For years, when Acclaim Networks has sold a WatchGuard firewall and a client needed additional wireless access points to saturate coverage across their campus, we had to recommend and integrate a WAP from an entirely different vendor simply because WatchGuard didn’t offer them. That created a rather disjointed security posture, and left a lot to be desired from a management perspective.

Now, that has all changed, and in a BIG way. If you’re already familiar with WatchGuard’s UTM security services (application control, intrusion prevention, URL and web content filtering, virus and spam blocking, etc), you’ll be glad to know they can be seamlessly extended from the firewall to the WLAN to protect mobile devices like smartphones, tablets and notebooks. You’ll also appreciate the powerful roaming capabilities when moving between AP’s, the PoE and AC adapter options, and the strength of signal provided by the 2×2 MIMO with dual spatial streams.

But for us, the most exciting aspect is time savings provided by the ability integrate wired and wireless security policies and administer them behind a “single pane of glass”. The same management interface used to administer the XTM firewall is also used to configure and manage the AP’s. In fact, it will even auto-discover newly installed AP’s. This not only saves time on both setup and maintenance activities, but also allows the administrator to scan and report functionality details about wireless devices on the network for compliance monitoring.

The new wireless AP’s from WatchGuard close the loop on security for both your wired and wireless LAN’s, while providing management and reporting capabilities that were previously unavailable while using disparate vendors. Call us at Acclaim Networks for more information or pricing on these units. We think you’ll be thrilled with the ease of use, enhanced functionalities provided, and even the price!

For more information on WatchGuard’s AP’s, click here. http://watchguard.com/products/access-point/overview.asp

No, there’s not a typo in the title above. For all intents and purposes, HIPAA and HITECH compliance rules apply to computer support and IT service providers who offer network support for dental and healthcare clients much in the same way that they do to the doctors and dentists they work for. Classified as Business Associates (BA’s) under the law, IT support companies typically fall under the purview of the regulations because they can be technically defined as an entity that creates, maintains, receives or transmits Protected Health Information (PHI). With access to servers, networks and email systems that store, process and As many healthcare providers lag behind on the establishment of the policies, procedures and training programs mandated by HIPAA, you can be sure that most IT service companies and managed services providers are behind as well.

For the small healthcare office that’s struggling to get their own HIPAA house in order, adding this BA wrinkle to the mix certainly complicates things further. So what are healthcare and dental practices to do when it comes to making sure their preferred IT vendor isn’t taking them out of HIPAA compliance?

The first step is making sure they’ve signed a Business Associate Agreement (BAA); one that describes the permitted and required uses of PHI by the BA, provides that the business associate will not use or further disclose the PHI other than as permitted or required by the contract or as required by law, and requires the BA to use appropriate safeguards to prevent a use or disclosure of the PHI other than as provided for by the contract. When a covered entity knows of a material breach or violation by the BA of the contract or agreement, the covered entity is required to take reasonable steps to cure the breach or end the violation, and if such steps are unsuccessful, to terminate the contract or arrangement with the BA. All subcontractors to your BA are also expected to sign a BAA with the BA. If the BA can’t even spell HIPAA, or is otherwise unable or unwilling to sign these agreement, it’s time to start looking for a new provider.

Next, talk to your IT company about their knowledge of technical solutions that can help strengthen adherence to the Security Rule contained within HIPAA. Things like antivirus software, secure VPN connections, business-class firewalls with Intrusion Prevention, data backup and disaster recovery solutions, as well as device encryption should all be part of the conversation. Data encryption is particularly important as it can create a “safe harbor” against the requirement to report a breach due to a lost or stolen device that contains PHI. Email encryption is also key. Any time PHI is transmitted via email it must be encrypted for the patient’s protection.

Finally, make sure your computer support company is aware of changes to your practice that may require an update to your security posture. Compliance today does not equal compliance tomorrow. So, things like adding tablets, allowing employees to use their own smart phones, installing a wireless access point for patient waiting rooms, or even hiring and firing employees can all create vulnerabilities that will need to be addressed in order to maintain security.

Training and awareness programs are also a key aspect of continued compliance. Check with your IT provider to see if they offer any security related training that could help strengthen security. After all, they’re in the HIPAA compliance business as well, whether they know it or not.

As a WatchGuard XTM customer you can now control your entire network – both wired and wireless – with comprehensive, integrated security policies and increased visibility. With WatchGuard’s new AP100 and AP200 wireless access points, rest assured that your wireless network is secure with our best-in-class-security. Deploying these easy-to-setup AP devices on your XTM-protected network enables you to:

• Secure your WLAN from today’s sophisticated, blended threats. Safe and controlled connection of mobile devices.
• Unify device management. Configuration and management of wired and wireless networks is a breeze.
• Apply wired and wireless security policies simultaneously. WatchGuard access points use the current settings already in use by the UTM firewall so all of the corporate policies on Facebook, BitTorrent, etc. immediately apply.

And if that wasn’t enough of an incentive to deploy WatchGuard wireless AP’s to your network….

Now through June 30, 2013:
Buy 3 Wireless Access Point devices today and get an additional device FREE!

Call Acclaim Networks today for pricing, details and access to your FREE AP!! Metro (817) 488-1030

Sponsored by: Acclaim Networks
April 8-10, 2013 — Las Colinas Executive Suites
320 Decker Drive, Suite 100 Irving, Texas 75062

Sign up now for WatchGuard certified training on the basics of using the Fireware XTM for your WatchGuard firewall! Our WatchGuard Fireware XTM basics class covers just about every feature of the WatchGuard Family. This is a single 3-day course ($2,495) that also encompasses the VPN training. It is jam packed with hands on labs, and in depth explanations of the features of the WatchGuard Firewall, including the newest features of the XTM release. Modules include: Introduction, Architecture, Navigation, Basics, Logging, Network, NAT, Authentication, Policies, Proxies, Monitor, Report, Defenses, IPS, Antivirus, MUVPN, Spam Blocker, Managed BOVPN, Manual BOVPN, and Centralized Management. If you have a WatchGuard you’ll learn how to use it more effectively!

At the training, we provide everything you need: a firewall, laptop, and Advanced XTM student guides. We encourage students to bring in network maps of their systems, as well as a copy of their firewall config files. After class we will spend one-on-one time with students reviewing their networks, as well as making recommendations on how to implement the course in their specific environment.

During the course, you will:
-Work with Firebox or XTM Device Configuration Files
-Configure Firebox or XTM Device Interfaces
-Set up Logging and Notification
-Use FSM to Monitor Firebox or XTM Device Activity
-Create Reports on Network Activity
-Use NAT (Network Address Translation)
-Use QoS to Manage and Prioritize Network Traffic
-Verify User Identities
-Define Basic Network Security Policies
-Work with Proxy Policies
-Filter Web Traffic with WebBlocker
-Block Unwanted Email with spamBlocker
-Defend Your Network From Intruders
-Use Gateway AntiVirus and Intrusion Prevention Service
-Use Reputation Enabled Defense
-Connect Remote Users with VPN Tunnels (IPSEC, SSL and PPTP)
-Manually Create Branch Office Tunnels
-Use Managed VPN Tunnels
-Use the Management Server and Centralized Management

Seating is extremely limited in order to maintain a low teacher/student ratio. Call now (888) 327-5647, or email to register and reserve your spot today!