Drive simplicity, reduce risk, and lower costs
7X was relying on a disconnected suite of network security tools, which increased complexity and operational risk, and added security gaps and costs. To strengthen its security posture, the organisation needed to:
- Safeguard its trade, transport, and logistics network from ransomware and other fast-evolving cyberthreats.
- Migrate from legacy MPLS wide area network (WAN) and integrate with site-to-site virtual private network (VPN) using cost-effective asymmetric digital subscriber line (ADSL).
- Reduce the operational outlay, for example by eliminating costly existing proxy devices and separate IPS security platforms.
- Improve service performance and customer experience.
“A modern, innovation-led logistics company can’t run on yesterday’s technology. We needed one common, best-in-class network security platform to drive simplicity, reduce risk, and lower costs.”
- Samer Awajan
Chief Technology Officer, 7X
"Palo Alto Networks possesses incredible security vision"
Palo Alto Networks was one of 7X’s original network security providers, and, according to Shady Fayek, 7X’s Senior Director of IT Strategy, the one that “stood out” in terms of breadth of security capability, proven success, and cost-effectiveness. “Make no mistake, Palo Alto Networks possesses incredible security vision,” he says.
7X standardised on 120 ML-Powered NGFWs across almost 100 branch locations and its headquarters to create complete, unified visibility and improve the group’s security posture. A suite of natively integrated Cloud-Delivered Security Services (CDSS), including Advanced Threat Prevention, Advanced URL Filtering, and Advanced WildFire®, added additional layers of defence to increase 7X’s protection against ransomware and other fast-evolving cyberthreats. It’s all easily managed through a single pane of glass: Panorama®.
Delivers secure, effortless remote access
7X leverages the cloud for security and networking without having to backhaul traffic to headquarters. Each branch (distribution warehouse, logistics depot, etc.) relies on three site-to-site VPN tunnels for its connection to headquarters and the cloud. For wireless guests, traffic is segregated in a highly resilient environment. Identity-based security controls and inspection device trust enforcement enable almost 2,500 7X mobile users to connect from anywhere. “We’ve eliminated blind spots in our remote workforce traffic with full visibility across all applications, ports, and protocols,” says Shady.
Reduces TCO by 40%
“By swapping out the expensive legacy MPLS network for VPNs managed through the firewalls, 7X has reduced the total cost of network operation by 40%. With the cloud-delivered architecture, 7X’s IT teams no longer have to physically attend each branch to install and maintain security appliances or mitigate issues. This way, 7X benefits from a 30% reduction in security administration time, liberating resources to focus on more strategic tasks,” says Shady.
Drives agile and effective security
A single datastore, streamlined management, and native integrations are increasing productivity and improving security outcomes. Proactive, unified network security architecture and deep learning enable the 7X security team to see and secure everything more easily. This complete visibility has contributed to a 10% reduction in both mean time to detect (MTTD) and mean time to resolve (MTTR). “We act faster now because the unified platform enforces consistent security policies and protects against advanced threats,” says Shady.
Streamlines management
According to Shady, the single platform is easier to manage than separate point solutions. “Panorama easily monitors and manages 7X’s network security infrastructure from a single streamlined web interface,” he says. “It also allows 7X to create simple Zero Trust policies around every application, user, and device, and ensure continuous security inspection from the cloud-delivered security services is applied correctly,” says Shady.
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