Many IT managers are updating their BC plans to include such business services as remote working and outsourcing of vital services.  While both are powerful tools for safeguarding workforce productivity and operational continuity, it is imperative to scrutinise the embedded security of any BC solutions you are considering.

Address the risks of a shifting network perimeter

As the perimeter of the corporate network moves beyond office walls to home-based and mobile devices, the risks of data leakage, data theft and asset theft increase significantly. There are also issues around ensuring staff productivity and availability at the same level as on-site.

eircom has deployed solutions across a number of industries and can safeguard operational continuity and productivity in the event of any major incident impacting your workforce. 

From hardened remote access to fully secured off-site managed services, we have embedded all of our solutions with robust security measures:

Protect your vital data with hardened remote access services: eircom’s field-proven remote access services have been hardened with maximum security protection. Staff laptops and smart phones incorporate power-on passwords and data encryption. Access to the corporate network, possible over any broadband connection, uses two-factor authentication to verify identity, and a secure VPN tunnel protects traffic from eavesdropping when travelling over the Internet. Staff can also use other remote access methods: secure access to corporate email from any internet connected PC using an SSL VPN, and smart phones connected securely to the corporate Exchange Server.

UC also safeguards productivity and protects the corporate network: Many organisations currently provide some element of unified communications services for their staff - from email, IM and collaboration to IP telephony. Maintaining access to these services remotely helps greatly to maintain the same levels of staff productivity and availability as in the office. eircom's UC solutions enable productive remote working by providing rigorous protection for the corporate network and its assets. eircom UC incorporates hardware (such as IP desk phones and smart phones) and software (including Microsoft's business grade instant messaging and collaboration applications).

Data and network security were our highest priorities when designing these solutions. Embedded security features mandate rigorous authentication and protected login before homeworkers can use UC functionality. For laptop users attempting to initiate a VPN connection into the office for UC, a laptop check automatically verifies that the device belongs to the company and its virus definitions are current. For homeworkers not using a company computer, a browser-based SSL VPN connection is permitted and they are allowed only limited access to UC functionality and the company network.

Managed services protect operational continuity

As detailed in our strategy article, organisational risk should be examined both holistically and tactically. Companies preparing continuity plans should conduct a thorough risk analysis that addresses key questions: Will organisational productivity, ICT security or customer service be jeopardised if key ICT employees are absent? Will the integrity of business applications, servers and data be compromised by remote access?

Managed ICT services can address these issues. eircom's managed services portfolio incorporates fully secured and flexible hosting, server, operating system management and SAP services, for companies needing supplemental or replacement ICT resources in certain circumstances.

In addition, our growing range of managed security services includes proactive monitoring of firewalls, intrusion prevention systems and network access controllers, as well as managed e-mail security. Our security specialists can provide as much or as little hands-on involvement as your organisation requires, up to 24/7 monitoring and incident management, and active scans of your infrastructure for vulnerabilities or suspicious activity.

Operational continuity and productivity is a priority for all IT managers.  Remote working, UC and managed services have an important role to play, but security is a critical factor in how they are utilised. With eircom as your continuity partner, you have the relevant skills, experience and technology to effectively mitigate against major threats to your work environment and maintain the operational standards required to stay competitive.

For further information, contact your account manager.Alternatively, you can speak with eircom Security Principal Sam Butler or eircom Unified Communications Principal Stephen Mulligan.