How to configure vpn client on your Mac from OS X 10.6 (Snow Leopard) onwards

Before following this procedure please get VPNClient password visiting the VPN Group password page.
Due to security reasons, this page is readable outside the SISSA network inserting your SISSA username and your SISSA password. There are no restriction inside the SISSA network.
If you have any problem about vpn password, please contact helpesk service by phone or personally.

We have received report of varoius VPN problems when the iCloud service “Back to my Mac” is enabled. If you are plannning to use VPN, we strongly recommend disabling it.

a) On the Desktop in the up-right corner:

• 1) click on the Network icon, and then
• 2) on Open Network Preferences…

b) On the Network window, click on Plus “ + ” sign, in the bottom-left corner of the window.



c) On the Select the interface and write a name for the new service window, in the Interface drop down menu: select VPN.



d) On the same window:
in the VPN Type drop down menu, select Cisco IPSec.



e) On the same window:

• 1) in the Service Name field insert: SISSA VPN
• 2) then click on Create.

f) On the Network window:

• 1) in the Server Address: field insert: vpn.sissa.it
• 2) in the Account Name: field, insert your SISSA username
• 3) leave Password: field empty;
• 4) click on the Authentication Settings…

g) A small window will appear:

• 1) in the Shared Secret: field insert the vpn group password got on this VPN Group password page;
• 2) in the GroupName: field insert: SISSA-VPN-USER
• 3) then click on OK.

h) In the Network window:

• 1) put a check in the Show VPN status in menu bar box;
• 2) then click on Apply.

a) To open a VPN connection on the Desktop in the up-right corner:

• 1) look for the VPN status icon in the menu bar , then click on it, a new VPN menu will appear;
• 2) then click on Connect SISSA VPN.

b) In the VPN connection window:

• 1) insert your SISSA username and 2) your SISSA password
• 3) then click on OK.

c) In the VPN connection window: click on OK.


You are now connected to the SISSA Remote VPN service.

To disconnect from SISSA Remote VPN service, on the Desktop in the up-right corner,

• 1) look for the VPN status icon in the menu bar , then click on it;
• 2) and then click on Disconnect SISSA VPN in the VPN menu window.