Securicom introduces refashioned VPN solution for greater customisability, security

Local IT security specialist, Securicom, has rebuilt and repackaged its SSL (Secure Socket Layer) Virtual Private Network (VPN) service, Securicom SSL VPN, to provide greater customisability and advanced security capabilities for managing the risks associated with granting remote access to company resources via the Internet.

The solution, which is offered as a fully-managed service, uses best-of-breed VPN technology at the back-end and includes expert consultancy upfront to ensure that it meets individual business's access and security requirements.

“We've designed our service to offer companies utmost flexibility when implementing a VPN. No two companies have the same access and security requirements. One size certainly does not fit all when it comes to VPNs. With our newly-modelled SSL VPN service, companies know they have the most appropriate solution to fit their exact needs,” says the company's Operations Director, Dries Morris.

Securicom SSL VPN is a standalone solution that enables companies to give mobile workers and remote offices direct access to business applications, files and e-mails at any time, even though they are not on the company network. Remote users access the corporate network via a highly-secure, easy-to-use online interface using a standard Web browser on any Internet-enabled device.

The Web interface (portal) can be customised to suit the company's individual requirements in terms of look-and-feel and functionality. From there, users can work on files in the same way they would if they were on the network.

Flexible and scalable, Securicom SSL VPN is a versatile remote access platform that can extend remote access beyond employees to vendors, partners, contractors, customers and even other applications (all via Web services).

“Security is always a concern for companies allowing mobile users and contractors remote access to their networks. Our solution has advanced capabilities for managing the risks associated with allowing people to access company resources remotely via the Internet,” says Morris.

To ensure utmost security and to control access, Securicom SSL VPN runs predefined corporate compliancy checks on all users accessing company resources via the Web interface, and users are required to logon using multi-factor authentication for optimal security. The checks are based on the organisation's specific rule-sets.

Companies can create user groups and profiles to manage and control the level of access users have to files and data. Securicom SSL VPN features a host checker, which enables Securicom's team of experts to update users' anti-virus protection and force system scans to ensure up-to-date security.

Data sent over the Internet is transferred in a secure, encrypted tunnel and according to strict authentication protocols.

Although the solution is hosted and maintained upstream by Securicom at a secure data centre, companies still have full control over configuring and changing user accounts and access levels. Companies also have full visibility of the VPN from a dedicated online management console.

“Company administrators have access to a secure online console, which provides a snapshot view of activity on the company's VPN. Administrators can see which users have accessed the site, what applications they used, what time they connected, how long they remained connected and much more. Securicom SSL VPN also has capabilities for analysing and reporting on this information.

“In a nutshell, it has all flexibility required to serve the business needs of remote access, while maintaining a secure posture and network integrity, and enabling productivity even from many unmanaged endpoints,” concludes Morris.