Cloud-based SSL VPN: an underrated technology?
When was the last time you thought about remote access? As an end user, you probably don’t think about it that often – nor should you. It’s one of those things that you just expect to work when you need it. And for us remote users (as an occasional telecommuter I’m including myself in this bucket), it’s all about having the same functionality we have in the office no matter where we’re logging in from. Let me access our corporate resources from anywhere I happen to be and from whatever device I happen to be logging in from, and I’m happy.
For the IT department though, it’s a whole different set of concerns. Sure, they need secure remote access just like end users, but they also have the headache of managing the whole solution and – let’s be honest – dealing with frustrated end users when they can’t log in. I’m sure they prefer to keep us in that happy state.
A day in the life of a SOC Engineer
Arrive at work a little early to get ahead of the day. I have some tickets to confirm, work, and close. On top of that there are new engineers to be trained on Virtela processes and tenured engineers to be trained on new, more advanced features. And then there is refresher training for all.
Today my focus will be training. Virtela’s Managed Security Services is growing and our group has doubled in engineers in all tier groups. We have a very diverse group of minds and experience. There’s a significant amount of collaboration and cross-training. There are expert engineers for every device and every security concept.
VDI for a Globally Available Virtual Workforce
Virtual Desktop Infrastructure (VDI) is taking precedence in the enterprise more than ever. The cost benefits of large deployments are hard to overlook. Why are we seeing such a slow adoption rate? I believe there are 3 key factors slowing the momentum.
- VDI technology is still hindered by bandwidth delay. Working on a LAN is extremely usable for the average employee. The speeds of processing and usability are near real-time with the latest thin clients. Recently, we can include streamed HD graphics and content to benefit developers. Over a WAN or open Internet is a different story, and there are still large gaps in usability in this architecture. It is improving everyday and more and more people are starting to tackle the problems.
The Security Side of Mobile Device Management
Previously, Ben had blogged about Why Mobile Device Management (MDM) is necessary for today’s enterprises. Today, I would like to touch on how to secure mobile devices. The main two components of securing mobile devices are 1) securing the connection between the mobile device and the corporate network, and 2) securing the device itself.
Securing the Connection
There are several ways to secure the connection to the corporate network while providing seamless access from any device, anywhere.