How-to: Connecting to SIS with SecureCRT

SecureCRT will allow you to access SIS from a computer running the Windows or macOS operating systems in the most secure method available. Follow the instructions below to download and set up the latest version of SecureCRT on your computer.

NOTE: If you are logging in from off-campus, you must download the Cisco AnyConnect VPN client. The VPN, or Virtual Private Network, software will allow you to log into SIS from a remote location. You will need to log into VPN before connecting to SIS.

Installing SecureCRT for Windows

  1. Go to software.usc.edu/securecrt to download the Windows version of SecureCRT.
  2. Once you have downloaded the software to your computer, double-click the installation file to begin the installation process.
  3. Click File then Connect. The Session Manager will appear.
  4. Click the “+” icon.
  5. Choose the SSH2 protocol and click Next.
  6. Input the information below:
    1. The Hostname field should be sis.usc.edu.
    2. The Port field should be 22.
    3. The Firewall field should be set to none.
    4. The Username field should be blank.
  7. Click Next.
  8. Enter SIS for Session Name, click Finish.
  9. In the Session Manager, right-click SIS and then click Properties.
  10. Under Emulation:
    1. The terminal option should be VT220.
    2. From the On Resize menu, select Scale the Font.
  11. Under Modes, in the Initial Modes section:
    1. Cursor Key Mode and Line Wrap should be checked. New Line Mode should NOT be checked.
    2. Numeric Keypad should be selected.

Optional: Under appearance, you will be able to change the look of your screen — the color and the font.

Logging Into SIS from SecureCRT for Windows

  1. Double-click the SecureCRT icon on your desktop to open the software
  2. Click File then Connect. The Session Manager should appear.
  3. Double-click SIS.
  4. When prompted for your username, remember that your username for SIS is a lowercase “s” followed by your 7-digit Payroll Employee ID Number.
  5. When prompted for your password, type in the password you created during your Basic Training course.
  6. When prompted for your Terminal Name, type PCTELNET. (This is case sensitive)

NOTE: Do not check the Save Username or Save Password boxes. For security purposes, you should input your username and password each time you log in.

Installing SecureCRT for macOS

  1. Go to software.usc.edu/securecrt to download the Windows version of SecureCRT.
  2. Once you have downloaded the software to your computer, double-click the installation file to begin the installation process.
  3. Click File then Connect. The Session Manager will appear.
  4. Click the “+” icon.
  5. Choose the SSH2 protocol and click Continue.
  6. Input the information below:
    1. The Hostname field should be sis.usc.edu.
    2. The Port field should be 22.
    3. The Firewall field should be set to none.
    4. The Username field should be blank.
  7. Click Continue.
  8. Enter SIS for Session Name, click Done.
  9. In the Session Manager, right-click SIS and then click Properties.
  10. Under Emulation:
    1. The terminal option should be VT100.
    2. From the On Resize menu, select Scale the Font.
  11. Under Modes, in the Initial Modes section:
    1. Cursor Key Mode and Line Wrap should be checked. New Line Mode should NOT be checked.
    2. Numeric Keypad should be selected.

Optional: Under appearance, you will be able to change the look of your screen — the color and the font.

Logging Into SIS from SecureCRT for macOS

  1. Click SecureCRT from your Applications folder.
  2. Click File then Connect. The Session Manager should appear.
  3. Double-click SIS.
  4. When prompted for your username, remember that your username for SIS is a lowercase “s” followed by your 7-digit Payroll Employee ID Number.
  5. When prompted for your password, type in the password you created during your Basic Training course.
  6. When prompted for your Terminal Name, type PCTELNET. (This is case sensitive)

The SIS Password

Your SIS password will expire every five weeks and must be changed automatically at that time. Passwords must be at least eight characters long and have a minimum of one non-alphabetical character in the first eight characters. Do not use common words or names, and use a combination of upper- and lowercase characters to maximize the security of your password.

Getting Help

If you have questions or concerns regarding SecureCRT, please call User Coordination at 213-740-5337 or send an email to SISHelpU@usc.edu.