Background
A Northern NHS Trust serves over 1 million people and employs 20,000 staff, making it one of the largest NHS trusts in the UK. With such an extensive reach, ensuring seamless collaboration and robust data security across all sites is critical.
To support their ambitious vision for digitalisation, the Trust recognised the need for a cutting-edge network solution that could improve security, reduce costs, and provide long-term value. They partnered with WhiteSpider to implement a transformative Secure Boundary solution.
Their Challenges
The Solution: Secure Boundary
At the heart of the project was the Secure Boundary solution, a centrally funded service designed to enhance NHS cyber security and operational efficiency. WhiteSpider’s role was to design, implement, and optimise the solution for the Trust, ensuring alignment with their strategic goals.
The Secure Boundary solution delivered four critical advantages for the NHS Trust:
1. Enhanced Visibility
The solution provided unprecedented visibility into network traffic, empowering them to:
- Monitor and manage risks effectively.
- Identify and neutralise malicious content within encrypted traffic.
2. Intelligent Threat Protection
By integrating advanced threat intelligence, they could respond swiftly to incidents. This capability enabled:
- A granular understanding of local network activity.
- Proactive threat management for improved resilience.
3. Compliance Confidence
The Secure Boundary solution ensured compliance with key standards, including CE+, DSPT, NCSC, and ITHC. Its evolving design guarantees continued alignment with regulatory requirements, reducing the compliance burden on them.
4. Exceptional Value
Switching from WiFi Spark to Secure Boundary resulted in a considerable saving, nearly 3x the OpEx spend. This significant cost reduction was achieved while transitioning to a superior, centrally funded service, showcasing both financial prudence and operational foresight.
WhiteSpider are very knowledgeable and technically proficient. Always on hand when we need them. They’ve helped support us on multiple projects over the course of a five-year partnership. If we ever have a problem, I know their tech team is only a call away.
Tony, Senior Network Manager, Northern NHS Trust
The Results
The implementation of the Secure Boundary solution has been a game-changer for the NHS Trust. They now enjoy:
- Improved risk management capabilities.
- Cost savings that enable reinvestment into patient care.
- A future-proof network that evolves alongside their digitalisation goals.
By collaborating with WhiteSpider, the Trust has demonstrated how strategic innovation can unlock better outcomes for healthcare providers and the communities they serve.
Why This Partnership Worked
WhiteSpider’s expertise in secure network solutions was instrumental to the success of this project, complemented by the Trust’s cyber security led approach. By embracing innovation and prioritising long-term value, they adopted a solution that not only addressed immediate challenges but also aligned seamlessly with their vision for a connected, secure future.
Looking Ahead
As the Secure Boundary solution continues to evolve with new updates, the Trust is well-positioned to remain at the forefront of digital healthcare. Their success story highlights the power of collaboration between forward-thinking organisations and expert technology partners like WhiteSpider.
Talk to our team and discover how we can help your organisation achieve its strategic goals with secure, future-ready IT solutions.