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 the Windows Operating System (Windows 8 not yet supported). For the Mac Operating System, click HERE. For any questions, contact the Helpdesk.

SSL VPN Instructions (Windows Users)

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. In the event you need to configure the Cisco VPN client, the Hostname is cvpn.messiah.edu. You will also need to provide your network username and password.
   
   
   

Starting a VPN Connection

When you have established an Internet connection, you can launch a "secure" VPN connection to the Messiah College network by going to the "Cisco" folder in your Programs list and selecting "Cisco AnyConnect VPN Cient".

On Windows computers, once your computer is connected to the college network via VPN, you will see an icon with a lock appear in the Windows System Tray. This indicates a successful connection.

Please be aware that if your VPN connection is idle for an extended period of time (you may notice that you no longer have access to network drives or programs) you will need to reintiate the connection by goin to Start >> Programs >> Cisco and selecting the AnyConnect VPN Client.

To disconnect from your VPN connection, right-click the system tray icon and choose "Quit".