School case study
Find out how Rebasoft helped this school manage unauthorised network use
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Cyber security asset management
The problem
Our client is a Rugby Group UK boarding school with around 800 pupils. They were using a disparate mix of tools to manage Network Access Control (NAC). Their costs were too high and functionality was poor. It was too cumbersome to onboard personal devices, leading many students to use stolen credentials instead, bypassing network restrictions. This meant that the school couldn’t fulfil their responsibility of restricting students from accessing harmful content and non-allowed services.
Challenges
The school was using SolarWinds for network monitoring and Bradford Networks for NAC. These had some overlapping, redundant functionality, creating inefficiencies, complexities and unneccesary costs. They needed a solution that could replace these systems while improving efficiency and improving the user experience.
There was also little visibility on security compliance. With multiple systems in place, it was challenging to have a unified view of the network’s security posture. This made it difficult to ensure all devices and users complied with the school’s security policy, increasing the risk of a cyber incident.
The network manager also wanted to use the opportunity to save money, as schools have tight IT budgets.
Rebasoft approach
Rebasoft could replace the functionality of Bradford Networks and SolarWinds, allowing the school to implement a simpler NAC system. Rebasoft does not require you to install agents on devices, and does not require extensive configurations like 802.1x authentication or MAC pre-authorisation on switches. This made onboarding devices much simpler, improving the user experience and reducing incentives to bypass the system.
Rebasoft also gavies a complete, unified view of assets and network usage. This meant the network manager could easily measure compliance against the school’s security policy, making it much easier to identify and remediate security gaps. He could also monitor for signs of unauthorised access or unusual behavior, allowing him to clamp down on the use of stolen credentials.
The network manager saved money from Solarwinds and Bradford Networks Licences and used Rebasoft’s monitoring capabilities to identify areas for additional cost savings from obsolete or unused systems.
“We reduced costs which helped the school with its financial aims. Reduced server and polling loads on the network. We were able to become more effective with fewer systems to operate and use. This meant saved time & reduction in errors. We also like the fact that Rebasoft is a UK company with local development office in Reading, makes for easier & stronger relationship with our chose vendor”
– Network manager