CheckPoint Software > Case Studies > Securing Global Telecommunications: A Case Study of Symsoft AB and Check Point VPN-1

Securing Global Telecommunications: A Case Study of Symsoft AB and Check Point VPN-1

Technology Category

Cybersecurity & Privacy - Endpoint Security
Cybersecurity & Privacy - Identity & Authentication Management

Applicable Industries

National Security & Defense
Telecommunications

Applicable Functions

Quality Assurance

Use Cases

Tamper Detection
Voice Biometrics

Services

System Integration

About The Customer

Symsoft AB is a telecommunications company that enables operators to offer subscribers profitable new services, such as multimedia messaging. Their solutions have been used in high-profile events such as the 50th annual Eurovision Song Contest, where viewers cast votes via SMS text messages. Symsoft’s real-time solutions for messaging, billing, and data-packet services are used by major operators in Asia, Europe, and South America, reaching more than 80 million subscribers. Based in Stockholm, the company also has offices in Dubai and Ecuador. Despite having only 60 employees, Symsoft has a global reach, installing its software on servers shipped to customer locations across three continents.

The Challenge

Symsoft AB, a telecommunications company, provides innovative services to operators, enabling them to offer subscribers new services such as multimedia messaging. With a small team of 60 employees, Symsoft has a global reach, installing its Java-based software on open servers shipped to customer locations across three continents. The company is obligated to provide 24-hour support for its customers, requiring them to log on to the Symsoft network and connect remotely to customer installations anywhere. This global reach and remote access to customer's real-time, mission-critical systems make security a vital concern. Compromised security could lead to significant revenue losses for a customer and potentially damage Symsoft's reputation. As a software developer, Symsoft also needs to protect its main asset—its source code—from theft or damage by network intruders.

The Solution

Symsoft addressed its security challenges by using Check Point VPN-1 Pro software, a tightly integrated combination of firewall, VPN, and intrusion prevention technologies. This solution allows Symsoft to establish an IT infrastructure linking its distant offices, people, and customers through virtual private networks (VPNs) on the Internet. The Dubai office connects to the Symsoft internal network through a VPN-1 Edge appliance managed from Stockholm, ensuring that the office stays secure and information traveling between the two locations remains confidential. Remote Symsoft users, including office workers in Ecuador, gain secure access to the home network via VPN-1 SecureClient. This solution protects data during transmission and ensures compliance with the company’s desktop security policies for remote users. To further enhance security, Symsoft uses OPSEC-certified SafeWord for Check Point, which eliminates password risk by using tokens to generate new passcodes for every user login.

Operational Impact

The implementation of Check Point VPN-1 Pro has transformed Symsoft's operations. Previously, the company used a dial-up solution for remote access that was infrequently used. Now, remote access has become business-critical. The use of top technology suppliers like Check Point and Secure Computing has helped secure the confidence of Symsoft's customers, especially since the company accesses their installations remotely to perform upgrades and support. The Check Point solution has provided good access control and an efficient, easy-to-use management interface for the system administrator. The flexibility of the Check Point solution has been particularly impressive, allowing Symsoft to meet new access requirements almost daily. The company is now considering Check Point Integrity™ solutions for even stronger endpoint security.

Quantitative Benefit

Symsoft's solutions reach more than 80 million subscribers worldwide.
The company has a global presence with offices in Stockholm, Dubai, and Ecuador.
Symsoft provides 24-hour support for its customers across three continents.