Protecting Carilion Devices from Un-supported Software

Healthcare organizations are often the targets of cyberattacks. To protect our patients’ information, we only allow Carilion-supported software to be installed on Carilion devices. We are taking steps to improve computer security by restricting un-supported software installation.

Which Carilion devices does this include?
Carilion-supported software may be installed on any workstation or laptop provided by Carilion to employees to do their jobs.

What are some examples of un-supported software?
Some examples of un-supported software include internet browsers such as Brave or Opera, free PDF readers such as FreePDF or PrimoPDF, and VPN software such as ProtonVPN or ExpressVPN.

How do I know if my device has un-supported software?
If you have un-supported software on your Carilion device, you will receive an email from the Technology Services Group (TSG) with information about how the software should be managed and maintained moving forward.

How do I request software for my Carilion device?
If you have questions about a software package or you need software installed or updated on your Carilion device, please submit a request in Employee Center at https://carilion.service-now.com/esc. Download this job aid for instructions.

Why are we doing this?

• Security Vulnerabilities: Un-supported software may not receive security patches or updates, leaving systems exposed to known vulnerabilities. Cybercriminals can exploit these vulnerabilities to gain unauthorized access, steal sensitive information, or deploy malware.
• Compatibility Problems: Un-supported software may not be compatible with newer hardware, applications, or operating systems. This can lead to operational inefficiencies, data loss, and increased maintenance costs.
• Technical Support Absence: Without official technical support, users of un-supported software may struggle to resolve issues or find workarounds. This can result in increased downtime and reduced productivity.
• Hidden Cost Models: While un-supported software may appear to be free or low cost in the beginning, there may be hidden costs associated with using the software in a corporate environment, resulting in unexpected licensing fees.

Questions?
If you have any questions, contact the Technology Service Center (TSC) in Employee Center at https://carilion.service-now.com/esc, or by phone at 540-224-1599 (71599) or 800-354-1599.