CHI Limited selects NEC XON as Trusted Cybersecurity Partner

Grant Ferreira, NEC XON Security Solutions Engineer Architect

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Arthur Benting, CHI Limited's Technical Director, emphasises the significance of being prepared and resilient in the face of cyber threats. He raises essential questions that organisations should ask themselves about their readiness for a cyber compromise and the quality of their cybersecurity partners. “How often do you practise for a potential threat?” he asks, “and do you have the right partner?”

Trust between partners paramount
Grant Ferreira, NEC XON Security Solutions Engineer Architect, emphasises the need for a trust-based relationship between organisations and their cybersecurity partners. He highlights the unique bond between CHI Limited and NEC XON, where both parties openly collaborate and share responsibilities. Ferreira commends Benting’s inclusive approach - he welcomes NEC XON as an integral part of the team. This open communication allows for mutual growth, with each side acknowledging areas for improvement and pushing boundaries together.

Since Benting's recent appointment, he conducted an investigation that revealed areas where CHI Limited's security infrastructure could be strengthened. This prompted the approach to NEC XON, who helped to assess the situation. During this period of transition, CHI Limited had to address a few opportunities to beef up the legacy security architecture, especially with respect to applications. Two factors played a vital role in CHI’s improvement of the environment. First, the swift supply and deployment of an upgraded firewall system, facilitated by NEC XON. Second, close teaming between CHI, NEC XON and KPMG, who worked hand in hand to ensure an improved security fabric could be designed, configured and successfully implemented. KPMG was appointed by CHI’s parent company, Coca-Cola Atlanta, to facilitate CHI’s Network redesign project.

The collaboration led to the deprovisioning of older security infrastructure and the implementation of new Fortigate firewalls. This upgrade not only enhances CHI Limited's security configuration but also positions the organisation for its digitalisation journey over the next five years.