At the Iowa Communications Network (ICN), we understand that for Iowa’s educational institutions, technology is the backbone of learning. However, managing complex security infrastructure can often pull valuable resources away from a school's primary mission.
When Southwestern Community College (SWCC) found their existing security measures becoming a hurdle rather than a shield, they turned to ICN for a partnership rooted in expertise and reliability.
The Challenge: Overcoming Technical Complexity
Prior to switching to the ICN managed firewall service, SWCC utilized a Cisco firewall that the internal team found cumbersome to operate. While the team was capable of performing necessary updates and changes, they felt the system was never reaching its maximum potential.
To get their security strategy back on track, SWCC hired a security firm to identify priorities. Updating and maintaining their firewall emerged as a top concern, leading them to search for an alternative that better fit their specific needs.
The Solution: ICN Managed Firewall Service
SWCC partnered with ICN to deploy a solution that provided both technical excellence and operational support.
- Expert Consultation: ICN assisted with the firewall selection to ensure a perfect fit for the college. Our network admins handled the entire setup and configuration process.
- Full Management: ICN now performs 100% of the firewall management. Our team even joins calls with other vendors to ensure all third-party integrations are completed securely.
- Initial Configuration: We provided a "fresh build" that corrected lingering errors from the old system. By addressing small details previously overlooked, we ensured there were no remaining holes in the college network.
Key Improvements
- Corrected Lingering Issues: Fixed long-standing configuration errors.
- Streamlined Configuration: Created a cleaner, more efficient network build.
- Saved Staff Time: Reduced the daily operational burden on the internal team.
- Increased Security Visibility: Improved the ability to monitor and defend the network.
The Results: Time Savings and Improved Security
The impact of the transition was felt immediately across the IT department:
- Staff Time Management: Time is a crucial resource for a small team. The SWCC team has saved a great deal of time thanks to ICN's comprehensive oversight of their firewalls.
- Security Visibility: Since changing firewalls and refining their security strategy, SWCC's security and penetration testing scores have consistently risen.
Client Perspective
With low man power it is great to have someone with this much knowledge handling any issues that we have. When we have a need it is a quick e-mail to the support team at ICN, and they take care of it or send it to someone else to complete.
Partnering for a Secure Iowa
The success at Southwestern Community College is a testament to what can be achieved when local expertise meets dedicated support. By offloading the complexities of firewall management to ICN, SWCC has not only strengthened its digital perimeter but also empowered its IT staff to focus on the students and faculty they serve. At ICN, we are proud to be the 24/7 security backup team that Iowa’s institutions can rely on.
We provide the essential connectivity and 24/7 support that powers Iowa’s education, healthcare, public safety, and government sectors. We are the dedicated partner ensuring Iowa’s most vital organizations stay connected and efficient.
Discover how we empower organizations across the state by going to our Success Stories Page.