Intelligent CIO Middle East Issue 19 | Page 18

TRENDING With pressures to meet the IT requirements of major projects and stringent security controls, TDIC developed processes to ensure that each device attaching to its network is securely vetted along with installing any required software or patches. wanted to take a deeper look at all the available options. “We looked at the market and there were a number of point solutions that addressed some of our requirements,” said Khalil. “However, in our evaluation, it was only Pulse Secure that had a fully integrated solution for both SSL and NAC that offered us the flexibility to design policies and processes that met all of our needs while providing us with a single management console to reduce many of the complex management requirements.” The new implementation uses a trio of Pulse Secure 5000 series appliances running Pulse Policy Secure Network Admission Control (NAC) software. Abdul Rehman Tariq, MEA Regional Manager for The platform is Pulse Secure integrated with a local certificate authority server “This could lead to delays of several (CA) that is used to validate the days as we worked through this digital certificate on devices of TDIC process especially for people that employees and authorised partners wanted to use their own devices rather that connect to the network. than a TDIC provided laptop,” said Muhammed Asad Khalil. This is then followed by Active As part of a strategic project to Directory authentication support strengthen its security posture, to provide policy driven access to meet its UAE IAS commitments resources across the network. TDIC and streamline the provisionings of uses Policy Secure to set up and network access to secure device, the IT drive policies that automate the department at TDIC began evaluating device validation and access rights a number of technology platforms. along with the creation of secure VLAN connections to ensure it meets TDIC has successfully used Pulse security best practice as defined by the UAE Information Connect Secure appliances and Assurance Standards. software for its SSL VPN access but 18 INTELLIGENTCIO We looked at the market and there were a number of point solutions that addressed some of our requirements. The system also covers peripherals such as printers, scanners, CCTV cameras and other connected systems based on MAC address. “We now have processes in place, to setup access for new staff and partners, on any type of device, at any location, that are either fully automated or take just a few minutes,” explained Khalil. “This is a major benefit for our business as we can now take advantage of more flexible working arrangements such as hot desking and better collaboration between our partners without compromising on security.” The detailed reporting offered by the Pulse Secure platform has also made it easier for TDIC to meet its regular security auditing requirements set under UAE IAS guidelines. TDIC is now looking at expanding the project to provide more granular mobile device management (MDM) capability via the Pulse Secure Pulse Workspace solution. Abdul Rehman Tariq, MEA Regional Manager for Pulse Secure, said: “The project at TDIC shows how regulatory requirements can be a perfect catalyst for seizing the initiative with transformative approaches to network security that can also provide a major boost to productivity and operational efficiency.” ¡ www.intelligentcio.com