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, visit Connect to VPN with Duo Two-Factor Authentication. PSU Uses Cisco Secure Client software to connect to VPN.
On this page
Windows - install and Use Cisco Secure Client
Prerequisite: Your computer must be running Windows 10, or 11 in order to install Secure Client.
Visit vpn.pdx.edu and log in with your Odin account username and password. You will be prompted to authenticate with Duo Two-Factor Authentication.
Select the Download button to save the installation package, then locate and open the downloaded file.
Follow the onscreen prompts to install the software.
Run the Secure Client application.
In the address box, type vpn.pdx.edu then select Connect.
Note: 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 type vpn.pdx.edu/full. This is recommended when you connect from public networks, such as coffee shops or airports.From the Group menu:
Students: Select 3-Student Duo-Default.
Employees/Affiliates: Select 1-Employee Duo-Default.
Type your Odin account username and password.
To disconnect, open the Secure Client icon in the System Tray, then select Disconnect.
macOS - Install And Use Cisco Secure Client
Prerequisite: Your computer must be running a compatible MacOS version in order to install Cisco Secure Client.
Visit vpn.pdx.edu and log in with your Odin account username and password. You will be prompted to authenticate with Duo Two-Factor Authentication.
Select the Download button to save the installation package, then locate and open the downloaded file.
The file will mount a disk image. Open this disk image and launch the file named "cisco-secure-client-macos-XXXXXX".
Follow the onscreen prompts to install the software.
Once Cisco Secure Client has installed, open Applications in Finder, then open the Cisco folder and launch Secure Client.
In the VPN area, type vpn.pdx.edu then select Connect.
Note: 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 type vpn.pdx.edu/full. This is recommended when you connect from public networks, such as coffee shops or airports.A dialogue box will appear. From the Group menu:
Students: Select 3-Student Duo-Default.
Employees/Affiliates: Select 1-Employee Duo-Default.
Type your Odin account username and password then select OK.
To disconnect, select Disconnect from the VPN area.
Chromebooks - Install Cisco Secure Client
Prerequisite: Your computer must be listed on the Chrome OS Systems Supporting Android Apps compatibility page to install Android applications.
At the bottom right, select the time.
Select Settings.
In the Google Play Store section, next to "Install apps and games from Google Play on your Chromebook," select Turn on.
Note: If you this option is unavailable, your Chromebook doesn't work with Android apps.In the window that appears, select More.
You'll be prompted to agree to the Terms of Service. Read and select I Agree.
Open the Google Play Store app and search for "Cisco Secure Client".
Install the Cisco Secure Client application and launch it to sign in and connect to the VPN.
iOS - Install And Use Cisco Secure Client
Open the App Store.
Select the Search tab.
Type Cisco Secure Client.
Install the free app Cisco Secure Client by Cisco Systems, Inc.
Open the AnyConnect app.
Select OK when prompted to enable Cisco.
Select Add VPN Connection...
Configure the Add VPN Connection screen as follows:
Description: PSU
Server Address: vpn.pdx.edu
Select the Advanced menu and configure the screen as follows:
Network Roaming: ON
Certificates: Automatic
Connect on Demand: OFF
Connect with IPsec: OFF
Navigate back to the Add VPN Connection screen and select Save.
Slide the AnyConnect VPN switch to ON.
From the Group menu:
Students: Select 3-Student Duo-Default.
Employees/Affiliates: Select 1-Employee Duo-Default.
Type your Odin account username and password.
Select Connect.
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.