ci connect | Issue 8
Law Firm Michelmores Chooses CI-Net and AEP Networks for Secure Remote Access
Leading south west legal practice Michelmores is implementing a secure remote access system from AEP Networks to support its growing demand for mobile working.
Security was a key requirement for Michelmores, which provides legal services to major institutions, large companies, government departments and public bodies nationwide. The AEP Netilla Security Platform (NSP) Secure Sockets Layer Virtual Private Network (SSL VPN) appliance has been configured to perform an in-depth integrity scan of all devices before permitting web-based thin client access to Michelmores' Wide Area Network (WAN) via Citrix.
“Based on the system's client integrity check, users will be automatically allocated one of five pre-defined access levels to company applications and resources. The most trusted level – the only one that will allow information to be transferred to and from our WAN – will be reserved for those identified as using Michelmores provided kit,” said Simon Clarke, IT Manager for Michelmores, who has been working with specialist remote access systems integrator CI-Net (CI) to roll out the NSP.
The NSP was installed by CI in June 2006 following a successful one-month trial. It currently supports 25 concurrent users who are given access to Microsoft Office applications, email and Michelmores' time recording and digital dictation software. It is being rolled out to more users and is expected to be taken up by around 35 percent of the workforce initially.
NSP replaces a Cisco ‘thick' client VPN that did not use Citrix. Michelmores had outgrown the system and wanted a more scalable solution with greater functionality, a high level of security and tight integration with Citrix. Working with CI, Michelmores evaluated SSL VPNs and found that the NSP met a key requirement of securely handling the complex issues involved in allowing end users to synchronise Microsoft Outlook email onto their encrypted laptops.
“It sounds easy, but we found that NSP was one of the few systems we could rely on to synchronise Outlook while maintaining effective security. This was important to us as we wanted users to have access to email while offline rather than only while connected. A synchronized and encrypted local copy of their emails on their PC hard disk was the only option,” said Clarke.
Business continuity was also one of the drivers for the new system, which is configured so that it can easily be modified to support additional users in the event of an emergency.
“If we were a City law firm we would probably be able to relocate to one of many contingency centres that are operated in London. But in the South West of England there are no such facilities and remote working technology is one way for us to remain productive in the event of a disaster,” explained Clarke.
Business Continuity is also supported by Michelmores’ use of a wireless broadband connection from CI-Net. The RedKite high performance WiMAX-ready fixed-wireless 5Mb connection is delivered to a wireless base unit in the Michelmores’ Exeter office.
“In an emergency if we unexpectedly need to have a bigger connection to support more staff working remotely via the NSP, one phone call to CI can instruct them to scale our wireless link at the touch of a button to 10 or even 20Mb. With fibre or copper links we’d have a 40 day lead time to do this.”
A mobile phone-based two-factor authentication system from VASCO has also been implemented with the NSP to enhance security. The VASCO Java client installed on employee mobile phones will generate a random code that users must key in before accessing the WAN.
Longer term plans involve using the NSP’s secure V-Realms facility to create secure areas on the Michelmores network where clients can access information, as well as a partner sections to facilitate greater collaborative working.
For more information please call the CI-Net sales team on 01865 856000 or send an e-mail to info@ci-net.com