TMCnet News
The University of Westminster selects Egress Switch encryption services to communicate confidential student and employee data securely(ENP Newswire Via Acquire Media NewsEdge) ENP Newswire - 01 July 2014 Release date- 30062014 - London - Egress Software Technologies today announces the uptake of Egress Switch by leading education provider, the University of Westminster. Based across six Central London locations and providing courses to more than 20,000 students, the University of Westminster identified the need to encrypt the sensitive student and employee data shared by and between different departments. With numerous employees already members of the Egress Trust Network, a community of paying and free subscribers communicating securely using a single global identity, the university recognised the advantages of formally integrating Switch into their existing infrastructure. Ashley Pereira, Information Security Officer at the University of Westminster, explains: 'Initially, our requirement came from our Overseas Department, who organise student placements at the university, as well as study periods abroad for UK-based students, and consequently needed a mechanism for transferring large volumes of confidential data securely. We already had a number of free Egress Switch users in our organisation who had been using the system to communicate securely with several London borough councils and we were therefore very aware of how effective it could be. 'By adopting a fully integrated, centrally managed approach, we have been able to take better advantage of Switch's sophisticated encryption and control functionality that ensures sensitive data is protected throughout the lifecycle of shared information. In particular, the ability to apply additional layers of security was of great importance for the university, providing further assurance over the third parties accessing this information.' The UK's only CESG certified email encryption product, Switch offers end-to-end data protection, with the ability to enforce package restrictions and revoke access to sent information extending users' control over the information they share. End-user verification can also be enhanced using multi-layered authentication: securing sensitive information using information known only to the sender and recipient to apply additional layers of security. 'Since implementing Switch we've already seen uptake across the university's other departments,' continues Pereira. 'The HR Department, for example, now uses the solution to protect confidential employee data shared internally. Our next step is to examine further ways to enhance the university approach to data protection using the extended Switch platform, for example Switch Secure Web Form. Speaking about the announcement, Egress UK Sales Manager Kelly McCann comments: 'The University of Westminster's adoption of Switch reflects a growing trend amongst education providers to communicate sensitive student and employee data securely. 'It is encouraging to see how the use of Switch has increased awareness of the importance of secure communication amongst the university's employees - and by working closely together, we have been able to implement a solution that not only offers comprehensive data protection but is also a system that they are familiar with.' About Egress Software Technologies Egress Software Technologies is the leading provider of Cloud-based encryption software and services, offering innovative on-demand data security to enable organisations and individuals in the Public and Private Sectors to share confidential information with third parties. As the first, and currently only, CESG CPA Foundation Grade certified email encryption product, Egress Switch Secure Email enables public and private sector customers to share highly sensitive information over the internet, without the need to manage external third party credentials. The award-winning Egress Switch portfolio of products also includes Switch Secure File Transfer, Switch Secure Web Form and the latest online collaboration offering, Switch Secure Workspace. Combining on-premise and hosted Cloud infrastructure with patented key management, Egress Switch provides a unique community-based licensing model called the Egress Trust Network. The Network is made up of paying and free Egress Switch subscribers, who are able to share information securely with one another using a single global identity. Delivered as a fully managed service, the Trust Network has grown virally to over one million members. www.egress.com About the University of Westminster The University of Westminster was founded as Britain's first polytechnic in 1838. Since then, it has developed into a university that combines both metropolitan and cosmopolitan dimensions, and is closely involved in business, professional and academic life within London, as well as overseas. The university has always been, and continues to be, imaginative in recognising new needs and developing appropriate offerings for its many target markets. The university also has a strong and historic commitment to promoting equality and embracing diversity. As a place to work or to study, we strive to strengthen our reputation as a welcoming and inclusive organisation. www.westminster.ac.uk For more information, contact Rebecca Bailey - Marketing and Communications, Egress Software Technologies: Tel: 0207 624 8500 Email: [email protected] (c) 2014 Electronic News Publishing - |