TAMU-Health Virtual Private Network (VPN)

 

Overview

Some resources can only be accessed while at Texas A&M Health facilities or while connected to the Texas A&M Health Virtual Private Network (VPN). This article provides instructions about connecting to the Texas A&M Health VPN.

Instructions

Setting Up for the First Time

  1. Go to vpn.tamhsc.edu
  2. Log in with your HSCID username and password
  3. If you are not enrolled in Duo for Texas A&M Health, you will be prompted to do so. The Texas A&M Health VPN requires Duo 2-Factor Authentication.
    • Click Start Setup and follow the prompts
    • At the end, you will see a drop-down menu with options for what Duo should do when you log in. It is highly recommended that you leave it as the default option ("Ask me to choose an authentication method") to avoid future issues with your account. 
  4. Once you have authenticated through Duo, follow the prompts to download the Cisco Secure Client (formerly AnyConnect)

Using the Cisco Secure Client (formerly AnyConnect)

  1. Open the Cisco Secure Client (formerly AnyConnect). If you do not already have it installed, you can find the download link by logging into vpn.tamhsc.edu with your HSCID username and password.
  2. Enter the server name: vpn.tamhsc.edu
  3. Fill out the following fields:
    1. Group: HSC_All_Traffic 
    2. Username: Your HSCID username
    3. Password: Your HSCID password
    4. Second Password: enter phone to have Duo call you (Enter phone1 or phone2 if you have multiple numbers enrolled). Enter push to have a Duo push notification sent to you. You can also enter a 6-digit passcode from your Duo app.
      • If you do not have a Second Password box, this means you previously chose to have Duo automatically send you a push or phone call when you log in. If you would like to change this setting, see the section titled Changing the Default Authentication Method in this article.
  4. Be sure to accept the Duo notification.

If you have any issues connecting to VPN, contact Help Desk Central.

Using the Start Before Login module

At times it may be necessary to connect to the VPN before logging into your computer account. To accomplish this, Cisco offers the Cisco Secure Client - Start Before Login module.

  1. The Start Before Login module should be installed the first time you connect to the VPN while logged in. You can confirm it is present in Add or Remove Programs within Settings or Control Panel.

    Screenshot of the Cisco Secure Client - Start Before Login entry in Settings > Add or Remove Programs.
  2. From your computer's login screen, after pressing Ctrl+Alt+Del, you should see the following icons. The Internet icon (in the black and white square below) may be replaced with a WiFi icon if your computer is not plugged into a wired network.
    1. Windows 10

      Screenshot of the icons on the login page on a Windows 10 computer. From left to right: Network Sign-in (enclosed in black and white circle), Internet (enclosed in black and white square), Ease of Access, and Power)
    2. Windows 11

      Screenshot of the icons in the bottom right corner of the login page on a Windows 11 computer. From left to right: Network Sign-in (enclosed in black and white circle), Internet (enclosed in black and white square), Accessibility, and Power)
       
  3. Click on the Network Sign-in icon (in the black and white circle above) to launch the Start Before Login module.
  4. Log in on the screen below per the instructions above under Using the Cisco Secure Client (formerly AnyConnect)

    Screenshot of the Cisco Secure Client Start Before Login module active. It looks like a normal VPN window, but is on the login screen.
  5. After logging into the VPN, you can continue to log into your computer like normal. If you are unsure whether you successfully connected to the VPN, you can verify by the presence of the Disconnect icon (in the black and white diamond below).
    1. Windows 10

      Screenshot of the icons in the bottom right corner of the login page on a Windows 10 computer. From left to right: Network Sign-in, Disconnect (enclosed in black and white diamond), Internet, Ease of Access, and Power)
    2. Windows 11
      Screenshot of the icons in the bottom right corner of the login page on a Windows 11 computer. From left to right: Network Sign-in, Disconnect (enclosed in black and white diamond), Internet, Accessibility, and Power)
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