WhiteHat Security

Evolution Fire & Security helps protect the protectors

When WhiteHat Security, one of the world’s leading web application security companies, was looking to move to new offices in Belfast, consistency in its physical security was key. It needed a partner that could not only match the high levels of security enjoyed by its headquarters in Santa Clara and satellite office in Houston, but also had a local presence in Northern Ireland to provide ongoing service and maintenance support. It chose Evolution, the integrated security and fire solutions business.

WhiteHat Security has been in the business of securing web applications for 15 years. Combining technology with the expertise of its Threat Research Center (TRC) team, it helps its customers to reduce their risk, lower their costs, and decrease the time it takes for them to develop and deploy secure applications and websites.

Craig Hand, Desktop Systems Engineer, says that Evolution was recommended as one of the few companies in the UK and Ireland with experience in sourcing and configuring the systems that WhiteHat Security had already deployed: “As we have physical security systems already in place at our other sites, it made sense to integrate security for our new Belfast office with these,” he explains.

“Along with this operational requirement, our recent move to a new location also meant that we needed a new intruder alarm compatible with our existing access control system, along with associated alarm monitoring and interfaces. Timelines were fairly tight due to our relocation schedule and Evolution was able to provide quotes and order equipment in line with these.”

Compatible technologies Evolution devised a solution that included a compatible access controller, card readers, intruder alarm, and multi-path monitoring system. It was also able to leverage existing hardware where appropriate and advise where replacements would be required, enabling Craig and his team to minimise the cost of the project while not compromising on security.

Integration with the building fire alarm system was also needed and Evolution completed this in conjunction with the appropriate contractor. The company also managed sub-contractors where necessary and ensured any work carried out was to the high standards required.

“Integration with systems offsite and custom configurations proved to be the more challenging parts of the project,” Craig continues, “and Evolution ensured not only that our immediate requirements were met, but were also flexible when further changes were required. Evolution was also very responsive when any problems arose.”

“Evolution ensured not only that our immediate requirements were met, but were also flexible when further changes were required.”

The primary benefits of the solution have been the ability to administer and monitor access control across multiple sites without requiring additional systems, and streamlining access for staff while maintaining an appropriate level of physical security.

Mark Corrigan of Evolution says that installation reflects the ability of the local team to take on complex tasks: “The need to complement and integrate with existing systems installed in other sites around the world was a key challenge, but one that our design team and engineers were more than equal to.”