Penn Medicine Citrix Gateway: Your Secure Remote Access Portal

The Penn Medicine Remote Access Portal, powered by Citrix, provides a secure and efficient way for authorized employees to access critical work applications and resources from personal devices outside the Penn Medicine network. This digital portal is designed to extend your workspace, allowing you to connect to tools such as PennChart, email, and network drives, offering flexibility and continuity for your professional tasks.

This guide will walk you through everything you need to know to successfully use the Penn Medicine Citrix Access Gateway. We cover the setup steps, how to log in, the key services you can utilize, and quick solutions for common access issues, ensuring a smooth remote working experience. It’s primarily intended for situations where a Penn Medicine managed laptop isn't available.

Preparing Your Device for Secure Access

• Duo Mobile Enrollment: You must enroll in and use Duo Mobile for two-factor authentication. Instructions for both iOS and Android devices are available.
• Citrix Workspace App: The Citrix Workspace application must be installed on your personal device. This client software enables the secure connection to Penn Medicine's virtual environment.
• Supported Operating System: The portal supports Windows (Windows 10 and above) and macOS. Please note that Chromebooks are not supported for accessing Citrix applications.
• Recommended Web Browser: For the best and most consistent experience, Google Chrome is generally recommended. However, for accessing E-Star specifically, Internet Explorer or Microsoft Edge might yield better results.
• PennKey Credentials: You will need your active PennKey username and password to log in.

Logging In to Your Digital Workspace

1. Install Citrix Workspace: First, ensure the Citrix Workspace app is installed on your computer. You can find the appropriate download for your operating system (Windows or Mac) on the Citrix website, as linked from the Penn Medicine Network Citrix page.
2. Navigate to the Portal: Open your recommended web browser (Google Chrome) and go directly to the official Penn Medicine Remote Access Portal at https://pennmedaccess.uphs.upenn.edu/. It's a good idea to bookmark this link for future use.
3. Enter Your Credentials: On the login page, type in your PennKey username and password.
4. Complete Duo Authentication: You will be prompted to authenticate using Duo Mobile. Confirm your identity through your preferred Duo method (e.g., push notification to your phone).
5. Select Your Desired Access: After successful authentication, the Remote Access Portal will appear. Select either "PennChart & Citrix Apps" or "Drives & Remote Access" to proceed.
6. Launch Your Application: When you click on an application, an .ica connection file will download. Click this file (usually found at the bottom of your browser window) to launch the application securely within Citrix Workspace.

Tools and Applications Available Remotely

• PennChart (Epic) Access: Securely view and manage electronic health records, providing essential clinical functionality from your remote location.
• Remote Desktop Protocol (RDP): Establish a virtual connection to your dedicated work computer, offering an experience similar to being in the office, with access to specific applications and files on that machine.
• Network Drive Access: Gain virtual access to your Penn Medicine shared network drives and files, supporting the ability to open and edit various document types.
• Essential Applications: Access a suite of other important applications, including Penn Medicine email, eStar, the UPHS Intranet, and various other clinical applications, crucial for daily operations.

Quick Solutions for Access Challenges

Ensuring Your Connection Remains Protected

• 🔒 Always Use Two-Factor Authentication: Duo Mobile is a mandatory security layer. Always approve Duo prompts promptly and never share your Duo codes with anyone.
• 🔒 Protect Your PennKey Credentials: Your PennKey username and password are your primary keys to access. Keep them confidential and change your password regularly, adhering to strong complexity standards.
• 🔒 Report Suspicious Activity: If you notice any unusual activity or suspect a security weakness, report it immediately to Penn Medicine's cybersecurity team via [email protected]. Do not include sensitive patient or personal information in your initial report.
• 🔒 Keep Software Updated: Ensure your operating system and Citrix Workspace app are always up-to-date with the latest security patches to minimize vulnerabilities.
• 🔒 Use Supported Devices: Access the portal only from supported Windows or Mac personal devices and avoid using public or untrusted computers for sensitive work.

Your Questions About Remote Access Answered