Johannesburg, 02 Jul 2002
With security issues at the top of every IT agenda, many businesses are finding server-based computing solutions can provide a high level of security for remote and mobile application access. Citrix iForum 2002 Africa, to be held on 23 July at Vodaworld Midrand, will address how companies can go about securing the virtual workplace.
"Within a business, IT can increase productivity by allowing remote users, such as field employees and others who are out at meetings or travelling on business, to access email, office applications and databases. This in turn allows them to provide customers and partners with up-to-date pricing, inventory and order information," Nick Black, Systems Engineer at Citrix Systems SA, the local office of Citrix Systems, Inc., a global leader in application serving and portal software and services.
"However, as companies introduce tighter security controls, users are expected to remember and be responsible for more and more passwords. Eventually, the effect of too many passwords is either a drop in productivity, as people avoid using applications for which they require unique passwords; or a reduction in security, as people tend to start writing passwords down," he points out.
"Security has become a mandatory concern, as interconnections multiply almost as fast as security threats arise. Companies are connected to the Internet - and to each other- as never before.
"Meanwhile, computer attacks are becoming ever more sophisticated, to the point where firewalls are the beginning rather than the end of a security implementation. Frequently, when users are logged into an IT system via a remote connection, they have access to the entire network and, therefore, its resources."
Black believes that in spite of the fact that crime rates for computer security are increasing, organisations shouldn`t seal off their networks and lock up their laptops - such a move is anathema to the concept of the virtual workplace.
"Instead, every organisation should create and maintain a well defined and realistic security policy that doesn`t inhibit the productivity of the workforce," he suggests.
Evidently, there are more ways to make remote access systems more secure, than merely doing additional desktop deployments.
"One method that avoids a multiplicity of passwords is a single Security Directory sign-on, which provides centralised access control - identifying who is authorised to access which areas and levels of information and applications on the server.
"Information and application usage is controlled; and access is granted by a predetermined security policy based on the user`s needs, position, level or other components set by the security policy and the organisation. The user only needs to use one single password plus a smart card or token to access everything he or she is authorised to access," he explains.
According to Black the by using Citrix Secure Gateway (CSG), Citrix MetaFrame XP for Windows or MetaFrame for UNIX customers can achieve simple and secure delivery of Windows and UNIX applications across the Internet via Citrix NFuse Classic application portal software.
"CSG secures all MetaFrame traffic travelling across the Internet via industry-standard Secure Socket Layer (SSL) between MetaFrame clients and servers. CSG makes firewall traversal easier, provides heightened security with SSL encryption and simplifies application deployment. It provides a single point of entry and secure access to Citrix MetaFrame server farms," he says.
"The virtual workplace opens up new possibilities and new frontiers for companies. However, with each technology step forward, new challenges are posed. With access to key data at the heart of the virtual workplace, the integrity of that data must be paramount. For portals, mobile access and other server-based solutions, the final word must always be security," concludes Black.
To register for Citrix iForum2002 Africa go to www.citrixiforumafrica.co.za , or for more information please call (011) 452-4693.
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