Macnica provides Shimane Prefecture with "Menlo Security" as a local government information security cloud - Virtual browser enables safe internet use and improved convenience for municipalities

Macnica (headquarters: Yokohama, Kanagawa Prefecture; Representative Director and President: Kazumasa Hara; hereinafter referred to as Macnica) announced today that it has provided the virtual browser platform "Menlo Security Isolation Platform" (hereinafter referred to as Menlo Security) to Shimane Prefecture as an optional service for the local government information security cloud ^*1 "Shimane Security Cloud" (hereinafter referred to as SSC).

Background
Shimane Prefecture has implemented security measures to prevent the leakage of personal information in line with the resilience model set out by the Ministry of Internal Affairs and Communications for local governments. Specifically, they have adopted virtual desktop technology as the "Shimane Security Cloud" (hereinafter referred to as SSC), and have constructed and operated a three-layered security system by separating the Internet system from the LGWAN (general administrative network) and the network of business terminals that handle My Number.
However, with the conventional virtual desktop environment, there were issues such as "every time you accessed the Internet, you had to enter your ID and password and launch the virtual desktop, which placed a heavy operational burden on employees," "there were management costs for the virtual desktops and the costs of introducing software licenses," and "there was a limit on the number of licenses for the virtual desktop that prevented you from connecting to the Internet."

Reasons for selecting Menlo Security
Shimane Prefecture introduced Menlo Security to solve these issues. Menlo Security is a virtual browser solution that transfers only safe information that does not contain malware from the Internet to the user via a platform isolated from the network. Its patented technology ACR (Adaptive Clientless Rendering) retrieves web content and executes programs on behalf of the web browser. This makes it possible to achieve network isolation without compromising usability, without disrupting the layout of the website.
Shimane Prefecture decided to introduce Menlo Security due to its extensive implementation track record in public sectors such as finance, as well as the extensive support from Macnica and Menlo Security.

<Network isolation using Menlo Security's virtual browser>

■ Benefits of implementation
Currently, more than half of the municipalities and organizations participating in the SSC are using Menlo Security, with over 14,000 licenses. The introduction of Menlo Security has made it possible to safely connect to the Internet simply by opening a browser, eliminating the tedious tasks that had been required up until now and improving the work efficiency of employees. In addition, because Menlo Security is a cloud service, management costs can be reduced, and the security level has been significantly improved by eliminating malicious programs such as malware in a cloud environment. These improvements have allowed the time saved to be used to improve the most important services for prefecture residents.

■ Future outlook
Shimane Prefecture plans to continue to promote the use of ICT, including the cloud, to improve administrative efficiency and provide better services to its citizens, and to strengthen security by further reviewing network configurations, etc. In addition, by providing the SSC, the prefecture aims to support local governments that are struggling with IT personnel and budgets, and to increase the time that each employee can spend on providing services to citizens.

Through the provision of Menlo Security, Macnica will strive to reduce the damage caused by cyber attacks on Japanese local governments, companies, and other organizations and to support improved business efficiency.

*1: A service that allows local governments (cities, towns, and villages) within a prefecture to use the security infrastructure introduced by the prefecture. The aim is for each local government to maintain a high level of security regardless of their size.

[Click here for details of the case]
URL: https://www.macnica.co.jp/business/security/manufacturers/menlosecurity/case_13.html

[Click here for product inquiries]
Menlo Security Macnica
TEL: 045-476-2010
Email: menlo-sales@macnica.co.jp

*Company names and product names mentioned in this text are trademarks or registered trademarks of Macnica and each company.
*The information published in the news release (including product price, specifications, etc.) is current as of the date of announcement. Please note that the information may be subject to change without prior notice.