Zscaler > Case Studies > ECS European Containers: Enhancing Security and Efficiency with Zscaler

ECS European Containers: Enhancing Security and Efficiency with Zscaler

Technology Category

Infrastructure as a Service (IaaS) - Cloud Middleware & Microservices
Platform as a Service (PaaS) - Application Development Platforms

Applicable Industries

National Security & Defense
Telecommunications

Applicable Functions

Logistics & Transportation
Maintenance

Use Cases

Tamper Detection
Transportation Simulation

Services

Cloud Planning, Design & Implementation Services
Testing & Certification

About The Customer

ECS European Containers is an intermodal logistics operator, specializing in container transport between the UK, Ireland, and the European continent. The company is headquartered in Zeebrugge, Belgium, and operates a fleet of 5,000 ambient 45 ft containers and 1,000 reefer units. It also owns a fleet of 300 trucks moved by 800 drivers. At its 30,000 m² warehouse in Zeebrugge, ECS provides storage solutions in ambient or temperature-controlled conditions. In addition to transport and storage, the company offers complete logistics services ranging from cross-docking to consolidation and storage with value-added services.

The Challenge

ECS European Containers, a Belgium-based intermodal logistics operator, was facing significant challenges with its on-premise server-based solution. The system was reaching its limits and was proving difficult to maintain. It lacked support for SSL inspection, which resulted in inadequate protection against viruses and other malware. Additionally, employees had unrestricted outbound access to the internet, posing potential security risks. The ICT environment, managed by 13 employees at the company's headquarters, was integrated into the entire service life cycle of ECS, supporting transport planning, warehouse management, and other paperless processes. The existing solution was not only failing to provide the necessary protection but was also proving to be difficult and expensive to manage and maintain.

The Solution

In response to these challenges, ECS European Containers sought a new Internet access gateway. The company evaluated both on-premises and cloud solutions, ultimately opting for the Internet Security Platform of Zscaler. This comprehensive cloud-based platform offered higher security and less hassle, protecting employees from malware, viruses, advanced persistent threats, and other security risks. It also provided the ability to stop inadvertent or malicious leaks of the company’s sensitive data. Zscaler scans and filters all network traffic to and from the Internet, including SSL-encrypted sessions. The solution also provided the benefits of not having to host and maintain an internal security concept, reducing infrastructure and maintenance costs. Zscaler’s reports offered instant insight into threats, combined with real-time recommendations on how to improve the company’s security posture.

Operational Impact

The implementation of Zscaler's Internet Security Platform has brought about significant operational improvements for ECS European Containers. The cloud-based solution has not only enhanced security but also reduced the hassle associated with managing an internal security concept. The company now enjoys a higher level of protection against malware, viruses, and other security threats. The solution's reporting capabilities provide ECS with an overview of inbound security incidents, including blocked malware, viruses, and attacks, as well as violations of their Internet use policy. This has enabled the company to improve its security posture proactively. Furthermore, the solution has helped manage productivity loss by defining different URL classes for internet access. The company has also resolved bandwidth issues related to excessive use of streaming media by implementing a user quota. As a result, ECS no longer needs to upgrade to a higher capacity internet connection, leading to cost savings.

Quantitative Benefit