Flybe reduces exposure to email threats and simplifies security management with Sophos security solutions

(07/11/2006)

Flybe is deploying Sophos security solutions across more than 30 sites, in order to reduce exposure to emerging threats and simplify security management. Scheduled for completion in December 2006, the rollout will benefit 1,600 Flybe employees, giving them protection against the threats of malware, adware and spam. This move has already enabled the company to reduce its anti-virus spend by 45 percent.

Flybe is one of Europe's leading low-cost airlines. With more than five million passengers flying with Flybe each year, protecting confidential information and ensuring the smooth running of day-to-day operations is vital. In addition, due to the online nature of the business, Flybe receives approximately 40,000 spam emails and 800 virus infected emails per week. Consequently, the company undertakes regular reviews of its IT security systems, in order to remain fully up-to-date and secured against the latest threats.

Following a recent review, Flybe decided to deploy Sophos's email security appliance ES4000 at the email gateway, combined with Sophos Anti-Virus 6.0 on employees' desktops and Sophos PureMessage on the email servers, providing a multi-layered security solution. The Sophos solution ensures that spam and virus infected emails are now successfully blocked before they reach users' desktops.

Flybe is also trialling Sophos's new Application Control functionality to control the use of unauthorised applications on its network, and is looking to deploy Sophos Client Firewall in the near future, to provide a further layer of protection.

"Like any modern business, we're heavily reliant on IT systems throughout the company, from taking bookings to flying the aircraft, so it's vital that these systems cannot be compromised," said Chris Cooper, IT security manager at Flybe. "Thanks to the Sophos solution, we're able to ensure that customer data is secured to the very highest standard, while the simple, effective management system has enabled us to automate many key tasks, which has resulted in a significant reduction in IT security administration and spend."

"As more and more organisations adopt an online business model, they simply cannot afford to suffer any security breaches, as it will damage customer confidence and impact on sales," said Stuart Small, UK sales and marketing director at Sophos. "Sophos's IT security solutions are designed to give these companies peace of mind, by providing comprehensive protection without causing a drain on resources."

Related topics:  IT Network and Computer Security   Security market sectors 

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