Trafford Council is reaping the benefits of high-calibre, cost-effective network security after outsourcing digital security to public sector network specialists TNP Ltd. The ground-breaking managed services partnership delivers greater value for local stakeholders while maintaining optimum protection for the council’s digital infrastructure.

THE CHALLENGE

Trafford Council found it difficult to source in-house security specialists to deliver the critical internet security required for the authority’s digital network. Their network serves 90 schools and 50 corporate sites, and offers connectivity for corporate clients based within non-council establishments including homeworkers (private residencies), along with the NHS Pennine Healthcare Trust and GM Police.

TNP’S SOLUTION

The managed services partnership with TNP provides security expertise and support. The hybrid model delivers enhanced security while allowing Trafford to share management and control, linking directly to TNP’s Security Operations Centre. TNP’s lead consultant acts as an extension of the council’s team to provide consultancy advice across Trafford’s networking and security landscape while management of the main digital infrastructure remains in-house. The contract scope for TNP involves developing and maintaining a cyber-security strategy in conjunction with Trafford to demonstrate framework compliance. It includes the implementation of continuous antivirus application control, and intrusion monitoring, detection and alerts based on Fortinet technologies, with a direct link to the Security Operations Centre ensuring an immediate response.

THE BENEFITS

• Partnering with a specialist provider to manage security enables Trafford Council to deliver high calibre cost-effective security for its network. TNP’s pool of highly trained network and security engineers is available to assist the council with hands-on installation, configuration and implementation, including the provision of on-site support, with skills transfer to council staff where necessary.

• TNP constantly monitors network performance, ensuring the latest updates are in place, and dealing quickly and decisively with incidents which arise to maintain service and neutralise threats. • Traffic trends are analysed and monitored to aid capacity planning and reporting, and automatic daily backups are maintained for firewalls and all security appliances.