Vodafone becomes first UK mobile operator to be awarded Governmentquality mark for remote worker security solution

Vodafone UK has announced that its Vodafone Secure Remote Access solution has been awarded the CESG Claims Tested Mark (CCTM) certificate by CESG, the information assurance arm of GCHQ. Vodafone UK becomes the first UK mobile operator to receive the CCTM mark, which verifies the claims companies make for their security solutions for data confidentiality, integrity and availability in the modern government IT environment.

The CCTM certificate means that UK public sector organisations, including those in local authorities, the National Health Service, education, criminal justice, policing, Central Government and the Ministry of Defence, can now recognise Vodafone Secure Remote Access v2.8 as a solution that has had independent assurance testing, under CESG governance.

Vodafone Secure Remote Access helps organisations to protect their networks, devices and data – principally by ensuring staff comply with IT security policies when away from the office. In the tests the solution was tested for its functionality in Connectivity Control, Application Control and Security Policy. In line with the standard CCTM process, the claims made by Vodafone in these areas were reviewed by CESG to confirm they were unambiguous, relevant and representative of Vodafone’s marketing.

Head of CCTM Secretariat Peter Hayes said that he is delighted to welcome Vodafone to the expanding CCTM portfolio. "This award to Vodafone is a first for the CESG Claims Tested Mark, giving buyers an option in our Mobile and Remote Working category."

CESG, the Government's National Technical Authority for information assurance, is responsible for enabling secure and trusted knowledge sharing within the public sector. In particular, CESG seeks to protect and promote the vital interests of the UK by providing advice and assistance on the security of communications and electronic data.

“Vodafone Secure Remote Access is designed to allow organisations to reap all the benefits of flexible working while making sure that data is protected and security policies are fully adhered to,” said Jonathan Rutherford, Head of Enterprise and Public Sector Marketing for Vodafone UK. “We believe that it has enormous potential for ensuring the success of mobile working initiatives across the public sector. We are delighted that CESG has provided the extra recognition that will allow departments and agencies to now make a fully informed, independently validated purchasing decision.”