Case Study - The Blue Cross

The following case study shows how a leading UK animal charity, The Blue Cross, has been using FileAssurity to ensure their confidential information remains that way.


What was your problem?
We have a number of important lists that we need to send to suppliers.  The information in these lists is extremely confidential in nature and we need to be sure that if they were sent over the Internet they could not be read if they were intercepted in any way.  Naturally, the recipients also needed to be sure the lists really came from us.


Why did you choose ArticSoft FileAssurity?
After evaluating the software we realized it would be superb for sending files securely.  We were well aware that password protected files could be easily attacked if they ended up in the wrong hands or were intercepted, and we wanted to be absolutely certain that our information was safe no matter who got hold of it.  

The total cost of ownership was also a major consideration. The free reader software was an added benefit as it meant people we send confidential information to do not have to purchase FileAssurity.  In addition, FileAssurity’s key generation approach meant we could enjoy the benefits of high security that PKI provides without the normal associated cost of setting up or buying into a Public Key Infrastructure system.


Did you look at other security products when evaluating FileAssurity?
We looked at other products but they provided weaker password protection methods, and some did not even work properly.  FileAssurity provided the high strength and simplicity we needed.


How did you go about setting-up & using FileAssurity?
The software installed in a couple of minutes.  Then it was a simple matter of other people downloading the free reader software, generating a key, and then sending it to us so we could encrypt information that only they could view.  

Sending a secure file is a simple matter of clicking on the file name in the FileAssurity GUI, selecting the recipient(s) from the pull-down list box, right-clicking and selecting ‘Send Files to Mail Recipients’.  The encrypted file is then attached to a new message in our default mail application, ready to send.


What benefit has this provided for your company?
We now have huge confidence in the privacy of our online communications.  We can send files securely knowing that even if they are intercepted or sent to the wrong email address by mistake they cannot be read.  Personally I can now say with complete confidence to our Board of Directors that if any of our protected files are intercepted they are of no use to anyone.


About The Blue Cross
The Blue Cross is a leading animal charity that has been providing animal welfare since its inception in 1897.  Today it specializes in providing adoption, re-homing, practical support, information and advice for pet and horse owners, and veterinary treatment for animals throughout the UK and Ireland.  Through its network of animal adoption centres it rehomes thousands of animals each year.  Its hospitals provide veterinary care for the pets of people who cannot afford private vets' fees.
www.bluecross.org.uk

Iain Mckeand, IT Helpdesk Team Leader, The Blue Cross, www.bluecross.org.uk