Virtual Private Network (VPN)

PSU’s Virtual Private Network allows you to use your home computer or device to connect to resources (such as Banner or Cognos) that are normally limited to on-campus access. By connecting to VPN, you can also protect any personal data you send over the internet while off campus. Faculty and staff can also use the VPN to connect to work computers from home.

To connect to the VPN, you must enroll in Duo Two-Factor Authentication (2FA). For more information, reference VPN Connections Using Duo Two-Factor Authentication (2FA). PSU Uses Cisco Secure Client software to connect to VPN.

Install and Use Cisco Secure Client on Windows

Your computer must be running at least Windows 10 in order to install the Secure Client.

  1. Navigate to vpn.pdx.edu and sign in with your Odin username and password. You will be prompted to authenticate with Duo Two-Factor Authentication.

  2. Select the Download button to save the installation package, then locate and open the downloaded file.

  3. Follow the onscreen prompts to install the software.

  4. Run the Secure Client application.

  5. In the address box, enter vpn.pdx.edu then select Connect.

If you are a faculty or staff member and would like to have all of your network traffic pass through the VPN (versus just traffic destined for PSU’s network), then you can enter vpn.pdx.edu/full. This is recommended when you connect from public networks, such as coffee shops or airports.

  1. From the Group menu:

    • Students: Select 3-Student Duo-Default.

    • Employees/Affiliates: Select 1-Employee Duo-Default.

  2. Type your Odin account username and password.

  3. To disconnect, open the Secure Client icon in the System Tray, then select Disconnect.

Install and Use Cisco Secure Client on macOS

  1. Navigate to vpn.pdx.edu and sign in with your Odin username and password. You will be prompted to authenticate with Duo Two-Factor Authentication.

  2. Select the Download button to save the installation package, then locate and open the downloaded file.

  3. The file will mount a disk image. Open this disk image and launch the file named "cisco-secure-client-macos-XXXXXX".

  4. Follow the onscreen prompts to install the software.

  5. Once Cisco Secure Client has installed, open Applications in Finder, then open the Cisco folder and launch Secure Client.

  6. In the VPN area, type vpn.pdx.edu then select Connect.

  1. A dialog will appear. From the Group menu:

    • Students: Select 3-Student Duo-Default.

    • Employees/Affiliates: Select 1-Employee Duo-Default.

  2. Type your Odin account username and password then select OK.

  3. To disconnect, select Disconnect from the VPN area.

Install Cisco Secure Client on ChromeOS

  1. At the bottom right, select the time, then Settings.

  2. In the Google Play Store section, next to "Install apps and games from Google Play on your Chromebook," select Turn on.

  1. In the window that appears, select More.

  2. You'll be prompted to agree to the Terms of Service. Read and select I Agree.

  3. Open the Google Play Store app and search for "Cisco Secure Client."

  4. Install the Cisco Secure Client application and launch it to sign in and connect to the VPN.

Install and Use Cisco Secure Client on iOS and iPadOS

  1. Open the App Store.

  2. Select the Search tab.

  3. Type Cisco Secure Client.

  4. Install the free app Cisco Secure Client by Cisco Systems, Inc.

  1. Open the AnyConnect App.

  2. Select OK when prompted to enable Cisco.

  3. Select Add VPN Connection...

  4. Configure the Add VPN Connection screen as follows:

  5. Select the Advanced menu and configure the screen as follows:

    • Network Roaming: ON

    • Certificates: Automatic

    • Connect on Demand: OFF

    • Connect with IPsec: OFF

  6. Navigate back to the Add VPN Connection screen and select Save.

  7. Slide the AnyConnect VPN switch to ON.

  8. From the Group menu:

    • Students: Select 3-Student Duo-Default.

    • Employees/Affiliates: Select 1-Employee Duo-Default.

  9. Type your Odin account username and password.

  10. Select Connect.

  11. To disconnect:

    • Inside the app: From the app’s home screen, slide the AnyConnect VPN switch to OFF, or

    • Outside the app: Go to Settings and slide the VPN switch to OFF.