% Cyber Security Improvement
Number of Staff
Cloud Compute Services
% Uptime
The Client
The Client
30 Park Place is a a multi-disciplinary barrister chambers in Cardiff, highly ranked in the major legal directories. Their team offer legal advice and representation in a range of fields. As a modern and progressive chambers have a reputation for the quality of advocacy, written work and client care.
With over 65 barristers, including 7 resident QC’s assisted by a strong clerking team, 30 Park Place provide a professional and progressive approach covering civil, crime, family and public.
The Background
Background
30 Park Place core systems were ageing and changes were required to not only improve performance and core redundancy, but to enhance the overall security posture for compliance requirements and mitigate security risks.
The IT systems were limited in expansion possibilities and there were noticeable performance deterioration of the core server stack when operating critical line of business applications and virtual computing services. Changes were required for the way in which data was accessed via core systems and improvements were required to meet this need.
With these challenges legacy and security challenges, a replacement IT function was required to modernise the organisation and introduce newer methods of working.
The Service
The Service
In order to meet the evolving requirements of 30 park Place, CSG proposed a private cloud solution to deliver high performance virtual servers and end user computing. The solution was designed around a hybrid Microsoft Cloud and Private cloud compute platform, delivering MS 365, compute, network, storage and virtual desktop computing. To ensure security and optimum performance dedicated gigabit VPN link was proposed between the chambers and the data centre stack and with services hosted within a cloud setup, takes advantage of redundancy at all levels including power, internet and fire suppression services.
At the core of the design are cloud compute servers operating multiple virtual machines, with optimised SSD storage and high performing network equipment to meet performance requirements. MS Hyper V provides the virtualisation technology and virtual desktop computing to chambers staff.
Cyber Security services were improved by introducing advanced security hardening services of the Microsoft Cloud services tenant using MS Azure Premium and 365 custom security service configuration. This will ensure that not only base level controls are in place, such as Multi Factor Authentication (MFA), but further layered security configuration of the Azure tenant such as conditional access, GEO fencing and lockbox features.
Enhancements were introduced at the server , endpoint and network security levels to further build out the security posture embracing a synchronised security design , powered by Sophos security technology, where the security layers integrate with each other and taking the approach of security being more effective as a system rather than individual services.
As a last layer of defence it was imperative that the continuity systems for the chambers were able to deal with not only backup of core data but also able to provide disaster recovery in the event of a cyber attack and loss of core systems. Utilising services from Datto, CSG designed a solution to fully protect the cloud infrastructure adhering to best practises, including local virtualised replicas and full system copies to a secondary secure cloud service.
The core systems are monitored by CSG Service Desk to mitigate potential downtime to the chambers and a proactive support service is in place providing full user, core system and cyber security support incidents as required.
The Result
The Result
The Private Cloud Microsoft infrastructure allows staff to work more efficiently irrespective of device or location. The chambers are more confident n the overall security posture following vital changes and enhancements in the security stack configuration and services. The redundancy of services has been improved through adoption of cloud computing , taking advantage of enhanced core resilience of systems and service uptime.
The continuity of systems have been improved with core cloud systems protected against natural of cyber related threats, with a continuous replicated backup service to another secure cloud, where should the worst happen services would be operational near enough instantly.
On-going proactive managed support from CSG ensures that the systems are monitored 24/7/365. 30 Park Place use CSG for all aspects of their IT and Cyber Security systems within an integrated 360° Managed Support Programme.
Testimonial
What 30 Park Place Said
“The upgrade has provided performance gains and ensured our staff can work more efficiently. It is crucial that our staff can access the service and data irrespective of what device they log into the system with. We are very happy with the implementation and the support programme CSG provide us with” – Phillip Griffiths, Thirty Park Place
