Tobacco firm filters security

Benson & Hedges manufacturer secures remote access

Cigarette manufacturer Gallaher Group is introducing new security systems to protect corporate data.

The tobacco giant – which owns brands including Benson & Hedges, Silk Cut and Hamlet – has signed a deal with IT security firm ActivIdentity and will issue remote workers with smartcards to tighten access into its corporate network.

IT services firm Sysec will integrate remote access, single sign-on and card management systems so that business partners and sales staff can access business applications via a secure virtual private network.

Business partners of Gallaher Group, such as field consultants investigating new tobacco plantations, will also be able to access information they require.

Blandine Marcelin, group chief technical architect at Gallaher, says the company decided to adopt the secure remote working network after trying to update its dial-up connections.

'Although we started off looking to replace only a rather antiquated dial-up system, we ended up thinking about a number of other problems and have embarked upon quite a shift in the company’s mobility strategy,' said Gallaher.

What do you think? Email us at: [email protected]