1 to get a push notification.
- Then after accepting our policy you will be connected to our VPN
On a personally owned computer:
- Download the VPN client from the software download site (look for Cisco Secure Client on the first page). Click the Mac Download link.
- Log in to the Williams OIT download site using your short username e.g. xyz13 without the @williams.edu and email password. Click the download button to get the instller
- Once downloaded run the installer
- When the install is done please reboot. You will find the Cisco Secure Client inside the Cisco folder in your Applications folder.
- When you first run it enter the Server Address: sslvpn01.williams.edu (This is a one time entry) then click connect.
- You will then be presented with a login screen. Use your username (e.g. xyz13 without the @williams.edu) and the password you use for email/Okta.
- You will then be prompted for MFA from Okta. Enter the code from Okta or 1 to get a push notification.
- Then after accepting our policy you will be connected to our VPN
Windows
- Download the VPN client, Cisco Secure Client, from the software download site.
- When Installing you may be asked to allow the install multiple times as it has multiple components. Please keep clicking Allow/Okay to complete the install.
- After the install you will need to reboot. After rebooting you will have a Cisco folder in your program list from the Start menu. within the Cisco folder you will see the Cisco Secure Client.
- When you first run it enter the Server Address: sslvpn01.williams.edu (This is a one time entry) then click connect.
- You will then be presented with a login screen. Use your username (e.g. xyz13 without the @williams.edu) and the password you use for email/Okta.
- You will then be prompted for MFA from Okta. Enter the code from Okta or 1 to get a push notification.
- Then after accepting our policy you will be connected to our VPN.
iOS/iPadOS
- Open the App Store, then search for Cisco Secure Client. You may get up to three results from the search. You’ll want to install the Cisco Secure Client (not Cisco Webex and not Cisco Anyconnect Legacy).
- Open the app and choose Add VPN Connection.
Click on Server Address and type in: sslvpn01.williams.edu
Click done to exit the connection editor.
- Now you have a connection set up for the Williams VPN.
Clicking on the connection should ask you for your Williams username (ex. abc1 or jsmith) then your Williams password.
After entering your Williams credentials you will be prompted for MFA from Okta. Then after accepting our policy you will be connected to our VPN
Android
- On an Android install the following app from the Google Play store:
Cisco Secure Client-AnyConnect https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.cisco.anyconnect.vpn.android.avf&hl=en_US&gl=US&pli=1
- Open the app and choose Add VPN Connection.
Click on Server Address and type in: sslvpn01.williams.edu
Click done to exit the connection editor.
- Now you have a connection set up for the Williams VPN.
Clicking on the connection should ask you for your Williams username (ex. abc1 or jsmith) then your Williams password.
After entering your Williams credentials you will be prompted for MFA from Okta. Then after accepting our policy you will be connected to our VPN.
Connection Steps
Open the VPN and Enter the server sslvpn01.williams.edu in the connect field. Then enter your Williams username (ex. abc1) and password. After logging in you will be asked to provide a MFA passcode from your Okta Verify app. If you prefer a push notification or have another method setup you can specify that in the box with the corresponding number. i.e. type 1 to get the Okta Verify push notification: If you have not set up Okta yet see: https://oit.williams.edu/help-guides/accounts/williamsokta/
Please make sure to disconnect from the VPN when you are done. Also keep in mind most things you need to do off-campus do not require a VPN connection. For a full list and instructions see the Working From Home FAQ.
Additional Help
Be sure to uninstall earlier VPN version and reboot before re-installing Cisco Secure client.
If you experience problems logging in after your VPN make sure you are using you Williams/Okta password and Okta Verify app for MFA
Need additional information or assistance? Click the related service on the right side to submit a ticket.