Frequently Asked Question
Cisco AnyConnect is a simple-to-use VPN solution for connecting to the City network from off-site, but it does require a little bit of initial setup to get you going.
First, you're going to need to install the "Cisco AnyConnect Secure Mobility Client" from Software Center.
Once that's installed (it's small, it shouldn't take long!) you can find it in your Start Menu. When you first open it up, you'll get this little window in the lower-right corner of your screen:
You'll need to enter the address to connect to - vpn.pullman-wa.gov, and then hit connect. One thing to note is that you cannot connect to AnyConnect while you're on the City network; IT staff has a cellular hotspot that can be used to facilitate the initial setup if you need help with these steps, though!
Once you are connected, you will be presented with a logon page - this will be familiar if you've logged in to the City's website, RingCentral, or KnowBe4 for training. Always check for the City's logo and Morgan's lovely photo of Cougar Plaza before entering your credentials to make sure you're in the right place!
Enter your username as COP\user, and the same password you use to log into your computer. In my case this is COP\rguerra. A note - on some installations of Windows 10, we have seen a situation where you are not automatically redirected to Duo; in these cases there will be a button that appears in the authentication window to make it redirect. We are hoping this inconvenience is resolved in a future version of the application or a future Windows update.
If this is the first time that you've logged into AnyConnect, you'll likely need to get yourself set up with Duo for 2-factor authentication. You will automatically be prompted to do so if you need to.
Clicking next will get you a few screens explaining the importance of 2-factor authentication and how it can help protect the network's security even if something terrible happens, like your username and password becoming compromised. After a few of those screens you'll come to a choice to select your preferred method of authentication.
IT's recommendation is the same as Duo's - the Duo Mobile application is the most secure and convenient option, especially if you have a City-issued smartphone. If you don't have a City phone, Duo Mobile can be installed on a personal device, and is still the recommended option by City IT. Installing this application will not give any control or access of your device to City IT and is entirely self-contained, and does not create any records on your device which would be subject to the Public Records Act. If you would prefer, we also will support SMS/text message. Support for physical security keys (a small USB fob you plug into the computer to authenticate) is something we hope to offer in the future.
Whether you choose Duo Mobile or Phone Number, the next few screens will look basically the same. First you will be asked for a phone number - we recommend the actual phone number of your device and not your RingCentral number, however RC can be used if absolutely necessary.
Once you click Add phone number, you'll be prompted to make sure it was entered correctly.
Next you will need to confirm that the phone number is yours and you can receive text messages on it. Click "Send me a passcode" and a text message will be sent to the number you entered.
You will need to enter the 6-digit passcode from that text message and click Verify.
If you chose to use Duo Mobile rather than just the phone number, next you will be prompted to download the free Duo Mobile app from your device's store (App Store for iOS, Google Play for Android)
Once you click Next, you will be prompted with a QR code. Open the Duo Mobile app on your phone, tap "+ Add" in the upper right, and select Use QR code at the top of the list. Depending on your device and settings, you may be asked to allow Duo Mobile to access the device's camera. Line up the QR code being displayed in the scan view of the Duo Mobile app, and it will register the code in the app.
When you click Continue, Duo will send an authentication request via your chosen authentication method - a text message if you chose Phone Number only, or a push notification in the app if you installed the Duo Mobile app. Either enter the passcode from the text message, or click Allow in the Duo Mobile app notification, and you will be fully set up with Duo!
Once you are finished setting up Duo, you will be dropped back at the Cougar Plaza authentication page, where you will need to enter your credentials again. This time and in the future, when you are redirected to Duo, it will prompt for your chosen second factor (push or SMS), and then fully connect you to the City network! The AnyConnect window will automatically minimize, but it can be found in the system tray next to your clock (if you've used NetMotion Mobility in the past, it's the same place you would find that client if you needed to disconnect/reconnect the VPN). You can open the client back up if you wish, where it will show your time connected (HH:MM:SS) and give you the option to disconnect.