Connecting to the Rutgers VPN from the Windows logon screen (Cisco SBL ‘Start Before Logon’)

Computers running Microsoft Windows can connect to the Rutgers VPN at the Windows logon screen before logging on with a NetID account.

Scenarios where you would connect to the Rutgers VPN before logging on can include:

1. Logging on to a computer for the first time from off-campus
2. Automatically have network drives connected during Windows logon
3. Logging on to a computer after changing a NetID password (ie. due to a forgotten password)

To connect to the Rutgers VPN from the Windows logon screen, click on the icon at the bottom right of the screen that looks two computer monitors:

The Cisco AnyConnect Secure Mobility Client will open. Click the Connect button:

Enter in your NetID username and password. You’ll also need to enter in an option for ‘Second Password’ or ‘Duo Action’. The different options to choose from are listed in the bottom section of the VPN connect window. The ‘push’ option is best for those that use the Duo Mobile app. Click ‘OK’ after entering the NetID username and password and ‘Second Password’/’Duo Action’. If you used ‘push’ for the ‘Second Password’/’Duo Action’ then you’ll need to approve the Duo Push on your mobile device. If you used the ‘phone’ option, then you’ll need to answer the automated call from Duo to approve the logon.

After the VPN connection has been established you should see a new icon at the bottom right of the screen with a small X on it. Click on that icon if you need to disconnect from the Rutgers VPN.

Now logon to Window using your NetID username and password and the computer will sync the latest NetID password (if the password has been changed since the last time you logged on). The network drives will also automatically connect.

If you do not see the ‘Cisco AnyConnect Secure Mobility Client’ icon at the bottom right of the Windows logon screen then please submit an IT Help Request at https://ithelp.sas.rutgers.edu.