Keeping Internet Transactions Secure - Our Tasks |
Published: October, 2001
|
Logging On to the PBH Site - Web ID and Password
Auto Logoff
Minimum System Requirements
What is a browser?
What do I do if I need a new browser?
How long will it take to upgrade and install a browser?
Problems with downloading a new browser
Are the website and PBHI.Com online advantages available to Macintosh users?
Taking the Mystery Out of Encryption
How to determine your level of encryption
Viruses
Virus Software
Authentication/Authorization - Getting Connected to Your Information
Firewalls
Key Points to remember
Logging On to the PBH Site - Web ID and Password
In order to demonstrate a commitment to security and accountability, much effort has gone into developing the process for practitioner logon. Practitioners will be required to have both a Web Identification Number (ID) and a Password. Your ID will always be generated for you by PBH. The password you receive will only work the first time you login. At that time, you will be required to choose another password. Additionally, you will be required to reestablish a new password annually.
In addition to the ID and password, the system will also ensure that you continue to be authorized to view online data. Thus, should your contract be terminated with PBH, you will be granted 90 days to complete your work online. This time frame should provide you with ample time to complete paperwork and claims for services provided while under contract.
PBH has given considerable thought to how to provide a secure, but business enhancing site for you. You can help us ensure its success by following these confidentiality procedures.
Back to Top
Auto Logoff
Logged in users whose computers are inactive on the site for 10 minutes will be automatically logged off from their current session. This is a security measure required by state and federal regulations and is subject to change without notice. To complete any further actions you will be required to login again. Additionally, users will be required to login again regardless of activity every four (4) hours.
PBH also requests that all users of the website log off immediately when they are no longer able to attend to the online session.
Back to Top
Minimum System Requirements
In an attempt to keep the information that moves between PBH and our practitioner offices as secure as possible, a combination of required hardware, software and on line processes have been established. This is in addition to the web ID/password security measures discussed above. Minimum system requirements also enable you to load secure information on your computer system as designed, and reduce and/or prevent many 'crashes' that can happen when data is exchanged between two systems.
Becoming familiar with these requirements is likely to make your online experience more successful and satisfactory. Understanding these requirements and processes will make any troubleshooting assistance that you may require less frustrating and ultimately faster. Below is a review of requirements and an explanation of how they assist in security.
Back to Top
Browser Information
What is a browser?
A browser is software that enables you to visit and view web sites. They take programming code sent to you from over the Internet and translate it into what you see on a web page. Without a browser, you wouldn't be able to read web site material. Most people are familiar with Microsoft's Internet Explorer or Netscape's Navigator/Communicator as versions of Web Browsers.
One of the functions of your browser it to allow encryption to occur. Encryption is another security measure put into place to secure online transactions. Not all browsers support the highest levels of security available. Because of this inability to keep transactions secure, particular browsers are required for completing online transactions with PBH.
What Internet browser versions does PBH require?
In order to meet PBH's high security standards, you'll need Internet access and one of the following browsers:
|
MINIMUM SYSTEM REQUIREMENTS BROWSERS |
|
Operating System |
AOL |
Netscape Navigator |
Netscape Communicator |
Microsoft Internet Explorer |
|
Windows 95, 98, NT 4.0 |
5.0 or Later |
4.08 or later |
4.7 or later |
4.01 or later |
|
Macintosh |
5.0 or Later |
4.08 or later |
4.7 or later |
4.51 or later |
|
UNIX |
5.0 or Later |
4.08 or later |
4.7 or later |
4.01 or later |
REQUIRED ENCRYPTION LEVEL: 128-bit encryption
You can check which browser version you have by checking the "Help" section of your browser toolbar and selecting "About Microsoft Internet Explorer or Netscape Navigator."
Back to Top
What do I do if I need a new browser?
If you don't have one of the browsers listed, you can access them for download over the Internet or install the software via CD-ROM. Having an upgraded browser will help you take advantage of more on the Internet, and will ensure increased security for information that you request and send over the Internet.
For more specific information on upgrading and installing your preferred Internet browser, please see below or visit either the Netscape or Microsoft Website.
Back to Top
How long will it take to upgrade and install a browser?
Depending on your computer's configurations, upgrading and installing a browser over the Internet can take from ten minutes to two hours. Browsers can also be installed from CD-ROM available from both Netscape and Microsoft's Websites.
Problems with downloading a new browser
If your Internet connection is slower than 28.8, or if you are using an older browser version, you may experience difficulty downloading and installing the latest browser versions. You can order a new browser version on a CD through Microsoft's or Netscape's web site.
Order the latest browser versions on a CD:
Microsoft Internet Explorer 5.0
Netscape Communicator 4.7 [includes Netscape Navigator 4.08]
Back to Top
Are the website and PBHI.Com online advantages available to Macintosh users?
Macintosh users have full access to the site as long as they are using an approved browser:
- Netscape Navigator 4.08/Netscape Communicator 4.7 or later version
- Microsoft Internet Explorer 4.51 or later version
Encryption
Taking the Mystery Out of Encryption
Encryption helps to protect private information from being intercepted and read by a third party. Encryption scrambles information in order to allow transmission back and forth between two points. To decode the information a "key" is required.
When you request or send member information, the request or response is sent in an "encrypted" form. We decode your requests for information and we send information to you in an encrypted structure. Your system decodes this information when you receive it so that you may read it. You can easily tell by particular symbols displayed while using your browser, such as a broken or intact key/lock icon, whether or not a site is secure.
Until fairly recently 40-bit encryption was standard, and is known as "international level encryption." The 128-bit encryption referred to as "U.S. and/or Canada" or "domestic-grade encryption" is appreciably stronger and provides a notably higher level of security for you and your members. If you are not currently using a 128-bit encrypted browser, you will not be able to use our site until you have 128-bit encryption ability. You can download both Netscape and Microsoft browsers that support such technology.
Back to Top
How to determine your level of encryption
You can easily check your level of encryption on most browsers:
For Netscape Browsers:
- Earlier versions provide you with a key icon in the bottom left-hand corner of your screen containing
- One tooth in the key for 40-bit or
- Two teeth in the key for 128-bit encryption.
- Later versions show a lock on the left side of the status bar. However, the lock does not discriminate between 40- and 128-bit encryption on screen for you. In these versions, you must check your level of encryption by:
- Going to the "View" menu
- Selecting "Page Info"
- Checking under "Security"
Back to Top
For Microsoft Browsers:
- Go to the "File" menu
- Select "Properties"
- Select "Security" or check "Connection"
Example of Microsoft "File" Method
Back to Top
Or select "Help" and then "About Internet Explorer."
Example of Microsoft "Help" Method
Back to Top
Viruses and Virus Software
Viruses
A virus is a program that is loaded onto your computer and run without your permission. Viruses can bring your system to a halt, request your system to complete actions without your permission and can spread itself to files on your computer and to others with whom you share data.
Viruses can be devastating to you and your computer. The danger of these programs is that they can also replicate themselves and spread to other computers and networks to which you connect electronically. When this happens, files and data can be corrupted, and security systems can become incapacitated.
Due to the level of confidentiality that PBH must maintain, we cannot permit such viruses onto the network. To do so could wipe out legacy and data systems, and allow unauthorized access to private and confidential data.
Back to Top
Virus Software
Virus software is designed to detect and contain viruses so that they do not impede computer function or spread themselves to other computers via a network or the Internet. As a means of maintaining a secure and functioning system, PBH requires our logged in website users to maintain virus software that is capable of detecting and containing the most recent viruses.
Contractually, you must currently have such software before utilizing the website, or you will be required to download or install such software. Two of the most popular virus programs are McAfee and Symantec/Norton, but there are other powerful tools. PBH may require that particular virus software tools be installed and used in order to control the quality of the protection afforded by the software.
In addition to the required software, it is imperative that the software be updated. As new viruses are created and spread throughout networks and computers through the Internet, new "patches" to the various virus software packages are created. Most often, you can get these patches by logging onto the website of the company from whom you purchased the software, and downloading the updates.
Virus software may be purchased initially at most stores at which software is sold, or downloaded at virus software company websites. You may access more information on two of the approved softwares by going to:
Back to Top
Authentication/Authorization
Getting connected to your information
In addition to specific browser requirements, PBH will use other safety features and methods to help ensure that your online business with PBH is safe and secure. Authentication ensures that the individual is who he or she states they are. We have a precise authentication process to help ensure that when you request information, only you receive the information. The process of identifying you, using your web ID and password is part of this process.
Once you have connected to the secure portion of the site, the process of authorization determines what information you are allowed to view. Although a member may have multiple practitioners providing care to them, you will only be viewing the information related to the interactions between you and the member.
Also, currently you are considered to be an authorized user of information as long as you remain a contracted provider. Should your contract with PacifiCare Behavioral Health be terminated for any reason, your web account will allow you to access secured information for 90 days. The time extension beyond the contract termination is provided to allow you to complete any outstanding paperwork and claims and to make inquiries regarding the secured information you might need to close your member files.
Back to Top
Firewalls
PBH systems are protected by a "firewall," allowing entry only to those who are authorized. Firewalls, in conjunction with other security measures, such as authentication methods, allow websites to maintain security. A firewall is a combination of hardware and software designed to protect the resources on a private network from access or invasion by unauthorized outside users.
The firewall is placed between an organization's internal network and any external networks including the Internet. The firewall's job is basically to intercept messages during transmission and examine the characteristics of the message. If the source attempting to access the system violates established rules of that system, then the party attempting to access is denied entry or the content of the message is rejected.
|
Key Points
Ways to protect information and protect yourself from liability.
- First and foremost, don't reveal your web ID or password to anyone else. Your web ID and password is designed to protect information, but it will only work if you keep it private. If you think your web ID or password has been compromised, please contact us immediately.
- Use your computer out of the way of direct traffic where unauthorized persons may not view your monitor. Never walk away from your computer if you are in the middle of an online session.
- Once you have finished conducting your business online, always log off.
- If anyone else is likely to use your computer, clear your cache or turn off and reinitiate your browser in order to eliminate copies of web pages that have been stored in your hard drive. How you clear your cache will depend on the browser and version you have. This function is generally found in the "preferences" menu of your browser.
- PBH requires that you use a browser with 128-bit encryption to conduct secure transactions over the Internet, and that you keep updated virus software on installed on your computer.
- Failure to follow the guidelines based on PBH policies and state and federal regulations can expose providers to civil and criminal litigation and penalties.
|
Back to Top
  | 
