The UK Government's Code of Connection (CoCo) is a set of official IT Security "basline" standards which must be met for Local Authorities to keep access to the Government Connect Secure Extranet (GCSx).

GCSx is a secure private Wide-Area Network (WAN) that enables communication between local authorities and Government departments such as Work and Pensions and Children Schools and Families.

Several of Softek's solutions assist LA's to achieve CoCo compliance.

• Two Factor Authentication

A key element of CoCo is that users working remotely must use secure two-factor authentication instead of simple passwords.

Two-factor authentication requires a user to present two different factors (or proof) of identity – something you know and something you have. These factors are usually a secret PIN (something you know) and a tangible "token", which can be a key fob device, a USB device (such as SafeStick), or a mobile device such as a mobile phone, iPhone or BlackBerry (something you have).

Read more on Deepnet Security Authentication solutions

• Removable Device Security

BlockMaster has a well-established, world wide and successful track record when providing fully encrypted, tamperproof and managable USB memory sticks to Government and other local authorities.

In 2009 the UK NHS made SafeStick and SafeConsole their solution of choice when looking for removable media security.

Read more on SafeStick and SafeConsole USB Encryption and management solution

• Insider Threat Management / Data Leakage Prevention

Overtis Vigilance Pro gives you tTotal control over your environment - control who has access to what, when, how and for what purpose.

A complete Insider Threat Management and Data Leakage Prevention solution, pPolicies can prevent dissemination of information via any exit point - email, webmail, IM, FTP, Skype, social networking sites, screen grabs etc. etc. Even printing of sensitive documents can be restricted on the fly.

Vigilance Pro has the UK Government CESG / CCTM claims tested approval mark. This mark confirms the suitability of VigilancePro for use by Government, Military, UK Public and also commercial sectors

• USB / Removable Device Control

It is a requirement that not only do you need to encrypt all data held on portable devices, but you also restrict their use.

DeviceLock provides total control over all removable device use.

• Restricting Email / Enforcing Classification of Email and Documents

CoCo compliance requires you to enforce a policy whereby users are unable to forward, or systems are unable to AUTO-forward emails which may be classified or sensitive.

By enforcing the policy requirement to "Protective Mark" all emails AND documents using software such as JanuSEAL or Overtis Vigilance Pro, you are able to totally secure email communications using a gateway email filtering solution such as MailSecure.