Alcatel-Lucent Enterprise goes for smart layered security approach

Dumortier speaking at Govware 2023.

Alcatel-Lucent Enterprise (ALE) has a layered security approach that enhances risk, resilience and security (RRS) for clients with a Zero Trust framework. 

According to Dirk Dumortier, who looks after APAC Partnerships, Smart-SECURE-Cities & Healthcare at ALE, the approach covers premises, networks and infrastructure, applications and the operating system, users, communications and auditing.

ALE works with partners to guard against data leaks and service disruption as part of its strategy, for example. "At the end of the day you are involved, everybody is involved," Dumortier said.

The approach is also smart, covering context-aware Zero Trust networking in dynamic network settings, context-aware communications, as well as context-aware workflows, he added.

Dumortier gave the example of notifying the right stakeholders if a fire occurs. "Context awareness is important because you may not be in town," he explained.

Further, ALE's equipment is hardened, with containment, encryption and remediation procedures in place, contributing to RRS. Even if a single network switch is hacked, cyber criminals do not get access to other switches, and will have to go back to square one to try hacking another switch, Dumortier said.

ALE's Zero Trust-driven solutions include a remote visual assistant that requires 15 minutes of training to use. The interface consists of a smart phone headset and a single smart button that are connected to the back office. The solution facilitates collaboration between internal resources and third parties, and has saved 2.5 hours a week with data collection automation. ALE also offers a network advisor that covers operational and information technology (OT/IT). The advisor can identify cyberattacks and network intrusions, then offer advice on next steps.

For example, it can detect unauthorised devices, and then block them at the systems operation centre level, notifying the operations head at the same time.

"The system can block everything. It gives you choice," Dumortier said.

ALE's crisis management service for public events is another solution under the Zero Trust umbrella, offering automated workflows, full visibility for authorised parties through shared CCTV feeds, and facilitates coordination between internal and external parties.

Clients across Asia Pacific have been interested in ALE's Zero Trust framework, including in government, healthcare, and education. The company also works with government agencies in the region to deploy network infrastructure built on the framework.

The Asian Hospital and Medical Center, a major hospital in the Philippines, uses reliable and secured network solutions from ALE to handle access to electronic medical records (EMR), while at the same time providing more reliable Wi-Fi Internet services to patients and guests.

At NUSTAR Casino, ALE's tailored solutions prioritise network and data security in line with Zero Trust principles. Stringent authentication and authorisation mandatory for all users and devices when it comes to data access.

ALE collaborates with over 2,000 organisations across various industries in Singapore and more than 10,000 customers across the Asia Pacific region. Its client base spans industry verticals such as hospitality, healthcare, transportation, government, and education among others.