Norwich & Peterborough Building Society has rolled out Check Point Software Technologies' remote gateway to secure staff access to its corporate networks via SMS messaging.
The society has chosen Check Point's Connectra NGX R66 technology, licensed for 50 concurrent users, to improve remote access security, enabling it to offer flexible working for staff. The system also contributes to the group's contingency planning strategy against pandemics or other serious incidents that would disrupt normal office working.
Check Point's gateway includes a DynamicID feature, which sends authentication codes to end-users via text message without the need of a dedicated server, eliminating the need for employees to carry smartcards or tokens.
In addition, a secure workspace feature encrypts all session files such as attachments, cookies, e-mails, and passwords on the remote users' PC. This prevents sensitive corporate information from being viewed or stolen even after a session ends.
To ensure infected computers do not pass threats onto the corporate network, Connectra NGX R66 uses integrated intrusion prevention and endpoint security to block viruses, malware and malicious attacks.
Andrew Winkless, systems architect, Norwich & Peterborough Building Society, says token-based authentication methods and client-based VPN solutions were ruled out in favour of the Check Point system because of the costs of managing and maintaining them.
"We estimate the solution will pay for itself in a year, compared with the costs of licensing and support for a client-based VPN solution," concludes Winkless.