Nokia Strengthens Secure Access SSL VPN

Nokia Secure Access System (SAS) 3.0 now boasts a free feature called Secure Connector, which provides network-level access from a user's remote device into to the corporate IT infrastructure.

With this access, solution providers can give users comprehensive access to business applications , data and network services, said Elie Habib, senior vice president of security and mobile connectivity, Nokia Enterprise Solutions.

"We're giving IT managers and mobile workers the security, flexibility and transparency needed to access sensitive corporate data," Habib said. "The new Nokia SAS make it easy and effective for companies to leverage the benefits of secure mobility to operate and grow their businesses."

Specifically, the Secure Connector features enhanced application support, realtime anti-virus monitoring and split-tunneling control, which enables IT administrators to extend the network while minimizing risk to malware. The new technology also includes encrypted data storage capabilities, a feature intended for regulated industries such as finance and health care.

Nokia claims that the Secure Connector is easy to use. To access it, users download the software from the Nokia SSL VPN gateway, then install it the first time they use their remote devices. Once Secure Connector has been installed, IT administrators can manage all client configurations and updates through the SSL VPN.

This ease of use appeals to Stephen Raymond, security sales engineer at Integralis, a solution provider in East Hartford, Conn. Raymond said he plans to incorporate the Nokia SAS 3.0 into an existing managed security service package.

"With this solution, Nokia is offering us a full package of mobility SSL and a fat-pipe VPN," he said. "IT administrators can use it to control access throughout the network and make sure connections can be secure."

Nokia SAS 3.0 also boasts Secure Workspace, a clientless feature that creates a separate work environment on remote access devices -- safeguarding data created in a secure session. In addition, a new configuration replication feature allows administrators to define a managed group of gateways and synchronize changes.

Available now to channel partners, the upgrade is free to existing Nokia SAS customers. For new customers, pricing starts at $4,995 for 25 seats.