CheckPoint Software > Case Studies > Total Network Security For Telecom Plus − The Utility Warehouse

Total Network Security For Telecom Plus − The Utility Warehouse

Technology Category

Cybersecurity & Privacy - Network Security
Sensors - Utility Meters

Applicable Industries

Equipment & Machinery
Telecommunications

Applicable Functions

Procurement
Warehouse & Inventory Management

Use Cases

Tamper Detection
Water Utility Management

Services

Training

About The Customer

Telecom Plus plc is a major British company whose shares are listed on the London Stock Exchange. It is a leading provider of Internet and landline telecom, and gas and electric utility services in the UK. The company has matured to become a premier source for high-performance reliable Internet and utility services for both business and consumer markets throughout the UK. The Utility Warehouse Discount Club operated by Telecom Plus plc is a significant part of the company's operations. Many employees at Telecom Plus’ North London headquarters spend a large amount of time ‘hot-desking’ around the office as well as working remotely, necessitating the use of removable USB devices to carry around large quantities of data.

The Challenge

Telecom Plus plc, a major British company and a leading provider of Internet and landline telecom, and gas and electric utility services in the UK, faced a significant challenge. The company's Utility Warehouse Discount Club needed a network that was completely safe from the threat posed by removable media devices. Many employees at Telecom Plus’ North London headquarters spent a large amount of time ‘hot-desking’ around the office as well as working remotely. This necessitated the use of removable USB devices to carry around large quantities of data. The challenge for the IT department was to ensure that the workforce was as flexible as possible without risking the security of the network, or the threat of data theft through USB flash drives and other removable media devices. A blanket ban on removable media devices would limit the company’s workforce flexibility, and create an air of distrust among employees. The only solution was to control the use of removable media devices and have total visibility of data coming in and out of the network.

The Solution

Matthew Codina, IT Network Manager at Telecom Plus, researched software solutions that would monitor and regulate the use of removable media devices. After evaluating several products, Telecom Plus chose Pointsec Device Protector due to its flexibility, usability and sophistication. Telecom Plus made use of Pointsec’s consultancy services to decide on the most appropriate software for its needs. The consultancy service offered by Pointsec was found to be exceptional. Telecom Plus bought 200 Pointsec Device Protector version 4.52.1 licences which included Device Manager and Program Security Guard to roll out across the company. Pointsec sent in two dedicated engineers to install the software onto two PCs so it could be easily rolled out to the rest of the company. Telecom Plus also benefited from a full day’s training with Pointsec experts for all users. In addition to the original implementation phase, Pointsec engineers and trouble-shooters were on hand to help with any teething problems.

Operational Impact

The major benefit of Pointsec Device Protector for Telecom Plus is the flexibility of its content filtering, which is not only easy to use but so much more advanced than any of its competitors. This means the company can pick and choose exactly what is and is not accepted onto the network giving the network manager 100% peace of mind. As well as this, the network manager is able to get automatic email and SMS alerts if there are ever any software failures, allowing him to act immediately to ensure no damage is done. The company also benefited from a full day’s training with Pointsec experts for all users. In addition to the original implementation phase, Pointsec engineers and trouble-shooters were on hand to help with any teething problems.