VPN & Remote Desktop Access: Secure Connections to Corporate Resources

ALCO USA provides secure Virtual Private Network (VPN) and Remote Desktop Protocol (RDP) access for employees working remotely or requiring access to corporate infrastructure from outside the office network.

What is a VPN?

A VPN encrypts all network traffic between your device and ALCO USA’s secure gateway, protecting your data from interception on public Wi-Fi networks or untrusted internet connections.

VPN Setup Guide (Windows, Mac, iOS, Android)

Step 1: Download VPN Client

Visit https://portal.alcousa.org/vpn-downloads and select your device operating system:

• Windows 10/11 (64-bit)
• • macOS (Big Sur or later)
• • iOS (Apple AppStore)
• • Android (Google Play Store)

Step 2: Install VPN Application

Run the installer and follow prompts. Administrator password may be required.

Step 3: Launch VPN Client

Open the installed application and sign in with your corporate email and password.

Step 4: Connect to VPN Gateway

Select “ALCO USA Corporate” from the VPN profile list and click “Connect”.

Expected indicators:

• Connected status showing green lock icon
• • “Successfully authenticated to ALCO USA VPN” notification

Remote Desktop Access (RDP)

For accessing desktop computers and servers directly:

Enabling RDP on Your Computer:

1. Right-click “This PC” (Windows) or “Finder” (Mac)
2. 2. Select “Properties” > “Remote Settings”
3. 3. Enable “Allow Remote Connections”

Connecting Remotely:

1. Ensure VPN is connected first
2. 2. Use Remote Desktop client to connect to:
3. • Corp-WS-[YourEmployeeID].alcousa.local
4. 3. Authenticate with corporate credentials including MFA

Security Best Practices

• Always connect via VPN before accessing company resources
• • Keep VPN software updated
• • Use strong, unique passwords
• • Enable device encryption on your personal computer
• • Disconnect VPN when no longer needed

Troubleshooting VPN Connection Issues

Unable to Connect:

• Check internet connectivity
• • Verify your VPN credentials
• • Try disconnecting/reconnecting
• • Restart the VPN application

Slow Performance:

• Check internet speed (minimum 5 Mbps recommended)
• • Disconnect other devices using VPN
• • Try connecting to a different VPN server

Still Not Working?

Contact ALCO USA Support via portal.alcousa.org with:

• Device type and OS version
• • Error message (if any)
• • Time the issue occurred
• • Steps you’ve already tried