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.
Connecting to the Williams VPN
For OIT issued computers the Cisco Secure Client (VPN) is already installed. To connect open the Cisco Secure Client on your device. 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.
If you have any questions call the Help Desk: 413-597-4090 or email: [email protected].
Installing the VPN Client
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:
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
Please remember to disconnect when you are finished.
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
Please remember to disconnect when you are finished.
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.
Please remember to disconnect when you are finished.
On an iOS device (iPhone, iPad), 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
Please remember to disconnect when you are finished.
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.
Please remember to disconnect when you are finished.
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.
If you have any questions call the Help Desk: 413-597-4090 or email: [email protected].
Web Browser Proxy
The VPN client and the proxy server, while appearing to meet some of the same needs, are mutually exclusive. You do not need to run the VPN client or the Proxy server to connect to most Library databases. If in fact, you are still running the proxy server please do not attempt to run it while the VPN is connected. For more information see the library’s documentation here: https://library.williams.edu/doing-research/researching-off-campus/
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