Background: Securing Flexible Remote Access for a Modern Workforce
Supporting a flexible remote work environment was a key priority for a leading U.S. Credit Union. The institution previously relied on an internal RADIUS server for wired and wireless network access, but the operational burden of managing this on-premise infrastructure was increasing for their IT staff. They recognized the need for a modern, efficient solution to enhance remote access security against evolving cyber threats. As a Small to Medium-sized Enterprise (SME), acquiring enterprise-grade security within budget constraints was a primary consideration.
Enhancing Remote Access Security and IT Operational Efficiency
The Credit Union aimed to bolster security for its remote workforce while reducing IT infrastructure management overhead. This would allow staff to focus on more strategic initiatives. They explored various remote access security options, including integrating with their existing VPN solution or fully transitioning to a Zero Trust Network Access (ZTNA) framework. A key interest was migrating to a cloud-based RADIUS to maximize operational efficiency.
Solution: Genians ZTNA Cloud Enterprise – Enterprise-Grade Security for SMEs
After evaluating multiple vendors, the Credit Union selected Genians ZTNA Cloud Enterprise. This decision was strategic: while considering both traditional Network Access Control (NAC) and ZTNA solutions, the Credit Union recognized that Genians ZTNA inherently includes and builds upon robust NAC capabilities, offering a truly comprehensive platform. Critically, they initiated their journey directly via the Genians website for a trial, then chose a monthly subscription model. This enabled them to adopt a top-tier, all-encompassing ZTNA solution effectively within their budget constraints.
Key Genians ZTNA Features and Operational Advantages
- Seamless Cloud RADIUS Migration: The transition from their internal on-premise RADIUS server to Genians NAC/ZTNA Cloud RADIUS significantly eased IT operational burdens and boosted efficiency.
- Adoption of ARP Enforcement: The Credit Union gained valuable insight into ARP Enforcement, a concept new to them, and recognized its distinct advantages over traditional RADIUS for enhancing network security.
- Flexible Remote Access Security Options:
- ZTNA for Remote Access: They leveraged Genians ZTNA as a standalone remote access solution, applying Zero Trust principles to all remote connections.
- Existing VPN Integration Capability: Discussions also covered options for NAC integration with their existing VPN solution, showcasing Genians’ flexibility to support client preferences without requiring a full VPN replacement.
- Successful Agent Deployment and Authentication:
- Windows Agent Deployment: ZTNA agents were successfully deployed on Windows devices, enabling EAP-GTC authentication to their WPA2E SSID, a prerequisite when using the Genians RADIUS server for remote ZTNA client authentication.
- MFA-Enabled Remote Authentication: Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA) using Google OTP was successfully implemented for ZTNA agent remote authentication, adding a critical layer of security.
Exceptional Technical Support and Client Satisfaction
The Credit Union’s direct engagement with Genians, bypassing traditional partner channels for their trial, highlighted the exceptional quality of Genians’ support. Their team expressed high satisfaction with the prompt and effective technical assistance provided through Slack. This demonstrated Genians’ capability to enable SME clients to seamlessly adopt and leverage enterprise-grade solutions as a service, without encountering significant technical hurdles.
Summary: Achieving Efficiency, Security, and Trust
By deploying Genians ZTNA Cloud Enterprise, the Credit Union revolutionized its remote access security and substantially enhanced IT operational efficiency. The monthly subscription model proved ideal, allowing an SME to fully benefit from an enterprise-grade ZTNA solution within budget.
Genians ZTNA went beyond a simple remote access solution. It fortified the Credit Union’s security framework through a seamless cloud-based RADIUS transition, the adoption of ARP Enforcement, and flexible authentication options. The direct trial experience and highly responsive, Slack-based technical support solidified the Credit Union’s trust in Genians’ service and capabilities.
The Credit Union now operates with confidence, knowing its systems, data, and members are securely protected in any threat environment. Genians ZTNA plays a pivotal role in enabling a secure and efficient digital environment for their evolving needs.
