Please see below for some helpful information to help guide you through this process.
Why Use the Cisco AnyConnect VPN?
- Security: The VPN encrypts your internet traffic, keeping your data safe from external threats while accessing company resources.
- Remote Access: Whether you're traveling, working from home, or at a patron’s site, the VPN provides you with the same access to our network as if you were in the office.
- Compliance: For certain company processes, VPN access is required to meet compliance standards, ensuring we protect both company and client information.
- Seamless Integration: The Cisco VPN is designed to integrate smoothly with our internal systems, providing a reliable and consistent experience for all users.
What does it mean for you?
We are hoping that the VPN client will provide a more seamless user experience.
Users will be able to access internal City resources (particularly network drives) when using their laptops at home or in a non-City building.
Who does this affect?
Any user with a Windows Laptop.
This does not affect users with Chromebooks or Mobile devices at this time.
When to Use the Cisco VPN?
- Remote Work: Always connect to the VPN when working outside the office to ensure that you have secure access to company data. The VPN client should only be used when working off-site or working remotely.
- Accessing Sensitive Information: Use the VPN when handling confidential files or interacting with systems that require extra security.
- The VPN is not currently accessible from working at a City Building, such as when connected to the “CityOfEvanston_Secure” wireless network or through a network/Ethernet cable.
What happens to VMware Horizon View (view.cityofevanston.org)?
We are still having staff retain access to their virtual or desktops using the VMware Horizon View Application. The VPN will be used in conjunction with virtual environments. The virtuals or WorkStations should be used as a backup.
If I have a desktop or access a virtual, what about the applications that I use on a daily basis?
If the virtual desktop/WorkStation has an application currently installed, we can also install that application on your laptop. Please provide the computer name of the laptop and the specific software you are requesting to be installed.
How should I use my laptop moving forward?
We kindly request that all staff begin bringing their laptops to and from work. If you are utilizing your laptop as a desktop, please take your laptop with you from workplace to workplace. If staff are requesting multiple monitors or docks for home use in other office locations, please coordinate with your manager and submit a request to ITHelpdesk@cityofevanston.org. We can help arrange and order more equipment as necessary.
Some of my network drives are missing?
We are aware that the U: or HOME drive may be missing, and we are working on enabling it.
Please email ITHelpdesk@cityofevanston.org and we work on adding more drives or missing network drives.