The development of the digital environment has made the need for zero trust-based cybersecurity to become wider, including in Indonesia. In response to this need, the subsidiary company of Internet Initiative Japan (IIJ) in Indonesia launched Safous, a zero trust network access implementation service (Zero Trust Network Access, or ZTNA). This service is expected to be a better security solution for Indonesia’s digital ecosystem, especially in the pandemic era.
About the Launch of Safous by IIJ Indonesia
IIJ announced the launch of the ZTNA service through Safous on August 25, 2021. This service began to function simultaneously for users in Indonesia and several other Asian countries such as Singapore, Thailand, Vietnam, and China. Some of these countries have a growing economy and the need for digital technology is getting wider in various fields.
Although the first phase of the launch focuses on the Asia Pacific countries, IIJ plans to expand it’s services to Europe and North America by the end of 2022. The United States and Canada are examples of developed countries that will become Safous’ service target provision areas. This will allow easier communication and connections between countries in various professional fields, including Indonesia and other developed countries.
According to Miki Tanaka, Director of Global Services at IIJ, Safous is an integrated service that offers extra security for users to access various business features on the corporate network. The Safous IT security system has layered authentication technology via an access points (Point of Presence, or PoP) provided by IIJ. This service promises a much more secure digital ecosystem than VPNs that have been widely adopted.
The launch of Safous is the answer to the needs of Indonesian people for security in services, ranging from shopping, financial transactions, communications, to work-related systems. The security of ZTNA technology also supports the digital economy ecosystem that is increasingly being promoted in Indonesia, including the opening and management of MSMEs. Furthermore, ZTNA technology can also be applied in institutions providing formal services and educational field.
Safous users can use PoP located in eight countries, which is in Indonesia, Singapore, China, Japan, United States, Canada, South America, and Europe. Safous also offers extra security in the form of layered access control for every activity, even routine ones. This secures the internal digital environment from outside attacks, especially attacks with tailor-made strategies that specifically targeted to break through specialized institutional networks.
Why is ZTNA Service Important?
Digital and online systems are now an important part of our daily activities. Companies rely on online services, remote communications, and the use of applications and technologies such as cloud to manage company data. Technologies such as cashless transactions, online content streaming, to online bureaucracy have also become a major part of people’s lives. This demands the increase of a strong cybersecurity.
ZTNA is the solution for a stronger cybersecurity especially after the widespread use of VPNs and cloud services. Due to its general nature, users tend to lower their guard when using applications or related access. As a result, VPN and cloud IT solutions tend to be inadequate, especially if there are indications of data leaks, technical errors, or carelessness leading to cyberattacks.
By using ZTNA, companies or institutions can give verified users permission to access the network through the Point of Presence instead of a direct access. This reduces the risk of breaches or leaks of access to the network. The layered security system also allows the verification process at every step so that the security system is tighter.
ZTNA also helps companies in maintaining the quality of the resources they have. Cyber attacks can cause disruption and even damage to critical facilities in the system. This can result in financial losses, loss of consumer or customer’s trust, and other long-term issues. ZTNA is a long-term investment for companies or institutions, especially those that depend on reputation and consumer ratings.
Finally, the role of ZTNA becomes even more important when the digital economy faces extraordinary situations such as the pandemic. The increasingly widespread use of the cloud compared to internal servers and the increasing need for remote work add to network security risks. ZTNA reduces the risk of data or identity theft which increases as the boundaries of access privacy change.
Main Features of Safous Service
Safous promises quality features to increase system security in companies and institutions without a complicated installation process. What are the features promised by the Safous service? Here are some of them.
1. Strong and Layered Protection
Safous’s protection system completely blocks all access attempts from outside the network. Users can only log in if they already have access from the party who gave the official authority, and every activity goes through a verification step. This reduces the risk of attacks from outside and within the network.
2. Steady Access and Authentication System
Safous does not provide access to outside users except those who have received authorization. If there are users outside the network who need to access certain applications or information, Safous provides a set of protection and authentication systems. An example is a layered authentication system (with an email address and phone number or a special code, for example).
3. Accessible from Anywhere
Safous can be accessed from any area where the Point of Presence is located. This allows users to access it from devices such as PCs or IoT. Safous’ eight PoP areas currently cover Asia Pacific countries, but its reach will extend to Europe and North America so there is more choice for users.
4. Connected to Popular Apps
Safous users can secure access to various services and applications to support activities, including popular applications. This zero trust-based service is available to users of Microsoft 365, Azure, Google Cloud, Amazon CloudFront, and more. This allows Safous to serve more users in Indonesia and other Asia Pacific countries.
5. Easy Installation
Connecting Safous to a corporate network system will only take a short time. Safous can be adapted to a variety of network and cloud technologies without complex configuration or the need for agents/third parties. You can apply it to your company right now.
IIJ Global Solutions offers all these convenient features through the installation of Safous system. The expanding coverage of the PoP area makes this service suitable for companies and institutions anywhere in Indonesia who need the latest security systems of higher quality and without complicated installation process.
The Importance of Safous Service during the Pandemic
The launch of Safous in Indonesia and other Asia Pacific countries in August 2021 coincides with the growing need for cybersecurity during the pandemic. Various restrictions related to health risks have forced various companies and institutions to implement a large-scale adaptation system in their daily activities, such as remote work policies.
Safous presents various advantages for companies and institutions that adjust their SOPs and network systems according to the environment and policies during the pandemic. Here are some of them:
1. Ransomware Protection
The pandemic has further expanded the risk of ransomware attacks, i.e. stealing data by methods designed specifically to break into the systems of a single company or institution. These breaches are often combined with other actions such as selling personal data or extortion against the company. Safous technology applies the principle of zero trust at all steps and reduces the risk of ransomware due to carelessness or network vulnerabilities.
2. Access Security Through Any Device
Remote work and online collaboration mean that employees have to access the company network via personal devices. Safous systems implement security procedures from the application stage to access and log in, not just within the network. This ensures that everyone who enters the company’s systems can be trusted from the start.
3. Reducing attack-prone points
ZTNA technology communicates with only one access point, reducing the risk of security breaches at multiple points at once. If a company has multiple VPN access points, for example, ZTNA technology will not use those access points. Focusing on a single point simplifies the procedure of securing access to the corporate network.
4. Easier Risk Management
Implementing new security systems on enterprise systems is a complex task. Typically, companies implement complex measures to address security risks across multiple device accesses and specific areas of the network. Safous simplifies the process with management systems in one operation center.
The impact of this method is the ease of implementing new security systems when companies adjust work policies during the pandemic era, for example opening access for remote digital collaboration work with employees or clients in different regions. The implementation of the security system can be carried out thoroughly and briefly so that the workflow can return to normal.
5. Integrated Central Security Management
Safous integrates security procedures in a single management center, such as authentication and authorization. Enterprises can manage implementation of specific security procedures such as Single Sign On (SSO) and Multi-factor Authentication (MFA) in one place. This makes control and examination easier, especially when these specific security procedures must be increasingly implemented during the pandemic.
6. Ease of Audit in the Record System
The implementation of remote work policies and the widespread use of the cloud have made manual recording systems obsolete. Companies need an automated system that is able to record every interaction and indication of a cyber attack in real time. This is implemented through an automated system that is integrated into the corporate network.
Safous has an automated recording system as part of its management features. This makes it easier for company IT staff to conduct audits, monitor daily activities, and track emerging security risks. The recording system is implemented in real time so that it is accurate and facilitates regular audits.
7. A More Comfortable and Professional Work Atmosphere
In general, the application of a zero trust system such as Safous creates a more comfortable and professional work atmosphere. Collaboration becomes smoother without worrying about security risks from inside and outside the company. System security also improves the quality of the company’s internal communications, something that supports the atmosphere and quality of work.
Zero trust network access is a technology that is increasingly playing an important role in today’s digital ecosystem, especially in the pandemic era when remote work and collaboration are increasingly needed. Safous is a safe, quality, and easy-to-implement ZTNA technology solution that is suitable for various companies and institutions in Indonesia. Get access to zero trust services now through Safous.