Banking and Financial Services

Leading Bank

Financial Institution Security: F5 Infrastructure Modernisation Case Study

Overview

One of the UK’s prominent financial institutions approached FullProxy seeking expertise in enhancing their financial institution security infrastructure. As a major player in the banking sector, they required a comprehensive solution to protect their web-based and mobile banking applications whilst safeguarding sensitive customer data. Their need for modernised F5 systems was driven by the increasing sophistication of cyber threats targeting the financial sector.

The Challenge

The institution faced a complex array of challenges that threatened to undermine their financial institution security posture and operational efficiency. The primary concern centred around inconsistent F5 configurations, stemming from their reliance on multiple external consultants and frequent turnover within their in-house teams. This lack of standardisation created significant difficulties in troubleshooting and policy management across their network infrastructure.

Utilising WAF

A particularly pressing issue was their underutilised Web Application Firewall (WAF). Despite substantial investment in this crucial security tool, incomplete configuration and implementation left the institution vulnerable to cyber attacks that could potentially compromise sensitive customer data. This gap in their financial institution security framework posed significant risks to their operations and reputation.

Product Automation

Additionally, the institution struggled with F5 product automation and planning for future open banking initiatives. Their existing infrastructure lacked the flexibility and scalability necessary for innovation in the rapidly evolving financial technology landscape. These limitations severely impacted their ability to maintain robust security measures and efficiently manage network traffic.

Did you know?

Over £1.2bn was stolen through unauthorised financial fraud in 2022, with 78% of app fraud cases starting online

UK Finance Report, 2023

FullProxy's Solution

As an F5 Gold Partner and the UK’s most certified F5 specialist, FullProxy developed and implemented a comprehensive financial institution security solution spanning from 2017 to 2020. Our approach began with a complete migration of the client’s F5 estate to a virtual platform, establishing a foundation for future automation capabilities and enhanced security measures.

Standardising Configurations

Our expert consultants undertook a meticulous standardisation of all configurations, implementing improved naming conventions and ensuring platform compatibility throughout the system. This standardisation was crucial for maintaining consistent security protocols across their infrastructure.

A cornerstone of our solution involved the full implementation and configuration of their Web Application Firewall. This essential component now provides active protection and monitoring against sophisticated web attacks, significantly strengthening their security posture.

Managed Service

To ensure long-term success, we established a two-year managed service contract, delivering comprehensive support including remote assistance and specialised training. Our involvement extended beyond the initial three-month post-migration period, encompassing gradual upgrades across their entire F5 estate, beginning with open banking and home automation initiatives.

Results and Benefits

Our partnership delivered substantial improvements to the institution’s security infrastructure and operational efficiency. Their web-based and mobile banking applications now operate under superior protection protocols, effectively safeguarding customer data and mitigating potential cyber threats.

The standardisation of configurations has significantly enhanced the institution’s overall security stance and operational efficiency. Our expert implementation and activation of the WAF now provides powerful protection and monitoring against web attacks, forming a crucial component of their financial institution security framework.

Throughout our managed services contract, the financial institution achieved complete self-sufficiency in managing their F5 devices, ensuring long-term sustainability of their security measures.

Why FullProxy?

By partnering with FullProxy, the financial institution not only resolved their immediate security challenges but also established a robust foundation for long-term success in an increasingly digital banking landscape. Our expertise in financial institution security continues to support their growth and adaptation to emerging technological challenges.

NHS Lothian had discovered their F5 appliances were sailing with improper configurations, leaving their network vulnerable to malicious intruders. With the spectre of cyber threats looming large, including the ominous prospect of patient data breaches, the need for swift and decisive action was paramount.
In today's cyber security landscape, universities face the dilemma of providing seamless yet secure remote access to their staff and students, irrespective of their geographical locations. For a prestigious UK top 20 university with a sprawling network encompassing thousands of individuals dispersed across the UK and beyond, this challenge was particularly daunting.
A prominent gaming company approached FullProxy seeking expertise in reviewing and implementing firewalls to strengthen their cybersecurity infrastructure. As a rapidly growing outfit in the games sector, they manage substantial volumes of sensitive customer data, making robust security measures paramount to their operations.
A central government needed access to expert consultant to troubleshoot the F5 appliances within their network, and project management resource for migrating to the cloud with Office 365. They also required assistance optimising F5 applications they house to help load balance their connections to cloud applications and achieve resilience in across their data centres.