ION Networks, a Division of APITech, has launched its Netgard Privileged Gateway, a new secure remote access tool for Managed Service Providers (MSPs), government and military agencies, and enterprises.
Netgard Privileged Gateway as a remote access solution, has a federated connection at its core. This provides a more secure way to control privileged user access (whether internal employees or external MSPs, vendors or contractors) to critical networks and systems, it says.
The federated connection is defined by a service contract that requires each side (MSP and their customer) to agree the baseline security methodologies, then once established, the two parties define which users have access and which endpoints will be exposed to each user. This only needs to be set up once for each customer and then automatically ensures the correct access is given. This can be changed (with both party’s agreement) if, for example, personnel, security levels, or access rights change.
Security is further enhanced through FIPS 140-2 (Federal Information Processing Standard) certification of the encryption at the heart of the system. This US government standard is essential for solutions used by the government and other regulated industries. Compliance has also been voluntarily adopted by governments and the private sector across the globe as a security best practice.
The idea is also to save MSPs and vendors significant time and resources by enabling them to use just one tool for all their customers. As methodologies and access are agreed at the start customers trust the solution, so MSPS can use Netgard Privileged Gateway with all their customers rather than a different tool for each. This significantly improved productivity saving time and money as their technicians can go in and out of their customers’ networks with ease, it says.
- There’s a single log-on for all endpoints
- There’s no need to remember passwords or change them when personnel leave
- It improves work-life balance for ‘on call’ staff who will have quicker access for out-of-hours issues.
- No need for customers to give MSP’s direct VPN access or for MSP’s to need to be on-site.
“A broad range of privileged users need access to a complex network of distributed IT assets”, said Tom O’Brien, Netgard Product Manager. “This includes Managed Service Providers and vendors, as well as internal users, but traditional network security falls short in meeting the demands of Privileged Session Management. By adopting a principle of least privilege, Netgard Privileged Gateway ensures only verified users have access, and then only to the parts of the network that are pertinent to their roles”.
“Our ION Networks solutions have been trusted to solve secure access challenges for government and military agencies, and corporate enterprises for over 30 years“, said Ian Skiggs, Vice President and Managing Director, Secure Systems, APITech. “Netgard Privileged Gateway will now enable customers to securely manage and monitor their critical voice and data network infrastructures.”
