Harvard University, including HGSE, uses the Cisco AnyConnect application for its VPN services. Instructions for how to acquire the app can be found here. Click 'Connect' on the menu (pictured below) to advance to the login details prompt. Go to the Cisco Anyconnect VPN program, enter your HSPH PIN password, and click accept. Go to Finder Go Connect to server. Your IP address should already be there from the initial setup, click connect. You should be taken to your “office” desktop, maybe to your login page.

1. Install Cisco Anyconnect Vpn
2. Harvard Cisco Anyconnect
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Virtual Private Network (VPN) is a secure method for remotely accessing data and systems that reside within the Harvard network. VPN technology enables off-net users to connect via encrypted communications to University network resources in the same way they would if they were directly connected to the Harvard network in their office. Most accounts are used by Harvard Graduate School of Education faculty and staff to access their shared drives on the GSE network from outside of the School.

Users with internet access can use the VPN account to build a secure “tunnel” through the internet to connect with Harvard University’s network and then log in to their HGSE account using Novell. They are then able to see their shared drives under My Computer in the same manner as if they were using their computer on campus. Additionally, users who have access to confidential data via HarvardKey authentication will need to use a VPN account to connect to Harvard University’s network before being able to access the data off-campus.

With manager approval, anyone with a Harvard ID may have an account. Outside consultants may also obtain accounts through requests made by the local VPN administrator. Non-faculty and staff accounts must include a termination date.

The Cisco VPN solution currently in place has clients for Macintosh, Windows, Unix, and Linux-based computers.

A Virtual Private Network (VPN) enabled by Cisco AnyConnect creates a secure connection to the Harvard network for access to sensitive University tools and resources. Many University services require a VPN connection whenever they are accessed from outside the Harvard network. After the installation, you may launch Cisco AnyConnect VPN Client from your Start menu (Windows) or Applications folder if you are on OSX. Once launched, make sure “vpn.harvard.edu” is entered in the ‘Connect’ dialog box. Next, you will be prompted for your HarvardKey in conjunction with two-step verification.

VPN is available by having your Manager emailing IT_OneStop@gse.harvard.edu.

Your username is your official university email address followed by #GSE and your password is your HarvardKey password (username example: john_harvard@gse.harvard.edu#GSE). VPN is protected by two-factor authentication, so make sure have set that up: http://huit.harvard.edu/twostep

To install the VPN software, go to the following URL: https://vpn.harvard.edu and supply your login credentials as above.

If you already have the Cisco Anyconnect software installed you will need to enter vpn.harvard.edu into the white box before clicking Connect, then supply your credentials as above.

Install Cisco Anyconnect Vpn

Please note you do NOT need to connect to VPN to access your HGSE email.

Harvard Cisco Anyconnect

If you have problems installing the VPN software please contact the IT Service Center at 617-496-0628 or IT_OneStop@gse.harvard.edu.

Contents

Preface

Many of the resources available through the FASRC cluster must be accessed through VPN (virtual private network – a sort of tunnel into the Harvard network) to protect sensitive data and prevent unauthorized access. When working outside the Harvard network, a VPN connection is generally necessary. This page describes the process for installing software and connecting to the RC VPN.

If you are just SSH’ing in to our login nodes, VPN is not required. But it is needed for many other services. Some (but not all) examples are:

• Mounting shared drives to your laptop/desktop
• Accessing VDI
• Accessing level 3 environments
• License server access

Requirements

• You will need an FAS Research Computing (aka “FASRC”) account to connect to the VPN. If you do not have an FASRC account, please see How Do I Get a FAS Research Computing Account?
• Once you have an RC account, you will need to set your FASRC password and set up your two-factor authentication token (OpenAuth).
• You will need to install the Cisco AnyConnect client before proceeding

VPN Software Installation

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The Cisco AnyConnect client can be installed from our VPN portal: https://vpn.rc.fas.harvard.edu
Note that you need to add @fasrc after your username in order to login.

If the automatic installation fails, you should then be offered an option to download an installer.
After downloading the software, click on the executable to run the AnyConnect installation wizard.

If you are unable to install the client from this page, you can download the current client (Windows and Mac) here: https://downloads.rc.fas.harvard.edu (FASRC login and VPN/Harvard network connection required)

Linux users: You can install the Cisco AnyConnect client using the instructions above, or see our alternate guide to using OpenConnect for VPN.

Logging in

Start Cisco AnyConnect and enter the FASRC VPN server name: vpn.rc.fas.harvard.edu

Enter your credentials and click OK to connect:

• USERNAME: When connecting to the VPN you will use your username + @ + VPN realm name. For most people, this will be @fasrc (example: jharvard@fasrc ). If you are in the NCF, this will be @ncf
• PASSWORD: The password you will enter is your FASRC account password as noted above
• TWO-STEP VERIFICATION CODE: You enter your OpenAuth token code here

Once connected, you will have normal Internet and Harvard network access as well as access into the FASRC environment.

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