Integra Telecom Introduces Cloud Security Services

The company is incorporating the Cloud Firewall Service as a core infrastructure component throughout its fiber network.

Integra Telecom, a provider of fiber-based, business-grade networking, communications and cloud solutions, introduced a cloud security services suite of managed, networked-based security products for companies that rely on the Internet for their business and need to protect their network from unauthorized and malicious access and content. The first available product is Cloud Firewall Service, a network-based unified threat prevention service that provides secure inbound and outbound Internet access without the need for on-premise equipment or additional staff.

Based on Palo Alto Network's firewall, Integra's Cloud Firewall Service is designed to prevent unauthorized access to network infrastructure, prohibit access to inappropriate Web content, restrict downloads of infected files and ensure secure use of an organization's corporate IP-VPN network. Unlike network firewalls that depend upon "port blocking" schemes for network protection, the Integra firewall can identify and control applications and content, as well as points of access.

The company said this enables a wider breadth of capabilities - including application visibility and control, URL filtering, IPS/IDS, antivirus, anti-spyware, and file/data content filtering - that provide consistent enforcement of security policies to all customer facilities, including staff working in-office or at remote locations.

Additionally, reporting tools and realtime dashboards allow users to communicate security information while supporting legal and regulatory compliance, and user-based policies allow network administrators to control access to video, file-sharing and social media applications on an individual basis as needed.

"Integra Telecom is investing in new products and services to accommodate a growing number of midsize businesses and regional enterprise customers in our key markets throughout the U.S.," said Richard Shimizu, director of cloud services at Integra Telecom. "The Cloud Firewall Service is the first of a comprehensive array of cloud computing services that Integra is rolling out. Our Cloud Security Services suite of products serve a common objective: giving our business customers highly sophisticated, network-based data protection and management solutions that make the most of their existing investments in IT, networking and staffing resources."

Available in the fourth quarter, Integra Telecom is incorporating the Cloud Firewall Service as a core infrastructure component throughout its fiber network, making network security protection available to all Integra customers. Standard, Plus and Premium versions are available, according to a company release. In addition to adding a full suite of secure cloud computing products for its customers, Integra continues to deliver on its Customer Care program to deliver its customer service experience.