Wilmington, OH-based National Bank and Trust tapped Microsoft Windows Server 2008 Enterprise for two new servers it deployed to improve the firm’s security and remote connectivity. The new servers were needed because remote network users whose computers weren’t totally secure couldn’t connect to the bank’s network while third-party vendors or auditors were working on-site.

The bank’s network infrastructure consists of 47 servers (29 at a central data house) and 200 workstations running Windows XP. Because of the security issue that remote users encountered in trying to access the network when a third party was on-site, remote users weren’t able to seize every sales opportunity. The problem also affected on-site network users, who had to help remote users troubleshoot network connectivity issues.

Windows Server 2008 Enterprise provides the bank with the complete set of identity and access services that the bank needs to provide user management, directory consolidation, single sign-on, strong authentication, information protection, and federation.

The bank implemented Network Policy Server (NPS) to ensure that all devices are healthy enough to connect to the bank’s network. NPS is used to centrally configure and manage network policies with Network Access Protection (NAP) at the bank’s main office using the Dynamic Host Configuration Protocol (DHCP) and virtual private network (VPN) authentication methods. The bank also implemented NAP at its branch offices. Eventually National Bank & Trust will be able to eliminate the servers from the branch locations, while still securing the remote locations.

 “We are confident that the bank is now more secure, that devices accessing our network are secure, and that those devices meet our current network policy for access,” says Howard Witherby, senior vice president of operations at National Bank & Trust.

The bank can now log every third-party vendor connection, check device compliance, restrict access, and monitor activities. The bank has also increased remote connectivity and increased IT productivity by decreasing the number of network connectivity issues and security risks.