The long answer is it can be HIPAA compliant, PCI compliant and accepted as Standard Business Security if you use Remote Desktop (or RDP) across a VPN. We work with many healthcare providers and the HIPAA rules are pretty clear. Any access from the Internet or a remote location must be encrypted.
- LogMeIn Pro.
- TeamViewer.
- Splashtop.
- ConnectWise Control.
- SecureLink.
Is Remote Desktop Access to data HIPAA compliant?
Remote desktop access allows healthcare professionals to work efficiently from home and while travelling. Remote access to data is often required by development teams or business associates of HIPAA-covered entities. While remote desktop access offers many benefits, it also introduces risks, which must be identified and managed.
What is Remote Desktop Access for healthcare professionals?
Remote desktop access allows healthcare professionals to work efficiently from home and while travelling. Remote access to data is often required by development teams or business associates of HIPAA-covered entities.
Is Splashtop HIPAA compliant?
If you need remote access, you need to use a remote desktop tool that ensures HIPAA compliance. One of the ways in which Splashtop’s security aligns with HIPAA regulations is that Splashtop doesn’t process, store, or access any of your data. Splashtop does not store transmitted encoded screen captures streams.
Is telecommuting a HIPAA compliance risk?
This can save a company as much as $11,000 annually per telecommuting worker. While there are several advantages of working remotely, there’s a monstrous risk for those that are obligated to comply with HIPAA: keeping clients’ protected health information (PHI) safe.
Is remote PC HIPAA compliant?
RemotePC complies with industry and government standards and regulations. The Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA), provides strict guidelines on administrative, physical and technical safeguards for patient data and records.
Do HIPAA guidelines apply to computer use?
The use of any technology to comply with HIPAA must have an automatic log off to prevent unauthorized access to PHI when a mobile device is left unattended (this also applies to desktop computers).
How do I make my computer HIPAA compliant?
5 things to keep your device secure and HIPAA compliantPassword Protect your Devices and Applications/Software that Contain PHI. ... Don't Share Your Password. ... Automatic Time-Out. ... Clean Out the Trash and Empty Your Cache. ... Train Your Staff, Students, and Clients.
Is TeamViewer HIPAA compliant?
HIPAA Compliance TeamViewer provides remote access, remote support, and online collaboration capabilities with the level of security and privacy necessary for organizations to remain HIPAA compliant.
What are the 3 rules of HIPAA?
The Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA) lays out three rules for protecting patient health information, namely: The Privacy Rule. The Security Rule. The Breach Notification Rule.
What are the 5 HIPAA rules?
HHS initiated 5 rules to enforce Administrative Simplification: (1) Privacy Rule, (2) Transactions and Code Sets Rule, (3) Security Rule, (4) Unique Identifiers Rule, and (5) Enforcement Rule.
Is leaving your computer unlocked a HIPAA violation?
Walking away from your computer without locking or logging off your workstation is a violation. Walking away and leaving a computer unlocked which allows ANYONE to access Protected Health Information (PHI) is a serious violation.
What is considered HIPAA violation?
Further HIPAA Violation Examples Impermissible disclosures of PHI. Improper disposal of PHI. Failure to conduct a risk analysis. Failure to manage risks to the confidentiality, integrity, and availability of PHI. Failure to implement safeguards to ensure the confidentiality, integrity, and availability of PHI.
What makes a laptop HIPAA compliant?
To have HIPAA compliant laptops, organizations must conduct a risk assessment, which will provide companies with vital information as to how laptop security measures can be improved or implemented.
Is a VPN HIPAA compliant?
For many businesses, a Virtual Private Network (VPN) is one of the best and easiest ways to implement network security, protect data transmission, provide encryption and meet other HIPAA compliance requirements that secure electronic Protected Health Information (ePHI).
Is LogMeIn HIPAA compliant?
Yes, LogMeIn says that it is HIPAA compliant, and a signed business associate agreement (BAA) is available for corporate customers. LogMeIn is remote-access software that falls under the “technical safeguards” category of the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA).
Can you be hacked through TeamViewer?
"Beyond its legitimate uses, TeamViewer allows cyber actors to exercise remote control over computer systems and drop files onto victim computers, making it functionally similar to Remote Access Trojans (RATs)," the FBI said.
Is leaving your computer unlocked a HIPAA violation?
Walking away from your computer without locking or logging off your workstation is a violation. Walking away and leaving a computer unlocked which allows ANYONE to access Protected Health Information (PHI) is a serious violation.
Can I use my personal laptop for work involving PHI?
Can I use my home computer? When working with PHI data we require that you use a properly managed and encrypted university-owned computer. This ensures security checks and computer updates that the central IT division can verify for compliance needs.
What is considered HIPAA violation?
Further HIPAA Violation Examples Impermissible disclosures of PHI. Improper disposal of PHI. Failure to conduct a risk analysis. Failure to manage risks to the confidentiality, integrity, and availability of PHI. Failure to implement safeguards to ensure the confidentiality, integrity, and availability of PHI.
Are privacy screens required for HIPAA?
As with any healthcare company, the client needed to stay HIPAA compliant. Privacy screens were required for each new monitor to ensure that confidential patient information was protected. Per HIPAA, any monitor that may be in view of the public would require a privacy screen.
Why is it important to stay HIPAA compliant?
Staying HIPAA compliant is crucial for healthcare organizations, as failure could lead to big fines and a loss of trust with your customers. All of these software options provide you with remote access that meets HIPAA standards. You need to choose one that meets your budget and usability needs.
How many hospitals use SecureLink?
SecureLink is trusted by over 1,000 U.S. hospitals for secure, HIPAA-compliant remote access and more than 30,000 organizations worldwide.
What is Connectwise Control?
ConnectWise Control is the last HIPAA-compliant remote access tool we’ll look at. It’ s a cross-platform solution that works across all major operating systems and mobile devices. It also provides a comprehensive support center called ConnectWise University.
What is splashtop access?
Splashtop. Splashtop is a remote access option that focuses on simplicity and security. Like its competitors, Splashtop offers access across operating systems and mobile devices. It also has features for mass deployment throughout your organization.
What is Logmein remote access?
LogMeIn is a multiplatform and professional remote access platform. It has a large user base with the ability to support tens of millions of daily users. In addition to the robust software, LogMeIn users get free access to LastPass’s password management software.
Why is it important to work remotely?
Enabling your team to work remotely can improve job satisfaction, help you attract talent, and give your company more flexibility. But in industries with strict compliance requirements, like healthcare, creating a compliant remote work environment is a challenge.
What is securely stored network credentials?
Securely stored network credentials that pass directly into a session ensure vendors have zero visibility into network or application credentials.
What is HIPAA law?
Though most are very familiar with the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA) and its relation to third parties and remote access, we’re going to break it down a bit. HIPAA carries with it data privacy requirements for individuals, organizations, and entities working with patient information.
What should network managers know about patient access?
Network managers should always know who has access to patient information, the extent of that access, and how long it’s available. Third-party vendor access should have tight restrictions that limit time, scope and job function. In addition, every remote access session should begin with multi-factor authentication – then all activity must be logged, capturing a unique username and password tied to the individual.
Why is healthcare so heavily targeted for hackers?
The healthcare industry is still heavily targeted for hackers because of the wealth of information they can get. As someone that (I assume) has been to a doctor’s office of any sort, you know how many forms you have to fill out– all the information you have to give, all the releases you have to sign because of HIPAA/HITECH. When we, as patients, sign those papers and agree to hand over this information, we don’t think of all the vendors that might be also accessing that information. It’s imperative that healthcare systems that work with vendors ensure the security of PHI not only for HIPAA compliance, but for patient privacy too.
Is HIPAA compliance required for remote access?
When hospital systems provide remote access to third-party vendors without comprehensive controls, this compliance – and their overall network security – can be jeopardized. A HIPAA-compliant remote access policy isn’t just essential in the healthcare industry, but it’s necessary.
Is remote access required for HIPAA?
A HIPAA compliant remote access policy isn’t just essential in the healthcare industry, but it’s necessary. It’s important to remember that you can’t be in compliance if your vendors (or anyone external who has access to your “stuff”) aren’t compliant, too.
Why is remote desktop important for healthcare?
Remote desktop access allows healthcare professionals to work efficiently from home and while travelling. Remote access to data is often required by development teams or business associates of HIPAA-covered entities. While remote desktop access offers many benefits, it also introduces risks, which must be identified and managed. Healthcare organizations may believe they have a HIPAA compliant RDP server, but a misconfiguration could easily open the door to hackers and put sensitive data at risk.
How to secure communications?
The easiest way of securing communications is to connect through a secure VPN. The encryption method used by the VPN must be of an appropriate standard to ensure compliance with HIPAA Rules. Current best practices require key lengths of 256 bits and a secure encryption algorithm such as AES.
What is SecureLink software?
SecureLink has developed a remote access software solution that can be used by healthcare organizations to carefully control remote access to their applications, data, and internal resources. The solution allows healthcare providers to eliminate VPNs and shared desktop solutions, which lack security controls and are do not ensure compliance for 3 rd party access. SecureLink is the only dedicated remote access platform that ensures compliance with the requirements of HIPAA and the HITECH Act.
Why is SecureLink installed?
One instance of SecureLink can be installed to provide fast, highly available access for all technology vendors and remote workers. Administrators can also delegate authorizations to departments to allow them to manage their own vendors access, without having to involve the IT department, with self-registration for vendors also supported.
What is a risk assessment for EPHI?
Prior to any remote desktop access being provided for use with ePHI, a covered entity must conduct a risk assessment to identify any vulnerabilities that could be exploited to gain access to ePHI. Those risks must then be managed and reduced to an acceptable level.
What is secure link?
SecureLink provides complete visibility into the remote access environment, allowing administrators to view exactly who is accessing their network, why they have connected, and their actions when connected down to the keystroke level, with videos recorded of user activity for investigations and audits.
Does HIPAA require encryption?
Since there is a possibility of communications being intercepted, HIPAA requires the use of encryption, both for any ePHI transmitted and also for logins and passwords. All data must then be stored securely in a centrally managed location. The easiest way of securing communications is to connect through a secure VPN.
What is the best way to protect network access?
Ensure that laptops are equipped with firewalls and antivirus software to protect network access.
What is required for covered entities to restrict access to only what is necessary?
In order to restrict access to only what is necessary, covered entities should make lists of all employees and specify what level of information each employee should have access to.
How to protect PHI from family?
Protect PHI from friends and family within your house by using a privacy screen on your computer, locking the screen when you walk away, restricting their access to the devices that contain PHI, and being careful not to say PHI aloud in a place where anyone could overhear.
What happens when employees use their own devices?
When employees are using their own devices, there is a significant increase in the risk of a HIPAA breach. These own devices can also be more susceptible to malware attacks.
Why should IT security teams monitor VPN limits?
Especially in light of widespread stay at home orders, IT security teams should monitor and test VPN limits to prepare for any increases in the number of users. Team members should also be aware of the potential need to make changes to adjust to their bandwidth requirements.
What is PHI in healthcare?
Access to Protected Health Information ( PHI) by unauthorized individuals
Is remote work HIPAA compliant?
While a remote work environment can provide many benefits to all of the parties involved, it also can present significant challenges for organizations that need to remain HIPAA compliant. There are many privacy and security measures that need to be implemented in order to address the concerns and risks of maintaining HIPAA compliance in ...
What is HIPAA 164.312?
The HIPAA standard 164.312 (e) (1) requires the covered entity to implement security measures to guard against unauthorized access to the protected health information that is being transmitted over an electronic communication network.
What is Remote Access Plus?
Remote Access Plus comes with a real-time reporting system that lets you track every remote session initiated. Besides, you can enable the setting to Record remote sessions and carefully supervise all remote sessions. These recorded sessions can also be used for auditing purposes. Generating, exporting or sharing reports across creates all the possible odds and puts end-user privacy at risk. With Remote Access Plus you can choose to mask/hide protected health information while generating or exporting reports. This way even while sharing reports, you can protect your end-users' personal information from getting spilled over.
What are protected health information?
What is a protected health information? 1 Health care claims, statuses or equivalent 2 Payments and remittance advice 3 Eligibility enquiries 4 Referral certifications and authorizations 5 First reports on injuries
Is Remote Access Plus HIPAA compliant?
Remote Access Plus as an application used by various enterprises dealing with protected health information, has taken steps towards HIPAA compliance to ensure end-user privacy. Remote Access Plus comes with a set of features that complies with the safeguards that apply directly remote access products.
What is the HIPAA security rule for laptops?
All covered entities are required to be in compliance with the HIPAA Security Rule1, which includes, among its requirements, reviewing and modifying, where necessary, security policies and procedures on a regular basis. This is particularly relevant for organizations that allow remote access to EPHI through portable devices or on external systems or hardware not owned or managed by the covered entity.
What are the HIPAA rules?
The HIPAA Security and Privacy Rules require all covered entities to protect the EPHI that they use or disclose to business associates, trading partners or other entities. New standards and technologies have significantly simplified the way in which data is transmitted throughout the healthcare industry and created tremendous opportunities for improvements in the healthcare system. However, these technologies have also created complications and increased the risk of loss and unauthorized use and disclosure of this sensitive information.
What does covered entity need to do to protect EPHI?
Covered entities must develop and implement policies and procedures to protect EPHI that is stored on remote or portable devices, or on potentially transportable media (particularly backups).
What is the HIPAA Privacy Rule for EPHI?
It is important that only those workforce members who have been trained and have proper authorization are granted access to EPHI.
What is the procedure for a covered entity to lose EPHI?
Should a covered entity experience loss of EPHI via portable media, the entity’s security incident procedures must specify the actions workforce members must take to manage harmful effects of the loss. Procedures may include securing and preserving evidence; managing the harmful effects of improper use or disclosure; and notification to affected parties. Needless to say, such incidents should be evaluated as part of the entity’s ongoing risk management initiatives.
What devices can you use to access PHI?
Encrypt and password protect personal devices you may use to access PHI such as cell phones and tablets.
How to limit PHI?
Limit email transmissions of PHI to only those circumstances when the information cannot be sent another way. At a minimum, use encryption tools (most businesses provide tools to send encrypted emails).
Can you share PHI with others?
Lock your screens when walking away from your computer. Do not share sensitive PHI with others who shouldn’t have access, including co-workers and personal acquaintances. Only access a patient’s record if needed for work.
Can you print PHI?
Avoid printing PHI; however, if necessary, keep all PHI, such as patient paperwork, charts, and records, locked away and out of view.
Is HIPAA being waived?
Although certain HIPAA sanctions are being waived during the current health crisis, that does not excuse us from mishandling patients’ protected health information ( PHI ). We must take the same physical and security measures to safeguard the PHI we are trusted with in our work. Here are some best practices to follow:
What is splashtop remote access?
Splashtop remote access and remote support software helps keep you in compliance with HIPAA. Learn more about it and try it for free.
How does splashtop keep data safe?
To keep your data safe every step of the way, Splashtop’s cloud security modules monitor and flag suspicious activities in real-time 24/7.
What encryption is used for TLS?
They are only transmitted and use end-to-end TLS with AES-256 bit encryption. For added security, user passwords are encrypted and securely stored, and all sessions are logged with timestamps and user, device, and session information.
Can you access Splashtop from any computer?
Physicians, nurses, and administrators can have the freedom to access and input data from anywhere. With Splashtop, you’ll be able to remotely access any Windows, Mac, or Linux computer from any other computer, tablet, or mobile device.
Does splashtop have HIPAA?
How Splashtop Keeps You HIPAA Compliant. One of the ways in which Splashtop’s security aligns with HIPAA regulations is that Splashtop doesn’t process, store, or access any of your data. Splashtop does not store transmitted encoded screen captures streams. They are only transmitted and use end-to-end TLS with AES-256 bit encryption.
More and More Employees Are Working Remotely
Real Life Examples
- Cancer Care Group agreed to a settlement of $750,000, after a remote employee lost a laptopand backup drive to car theft. The laptop contained more than 50,000 patients’ PHI. OCR determined that prior to the breach, Cancer Care Group was in widespread non-compliance with the HIPAA Security Rule. They failed to conduct an enterprise-wide risk analysis when the breach originally …
How to Protect Your Clients’ Phi When Working Remotely
- What can you do to safeguard your organization from HIPAA violations? We compiled a list of documentation requirementsand preventative actions you need to observe to protect you and your clients. First and foremost, if you have remote employees, you must set rules for them in your Security Policies and Procedures. Use the following checklistas a guide for what to inclu…