Security of patient data is a prime concern for all of us and recent developments affecting internet security require us to upgrade our systems. So, a number of security measures have been implemented. The Crown Clinical Audit Platform (CCAP) contains sensitive patient data. Crown Informatics are bound by information governance laws to ensure the audit platform is highly secure using the most up to date methods and technologies. We have upgraded our security and encryption technologies. Most users will be unaffected by these changes, however older browsers may stop working. If you are affected, we recommend that you upgrade as soon as possible. The details below should help you decide if you need to take any action:

Upgrading to modern browser software...
Almost all modern browsers are compatible with current internet security standards and need not be upgraded.
However, keeping your browser up to date is an important security obligation and is recommended.

Modern browsers include: Internet Explorer v10 and higher, Google Chrome, Apple Safari (iPad etc), Mozilla FireFox, Opera and Android browsers.

Computer Operating Systems and Browser Versions

We have outlined checks and requirements below which you should pass on to your IT department to help them perform the necessary upgrade to your computers software:

• If your computer is running Windows XP with Service Pack 2 (SP2) or below after the 25th you will no longer have access to CCAP and will need to upgrade immediately.

• If your computer is running Windows XP Service Pack 3 (SP3) and you are currently using Internet Explorer 7 or 8 (IE7, IE8),
You should be able to use CCAP, but you may need to have your browser reconfigured. We highly recommend you upgrade to Windows 7 and Internet Explorer 11 (IE11).
If this is not possible we recommend asking your IT department to check that TLS is enabled in your browser.

• If your computer is running Windows Vista and you are currently using Internet Explorer 7, 8 or 9 (IE7, IE8, IE9),
You can continue to use CCAP, but you may need to have your browser reconfigured. We highly recommend you upgrade to Windows 7 and Internet Explorer 11 (IE11).
If this is not possible we recommend asking your IT department to check that TLS is enabled in your browser.

• If your computer is running Windows 7 and you are currently using Internet Explorer 8, 9 or 10 (IE8, IE9, IE10),
You can continue to use CCAP - but we recommend you upgrade to Internet Explorer 11 (IE11).
If this is not possible we recommend asking your IT department to check that TLS is enabled in your browser.

• If your computer is running Windows 8 and you are currently using Internet Explorer 10 (IE10),
Then you can continue to use CCAP but we recommend you upgrade to Internet Explorer 11 (IE11).
If this is not possible we recommend asking your IT department to check that TLS is enabled in your browser.

Software specifications for running the Crown Clinical Audit Platform (CCAP)
• Minimum: Not recommended: Windows XP SP3 and IE7 (with all latest updates) with TLS enabled.
• Recommended: Windows 7 SP1 with Internet Explorer 11 or other up to date modern browser (Firefox, Chrome, Safari).

Your questions answered

How can I tell what browser I'm using?
The highlighted area above should give you some details. To check, look on your browsers main menu and look for the 'About' or 'About this browser' choices. If you need help, consult with your IT department or support service as soon as possible. You can try this check, but note that your hospital may not allow you to access this site and as an external service, we cannot vouch for its accuracy, reliability or security: https://www.whatismybrowser.com
Other advice is available on the internet and you might find this site useful: http://www.bbc.co.uk/accessibility/guides/which_browser.shtml

What should I do about getting my browser upgraded?
Consult with your IT department or support service as soon as possible. Don't attempt to install any software without checking with them first.

My browser is affected, can my access be extended?
We're sorry, but we are unable to extend access to individuals, or offer any sort of grace-period extension, under any circumstances. The changes are system wide and affect all users and using old software is no longer acceptable.

Exactly what is being upgraded?
In line with recommended advice the following changes are being made:
1. Upgrade to SHA2 level SSL Certificates (currently SHA1)
2. Upgrade to support Transport Level Security (TLS) v1.2 security (currently 1.0 compatible)
3. Obsolete protocol disablement - SSLv3 (currently enabled)

What can I do if I can't access the website any longer?
Consult with your IT department or support service as soon as possible.

Can you help me upgrade my browser?
Sorry, but we can't help you upgrade your browser. Consult with your IT department or support service as soon as possible.

Is this upgrade necessary?
YES! The internet security standards agencies and manufacturers have adopted these measures to protect important data.

Does this affect this site only?
NO! These improvements are being adopted across the internet and all secure websites will insist on using the new security standards over the coming months and many already have.

I use Microsoft Internet Explorer - what alternatives are available?
Your organisation may prefer to continue to use Microsoft software and can do so by upgrading to a recent version, but other browser software is available and will work with this and most other websites. These include Google 'Chrome' and Mozilla FireFox software. To locate this software consult with your IT department or support service or try googling for reliable sources of this software. You may need permission to install software or make arrangements to use it. Consult with your IT department or support service as soon as possible. Don't attempt to install any software without checking with them first.

Are there benefits to this upgrade?
YES! Modern browser are much more secure for all your work and will be much faster overall.

Could upgrading cause me problems?
Unlikely! An upgrade to a newer version from the same supplier is usually seamless. If you switch to another browser, you might loose some bookmarks, but usually these can be transferred from your old browser to the new one. Consult with your IT department or support service to check for their recommended solutions and settings.

What will an upgrade cost?
The actual software is usually free of charge. However, someone might charge you to spend time completing the upgrade for you or providing advice. You may or may not be able to complete the upgrade yourself, so in all cases we would recommend that you discuss an upgrade your IT department or support service as soon as possible.

(All tradenames acknowledged. We take no responsibility or liability for external website materials. Use at your own risk. Access to external websites may be blocked.)