This appliance comes loaded with features. Three default security policies monitor for up-to-date service packs, critical updates, anti-virus programs and updates, and the presence of worms, viruses or Trojans.
The device scans by monitoring the network for new hosts or IP addresses and requires that each computer passes its tests before connecting it to the network. All activity is sent back to the organised web console and shown in a report explaining what tests the user passed or failed. The appliance will then try to bring the user up to policy or allow access to updates on the web.
The appliance is simple to setup and deploy rapidly on the network. The Safe Access platform is installed on its own server. The platform is built on Red Hat Linux and installs very quickly. Once setup is complete, configuration is done through the web interface. An intuitive and easy-to-understand configuration wizard assists in the final setup and configuration of policies.
Safe Access performed very well during our tests. We found that it even denied access to our clean test machine because the anti-virus software we installed on it required an update.
Neither of our machines were able to access network resources until the policy was met.
StillSecure Safe Access comes with a very large binder of printed documentation split up into different sections. The main sections are the quickstart guide and the user guide.
The quickstart guide is helpful in starting the appliance and getting the device up and running. The user’s guide helps with the configuration and explaining how to use the appliance’s web interface. The guide is certainly informative, but it can be difficult to navigate and find answers to questions during configuration.
Support for this appliance is offered to all licenced users by phone or email. Phone support is available during the week 8am-6pm US Mountain Time. Still Secure offers support packages for purchase with additional premium support services.
But while this appliance is very powerful, this comes at a heavy price. The Safe Access licence weighs in at around £21 per IP, which could become expensive for large enterprise networks – although volume discounts apply.
For: Very flexible with many policy options in all endpoint security categories.
Against: Very expensive with per IP licencing.
Verdict: Excellent, fully featured endpoint security solution.
