Permanent General Implements Top Layer Network Security Solution

Permanent General Companies (Nashville, Tenn.), a group of automobile insurance companies serving 18 states, as implemented intrusion prevention systems (IPS) vendor Top Layer's (Westboro, Mass.) IPS 5500 E-Series intrusion prevention solutions to fortify its defenses, while optimizing network performance and ensuring Payment Card Industry (PCI) compliance, according to a vendor source.

Permanent General's selection of the Top Layer technology was triggered by the group's need to address its previous security solution's tendency to block legitimate network traffic, according to the Top Layer source. The group's business requires being able to quickly address customers communication regarding their auto insurance policies through its Web site and e-mail, while providing the option for online payment. When placed in front of the existing IPS during testing for Permanent General, Top Layer's IPS 5500 blocked all malicious traffic while handling more traffic and maintaining network availability, the source claims.

"Top Layer has allowed us to quickly cut out malicious traffic from our network, maintain high levels of performance and save time and expenses wasted on other inefficient security scans," says Bruce Pruitte, lead network analyst at Permanent General. "We chose Top Layer over our existing TippingPoint IPS for improved performance and support, and its devices and support team have each delivered. With a network integrator on site to address our needs, Top Layer's support was tremendous from initial testing to implementation, and it continues to provide us value each day."

Anthony O'Donnell has covered technology in the insurance industry since 2000, when he joined the editorial staff of Insurance & Technology. As an editor and reporter for I&T and the InformationWeek Financial Services of TechWeb he has written on all areas of information ... View Full Bio