Connect to the VPN prior to logging in to take advantage of startup items and mapped network drives.
If your computer is configured to connect before logon, you will see an icon for the Cisco Secure Client Start Before Logon feature in the bottom right corner. Click on this icon.
You will see the Cisco Secure Client dialogue box. Click Connect and sign in as you normally would.
Once connected to the VPN, the computer will return to the logon screen and you can connect as you normally would.