Case Study: Enhancing Remote Security with Soliton G/On at ITDZ

Client: ITDZ ( Municipality’s IT Shared Services Centre)
Location: Berlin, Germany
Industry: Education
Users: Over 15,000 teachers and educators

The Challenge

ITDZ faced a significant challenge: enabling secure remote access for a large user base while ensuring the utmost protection for sensitive data without managing devices nor purchasing new equipment. Their existing solutions fell short in terms of security, speed, initial investment and reliability:

1. VPN Insecurity: Traditional VPNs were deemed too insecure for remote working due to vulnerabilities and potential data breaches.
2. Slow Alternatives: Other remote solutions were sluggish, impacting productivity and user experience.
3. Data Leakage Risk: Teachers and educators needed to work remotely, handling sensitive information. Any security lapse or data leak would be detrimental.

The Solution: G/On by Soliton Systems

ITDZ turned to G/On, a scalable Zero Trust-based solution that securely connects remote users to internal and on-premises resources. Here’s how G/On addressed their specific requirements:

1. Smart Tokens for Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA):
   • G/On introduced smart tokens—a USB device that users could plug into their remote devices. These tokens provided an additional layer of security during authentication.
   • Certificates were used for maximum authentication, ensuring robust protection against unauthorized access.
2. Secure Access to Citrix and Remote Desktop Applications:
   • Teachers and educators could now securely access both Citrix applications, and other applications via Microsoft Remote Desktop from any location. G/On’s robust encryption and authentication mechanisms provided peace of mind.
   • Unlike VPNs, which are susceptible to man-in-the-middle attacks, G/On’s architecture eliminated this risk.

Benefits and Comparison with VPN

1. Enhanced Security:
   • G/On significantly improved security posture, safeguarding sensitive data.
   • Unlike VPNs, which have inherent vulnerabilities, G/On’s certificate-based approach ensured airtight security.
     
     
2. Speed and Efficiency:

• • • G/On’s lightweight design ensured fast and seamless access to critical applications.
    • Teachers and educators experienced minimal latency, enhancing productivity.

3. Cost Savings:

• • • One major advantage of G/On was that no additional investment was required in new infrastructure including the acquisition of specialized computers or laptops for remote workers. This was a significant cost saving.

• • • VPNs are susceptible to interception by malicious actors. G/On’s architecture eliminates this risk, providing a safer environment for remote work.

Conclusion

Soliton G/On transformed ITDZ’s remote access landscape, providing robust security, seamless access, and peace of mind for educators. As the education sector continues to evolve, G/On ensures that sensitive data remains protected, even in a remote working environment.

For more information about Soliton Systems and their innovative solutions, visit their website or contact them at emea@solitonsystems.com to explore how they can help you.

By implementing G/On, ITDZ not only addressed their immediate security concerns but also future-proofed their infrastructure. Soliton Systems’ commitment to excellence exceeded expectations, making G/On the go-to solution for secure remote access in the education market.