Connecting to the College VPN

The VPN (virtual private network) creates an encrypted connection across the Internet from your home or other remote location to the campus network. The connection is made through a third-party Internet Service Provider (e.g. Comcast or Verizon DSL). This encrypted connection allows you to access Messiah's network from a remote location and perform many of the same functions that are available to you when on campus.

These instructions are valid if you have Windows XP. For other operating systems, contact the Helpdesk.

SSL VPN Instructions

1. Open https://cvpn.messiah.edu in a web browser.

2. You should see a "Cisco SSL VPN Service" login screen. Enter your Messiah username and password and click the Login button.

3. Follow instructions to install the VPN client.

   • If using Internet Explorer, watch for the "ActiveX blocked" warning at the top of the browser window and click on it to allow the ActiveX install.

     

     If you see the following security warning, click Yes to allow the install.

     

4. If the automatic install fails, you will be presented with a link to download the installer itself for manual installation. If this happens, download the installer and run it manually.
5. On Windows machines, you will see an icon with a lock appear when you are connected to the VPN. This indicates a successful connection.

   • 

   • You can close the browser window at this point.
6. Now you should be able to access Messiah resources that require VPN access.

To disconnect from a Windows machine, right-click the system tray icon and choose "Quit".