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Essay on VPN: Virtual Private Networks
Introduction
VPN connects multiple computers over the public Internet, using encryption and other security procedures. The existing public Internet infrastructure is “virtually” turned into a private, secure network. VPNs go beyond simple data encryption to encrypt the addresses of the sending and receiving computers; they also use other sophisticated security techniques. VPNs offer various levels of security, some of which may not be HIPAA compliant. Professionals should obtain a letter from their VPN vendor certifying that the equipment is HIPAA compliant (Ross Anderson , 2001). Specifically, a professional should look for four security components in a VPN vendor agreement:
1. |
Encryption: High levels of encryption are used, such as triple 56-bit DES (3DES). |
2. |
Authentication: Digital certificates and two-factor authentication are provided. |
3. |
Audit trail: Data are collected and stored for security audits. |
4. |
Event reporting: Technology is capable of diagnosing and reporting operational irregularities or device failures. (HIPAA Resource Center, n.d.) |
Using a VPN to transmit data can be considerably less expensive than building a privately owned network within a company (To protect sensitive data, Microsoft, for example, transmits information internally by using private telecommunication channels not open to public access). The software that enables secure transmission is typically installed on a user's firewall.
Some studies are under way to determine the cost-effectiveness and feasibility of VPNs for behavioral tele-health. For example, the Rural Wisconsin Health Cooperative VPN Feasibility and Design study is looking at the feasibility of implementing VPNs for use in medical applications, including tele-psychiatry.
Professionals leave themselves open to risk if they do not adhere to accepted standards. To help the reader manage the potential for such risk. Although the list is not comprehensive, it does identify several places to start gathering relevant information. Note, too, that such standards are subject to change as the technology evolves....
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