Actu
Sophos keeps data secure for TV licensing project
February 2009 by Marc Jacob
Sophos announced that it is installing its Network Access Control (NAC) solution at Proximity London – a London based marketing agency. Handling highly sensitive data as part of the agency’s work on TV licensing campaigns, Proximity London needed to ensure completely secure and restricted network access for all those dealing with the confidential information. To ensure this, Proximity London selected Sophos NAC Advanced, a software-based solution which automatically detects and remediates endpoint software incompatibilities and vulnerabilities – mitigating the risk of data loss through the control, quarantine or blocking of unauthorised or non-compliant computers.
Due to the nature of its work, Proximity London requires a secure connection to allow the agency to receive sensitive data from clients, which is then used for marketing activities and other projects. It is vital that this information is secured against potential leaks, either in transit or within the agency. Proximity London decided to implement a NAC solution that could set appropriate access levels for individual staff and visitors, preventing employees and guests from inadvertently seeing inappropriate information. Sophos NAC Advanced can also be used to set policies, ensuring for instance that all sensitive data is encrypted before it is transferred.
“This particular project is an example of where basic or standard IT security just isn’t enough,” said Michael Curtis, head of technology integration at Proximity London. “It was imperative that everyone working on this project could not access the internet from the network, had access to approved network resources only, and had secure access to external sources. We had to be sure that our machines and connections could not be compromised.”
Driven by the rise in high profile incidents of data loss, many businesses are now seeking to tighten security beyond traditional anti-virus software and implement policy measures on the corporate network. Indeed, as in Proximity London’s case, many firms will be required to demonstrate a specific level of security before they will be considered for project or partner work.
Sophos NAC Advanced enables administrators to monitor the health of their networks - updating and/or installing software updates and security patches on all managed, unmanaged and guest computers connected to the network. In addition, allowing highly granular policies to be set, a NAC solution ensures that only approved and secure computers, laptops and mobile devices have restricted and controlled access to network resources.
“We looked at a number of alternative solutions on the market,” continued Curtis. “However, the consultation and support offered by Sophos, coupled with the extensive features and fine control over policies that NAC Advanced provides, mean it is the ideal option. Since there have been no faults or downtime, and practically zero administration since roll-out, we’re confident we now have the best solution in place.”
"Preventing data loss has become the number one priority for businesses that need to work with sensitive information," said Jonathan Hughes, VP at Sophos UK. "Network administrators now require solutions that provide protection and control beyond traditional security threats. With sophisticated yet manageable NAC offerings now on the market, businesses can extend their IT security remit to ensure a much greater level of compliance and control."
In addition to running NAC Advanced, Proximity London also uses Sophos Endpoint Security and Control to protect all endpoints against the threats of malware, adware, and other suspicious files, and to control the use of unauthorised software such as instant messaging, voice-over IP, peer-to-peer file exchange and games.
