Installing and Accessing the Virtual Private Network (VPN) connection with Cisco Secure Client

A Virtual Private Network (VPN) creates a secure, encrypted connection between your off-campus computer and the Hamilton College network. This allows you to access campus resources as if you were physically on campus, including:

• Remote desktop access to on-campus machines
• Network drive folders
• Citrix Workspace applications

VPN access requires an annual request. Request VPN access

Once your request is approved, follow the instructions below to install the VPN client on your computer and connect.

 Instructions

Installation Instructions:

1. Open a web browser.

2. In the location box, type https://outside.hamilton.edu.

3. In the login dialog box:

   1. Select the appropriate group option: For Hamilton employees, select Hamilton College.

   2. Enter your Hamilton username (do not include @hamilton.edu).

   3. Enter your password and Duo will automatically send a push notification to your phone. Alternatively, you can use the 6-digit PIN from a Duo hardware token or generated by the Duo mobile app with your password (e.g. mypassword,555555 - omit spaces before or after the comma).

   4. Click Login.

4. In the Network Access Warning window, click Continue to proceed.

5. Click Start Secure Client to proceed to the VPN client download.

6. Click the blue Download button to start the download.

7. Run the downloaded installer.

Connecting and Disconnecting:

1. To open a VPN connection, locate and open the Cisco Secure Client:

   • MacOS - within the Applications folder

   • Windows - search the Start () menu

2. Enter outside.hamilton.edu and click Connect.

3. Enter your Hamilton username.

4. Enter your password and Duo will automatically send a push notification to your phone.

   • Alternatively, you can use the 6 digit pin from a Duo hardware token or generated by the Duo mobile app with your password (e.g. mypassword,555555 - omit spaces before or after the comma).

5. Click OK to continue.

6. A dialog window with a warning against unauthorized use will appear. Click Accept on this window.

7. Now, you will have access to all your usual Hamilton College network resources through the VPN. You can check this by hovering over the VPN icon in your taskbar notifications area.

 More information

If you have yet to apply for VPN access, please request access this link: VPN Access Request. Once your request has been approved you can continue following the steps we have provided.