Speedy Hire, the UK leading provider of equipment rental, estimates it cut down the time spent on issues around Web security and filtering from 10% to 1%, by implementing Cisco ScanSafe Web malware scanning and Web filtering solution with Ancoris.

Speedy uses the Internet predominately for research purposes and several applications are run through the Web. There is also an element of personal use which is set in accordance with line managers. The Internet also hosts essential product information including manufacturer’s details. This is essential for Speedy to work efficiently and effectively.

Speedy did not have Web filtering in place for its head offices and although it did ensure each PC had anti-virus engines running, it did not feel that it was sufficiently protected from the risk of malware. The company was going through a significant re-fit of buildings changing the architecture of networks whilst also consolidating all internet lines to create only one place to manage Internet traffic. This was a much needed change as at one point the company had 12 different Internet lines for its various offices. Speedy decided that this was the perfect time to reassess its Web security and content filtering.

The Challenge

Speedy previously had a Linux based security system in place which it found to be “pretty primitive”. It allowed the company to specify which websites employees could see which was a lengthy process.

“We spent a lot of time managing this system and found resolving issues very time consuming,” comments James Fleming, IT Director at Speedy. “We probably used about 10% of our time managing issues so looking for a new solution became increasingly critical.”

Speedy researched the market looking at some of the more traditional methods of security as well as managed services.

“A SaaS solution was appealing as we knew we wouldn’t be burdened with managing it or worrying about hardware. We were definitely attracted to the fact that you just pay for what you use which is great for cost control,” adds Fleming.

Speedy trialled the service for its entire workforce for one month before deciding to make the service permanent.

The Solution

ScanSafe is providing Speedy with both Web Malware Scanning and Web Filtering. Speedy purchased the solution through Ancoris, a leading partner of ScanSafe in the UK. Ancoris is an integrator of enterprise security and systems management solutions, helping to coordinate, control and centralise IT security management.

Web Malware Scanning offers protection from Web-borne viruses and is powered by Cisco ScanSafe’s Outbreak Intelligence, a proprietary security platform that detects zero-hour and known malware threats. By using a combination of multiple, correlated detection technologies, automated machine-learning heuristics, and the industry’s largest Web data set, Outbreak Intelligence provides the most effective solution against new and known Web malware. It removes harmful viruses before they reach the corporate network. It also delivers protection against threats that use stealth or deception. Finally, it helps identify machines which are already infected with spyware.

“We were surprised with how quickly and easily the solution was implemented – it was literally just turned on. This was a pleasant surprise compared to other solutions we trialled on the market.”

As with any new solution, Speedy had some initial concerns.

“We were initially concerned about how our employees would react to the new solution as well as our new corporate policy. However, I think that there is always a degree of nervousness when you don’t control the infrastructure. The myth of lack of control has so far been unfounded as we have not had any issues. We have actually found that the solution has made our lives easier.”

Cisco ScanSafe Web Filtering provides control over how Speedy employees use the Internet. It provides easy-to-use tools to create, enforce and monitor company Web usage policies. Using the most accurate categorisation databases, Web Filtering helps manage the firm’s Internet traffic, protecting the network and staff from undesirable Web content.

“The Web filtering was popular among our line managers and as soon as we turned it on we had immediate requests from managers who wanted reports for HR purposes. The feedback was great and as a company we now have better visibility into our organisation as a whole. The reports enable us to pick out persistent offenders and address any issues.”

The Web filtering function has reduced management time required on various issues within the organisation.

The Results

Since deploying the Cisco ScanSafe service the company has found that it has spent considerably less time managing the service.

“We previously spent around 10% of our time on issues around Web security or filtering. Now we spend less than 1%. We certainly now have capacity to concentrate on different things and we don’t have to be concerned with security.”

Speedy has also found the flexibility of the ScanSafe solution to be a key advantage.

“We have also found that we now have better user management. We can come back next year and either reduce or increase our number of users without any problems. That is definitely one of the key benefits – flexibility. The more traditional security route doesn’t give the flexibility of cost that SaaS solutions offer. I feel more comfortable that I can efficiently run the IT department now.”

As an organisation, Speedy has been impressed with the solution and feels confident that it is now sufficiently protected from both known and unknown malware.

“We would definitely recommend Cisco ScanSafe. It is hassle free, easy to implement and administer. I haven’t had to think about it since it has gone in which is great for me.”

About Speedy Hire

Speedy Hire is the leading provider of equipment rental and support services to a wide range of clients across the construction, infrastructure, industrial, and facilities management sectors, as well as to local trades and industry. They currently operate from over 350 fixed sites together with a number of on-site facilities at client locations throughout the UK, and Ireland as well as in the Middle East,

About Ancoris

Ancoris, a UK-based company, is a specialist integrator of cloud-computing, collaboration, security and service delivery solutions. Ancoris has developed comprehensive service and support capabilities to complement the Software-as-a-Service and on-premise offerings from its technology suppliers which are leaders in their field. Customers include global multinationals, large enterprises, small and medium businesses and public sector organisations. For more information, visit www.ancoris.com

Contact:
Anne-Laure McLeman, Ancoris, +44 (0)845 2626747, amcleman@ancoris.com.