UCI Cinemas is bolstering its IT security to reduce spam and give managers remote access to business systems.

The cinema chain has outsourced security management of its mobile computing systems to service provider Signify, following a decision last year to introduce a virtual private network (VPN) (Computing, 6 April 2004).

As part of the managed service contract, UCI will receive 24-hour maintenance of remote access security systems, allowing executives from regional offices and branches in the UK, Ireland, Spain, Germany, Austria, Italy and Portugal access to corporate email and financial reporting applications, at any time, regardless of where they are.

An AEP Networks secure socket layer VPN was installed last year to provide staff with remote access from home computers, laptops and internet cafes. UCI is using RSA SecureID two-factor authentication key-fobs and servers to identify users.

Signify will now authenticate users, and cancel and distribute new authentication tokens if existing ones are reported stolen or lost.

'Our Microsoft Outlook email and reporting systems are both web-based, which makes it easy for management to work from outside of the office,' said Danny Larah, group infrastructure manager at UCI Cinemas. 'But at the same time, they are critical systems that need to be secured.'

By outsourcing the handling of identity management processes to Signify and reseller Think-Secure, UCI says its in-house IT team will have more time to focus on other activities.

'We no longer have to manage people's home systems, and the VPN provides an added level of security,' said Larah.

More than 50 executives have access to the system but UCI plans to increase the rollout over time.

The cinema chain also says it has reduced spam since adopting MessageLabs security products.

'Thirty per cent of emails coming into our servers are spam, but we've reduced what reaches inboxes,' Larah said.

UCI is also blocking potential hacks and viruses, using eTrust anti-virus software from Computer Associates and firewalls from Check Point.

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