The Trust hopes that the deal will see its network, which contains sensitive patient data, protected against threats such as malware, hackers and data leakage. The system will be rolled out across the entire network infrastructure, which contains 2,500 user machines, 132 servers as well as web and email gateways.
The organisation can now set and control access policies for staff and guests using its network. Previously, the Trust had been using a security offering from Symantec.
Antony Barke, senior technical engineer at Basildon and Thurrock, said: “A well-secured IT network is vital within the NHS. We need to be confident that we are protecting our data and our systems against all types of threats — be those internal or external. Sophos wins hands down when it comes to endpoint protection — not only can we control access granted to guest computers, and monitor applications run by employees, but we can manage it all remotely from a central console.”
Basildon and Thurrock University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust has also installed three Sophos WS1000 Web Security Appliances to protect its network from web attacks and productivity threats. Two ES4000 email appliances have also been deployed at the Trust to protect its email gateway from email-borne threats, spam, phishing and data leakage.
Implementing Sophos Enterprise Security and Control has given the Trust greater control over its network — meaning the IT department can block unauthorised applications, such as alternative internet browsers, and set and manage access policies.
Barke said: “Our previous solution gradually became unusable for us. The Trust’s staff — from admin support to the medical workforce — rely heavily on PCs for their day-to-day workload, so downtime is just not acceptable. Because Sophos’s solution is fully managed, it can update in idle time meaning it isn’t a drain on precious resource.”
