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Remote computing service strengthens security by George Spain CCIT Technical Publisher CCIT recently unveiled a new computing service that enables remote connections to Homeroom storage space and allows for secure, FERPA- and HIPAA-compliant applications access. The service is Virtual Private Networking (VPN) and is available for Windows, Macintosh (OS X only), Linux, and versions of Unix operating systems. More information and links to the software can be found on the MUSC Web site at http://www.musc.edu/vpn/.  The service requires that the user have an MUSC Network Account (MNA) and register online.  The user must also agree to “install and securely maintain an Internet firewall and virus protection software, and to follow other sound practices to keep their VPN client system(s) secure against unauthorized access.” To this end, the agreement also states that, “MUSC reserves the right to audit all VPN client systems, and all communications between VPN client systems and MUSC’s network, for compliance with all applicable MUSC security requirements.” “The Windows version of the VPN client comes with a built-in firewall, but Macintosh and Linux users must either configure the firewalls included with their operating systems or download a third-party firewall,” said John Buelk, a CCIT systems engineer and VPN project leader. Buelk stress that the burden is on the user to make sure the connection is protected from intrusion by using a personal firewall. VPN, also known as a “tunneling” protocol, sets up a secure computer-to-computer connection through third party Internet Service Providers (ISPs). For the first time, a high-speed (broadband) Comcast, Bellsouth, Knology, or Nuvox, connection will be secure enough to allow access to sensitive financial and patient data.  “We expect VPN connections to gain wide popularity as the use of home-based broadband increases,” Buelk said. “Up to now our main method of remote connectivity has been through PPP [Peer-to-Peer Protocol]. While PPP will still be available, we expect a shift to VPN from the users who need high-speed access.” PPP is almost exclusively used by those using a modem for a dial-up remote connection. It is associated with top modem speeds of 56k, while VPN speeds top out at speeds far above that including Comcast’s and Knology’s cable modem speed and BellSouth’s DSL speeds.  Buelk said that installation was strictly “do-it-yourself,” but suggested a close reading of the on-line documentation to save some headaches. “If the documentation doesn’t fully satisfy the problems associated with the initial installation, you can call CCIT at 792-9700,” Buelk said. Catalyst Online is published weekly, updated as needed and improved from time to time by the MUSC Office of Public Relations for the faculty, employees and students of the Medical University of South Carolina. Catalyst Online editor, Kim Draughn, can be reached at 792-4107 or by email, catalyst@musc.edu. Editorial copy can be submitted to Catalyst Online and to The Catalyst in print by fax, 792-6723, or by email to petersnd@musc.edu or catalyst@musc.edu. To place an ad in The Catalyst hardcopy, call Community Press at 849-1778.