Modernising Web Security for a Global Paper & Packaging Leader

As a world-leading distributor of paper, packaging and visual communication solutions, this organisation runs a complex UK operation supported by a network of sales and logistics locations. Their head office houses most IT users, with the rest distributed across regional offices. 

The IT team plays a crucial role in supporting strategic objectives: improving productivity, reducing costs and managing risk across the business. 

The Challenge

For years, the company relied on a Symantec Blue Coat web filtering solution to monitor and govern employee internet access. The system provided: 

• Category-based filtering 
• Reporting 
• Logging and access control 

But with the product reaching end-of-life, the organisation needed a replacement that: 

• Delivered modern, secure web resolution 
• Integrated alongside the legacy system during transition 
• Offered strong malware protection 
• Worked seamlessly for users across all locations 
• Supported remote workers without performance loss 
• Provided ongoing updates and long-term viability 

The aim was not only to replace ageing technology but to modernise the organisation’s web access management without disrupting current tools or slowing productivity. 

The Solution

The recommended approach was the Netskope Next-Generation Secure Web Gateway (SWG): a forward-proxy service designed to elevate standard DNS resolution into a powerful security layer. 

The solution offered: 

• Rich reporting and insights 
• 80+ website categories for granular control 
• Enhanced malware and virus scanning 
• DLP for SaaS with regulatory templates 
• Threat protection for SaaS applications 
• Real-time policy enforcement 

Crucially, the service required no additional hardware, delivered built-in redundancy and fault tolerance, and worked for all users regardless of location. IT teams retained centralised control with access to immediate malware support when needed. 

Implementation was carried out alongside the existing Blue Coat platform to avoid any disruption. As soon as the new resolution service was in place, the IT team could decide which devices would be routed through it. 

For remote workers or off-network devices, a lightweight agent ensured they received the same protection, web filtering and threat scanning as office-based staff. 

Their IT team engaged deeply during testing and configuration, recognising the value of the more modern and secure approach. 

The Impact

This staged modernisation created a more resilient, scalable web security environment aligned to the needs of a globally recognised industry leader.