VPN | Questions and Answers
Questions and Answers
Miscellaneous questions about Virtual Private Network (VPN).
Q: What is VPN?
A: It is a secure connection between your computer and the company's private network over the internet. It is NOT the internet, but an encryption tool, so yes, you still need an internet connection.
Q: Is it safe to use?
A: Yes! Once connected, it's like being on the computer at work. The connection between your computer and the company's network is encrypted.
Q: Can I use my cell phone's mobile hotspot?
A: Yes. VPN does not care were the internet comes from. This includes hotels, restaurants, or your home.
Q: Is it HIPAA and PHI compliant?
A: Yes. All traffic is encrypted and it's no different than being on a computer at work.
Q: When should I use VPN?
A: It depends. If you're traveling or working from home, you may need to use it. Some applications are Cloud-based and may have their security measures without the use of a VPN. However, if you need to access File Shares or Printers on the company network, then VPN is required.
Q: How do I sign in?
A: You will use the same computer credentials that were used to sign in to the computer.
Q: What if I lock myself out when logging into VPN?
A: The VPN login will have the same effect as if you were signing into a computer at work. If locked, allow 15 minutes for your account to self-unlock. Do not keep trying before then or you can reset the lock-out time.
Q: Do I have VPN?
A: Most laptops will most likely have it already installed. If not, please create an incident for the IT department to install and configure. To find out if you have it, go to the Windows search bar and type "Barracuda". If you see a folder that shows "Barracuda Network Access Client", then you have it installed.
Q: I have VPN installed, but it's not allowing me to sign in.
A: There could be many reasons why you can't, but the two main reasons are not having an internet connection or VPN permission. Please make sure you're connected to the internet by visiting a public website such as MSN or Yahoo and see if the website pulls up. Showing connected doesn't always mean you have internet. The other reason is the VPN permission. Not everyone by default has permission to use it. If you don't have permission, it will prevent you from using it. To request VPN access, please visit the service catalog and look for "VPN | Request Access" or click here.
Q: How do I get the VPN permission?
A: You, your manager, or HR can submit the request by visiting the IT portal. To request VPN access, please visit the service catalog and look for "VPN | Request Access" or click here.
Q: Do I need to use VPN in my hospital?
A: No. Your laptop should have already been whitelisted to work in your hospital. You should connect to the "Hospital_Employees" network if you are working on WiFi throughout the hospital. If you are visiting another company hospital, the laptop will need to be whitelisted for that hospital. In this case, please create an incident. If you need your laptop whitelisted, please request WiFi in the Service Catalog or click here.
Q: Is VPN required for WellSky?
A: No. WellSky is a website, but it knows if you're in the hospital because of the IP address of the hospital. You'll need to request WellSky Remote Access from the Service Catalog or click here.
NEW - VPN now allows access to WellSky! It's still recommended to request Remote Access.
Q: Why does my VPN appear to be stuck on trying to connect?
A: Hospitals use DUO (2FA) to authenticate you. If you don't click "Approve" on the DUO app on your phone, then your VPN will sit there and spin. If you haven't enrolled, nothing will happen. Please create an incident and ask for a Duo enrollment email.
Instructions
How to connect to our network remotely.
https://nobis.freshservice.com/support/solutions/articles/16000010720
Troubleshooting
https://nobis.freshservice.com/support/solutions/articles/16000044782