Summary: For 5 years, CORE has relied on NordLayer’s Business VPN and Fixed IP to support their cybersecurity strategy, ensuring compliance with banks and other regulated industries.
CORE, a UK-based digital agency, works on branding, web design, digital marketing, and paid advertising. They handle everything from strategy to development as well as hosting and ongoing digital marketing services. We spoke with Ceri Richmond, CORE’s founder and managing director, about how NordLayer helps them stay secure and compliant.
The challenge
CORE works with banks, legal firms, and other regulated clients, as well as a rich-mix of clients from other sectors. They are Cyber Essentials Plus and ISO 27001 certified, which require strict security measures.
Banks, in particular, must comply with Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) rules and European regulations. As well as at least annual audits with the various certification bodies CORE uses Financial Supplier Qualification System (FSQS) and Risk Ledger to show they meet these standards, and they undergo annual audits to stay certified.
Before hybrid work, CORE relied on its office’s fixed IP for secure connections to clients and servers and for file transfers. Moving to a hybrid model meant they needed a Business VPN and a Server with a dedicated IP to meet their own and their clients compliance requirements.
After comparing options, they chose NordLayer because of its transparent European ownership and trusted reputation.
“Some VPN providers have unclear ownership. We wanted a reliable company we could trust.”
Step 1. Simple setup with SSO
CORE needed a VPN that was quick and easy to implement.
They use Google accounts, so new hires log in with their Google ID, which integrates directly with NordLayer. This reduces the need for extra credentials. Two-factor authentication and other measures are enabled through Google for added security.
Setting up a new user is straightforward:
- Install NordLayer
- Assign the user
- Connect
Step 2. Virtual fixed IP
CORE uses NordLayer to recreate their office’s fixed IP in the cloud. This allows remote workers to securely access systems, replacing the old office-based model. This setup is crucial for hybrid work.
Step 3: Fixed IP for client data transfers
Many of CORE’s clients require access to shared resources restricted to specific IPs.
With NordLayer’s Server with a dedicated IP, CORE ensures secure, reliable connections that meet their own and their client’s firewall requirements. This is critical when working with sensitive data, especially in the financial sector.
Step 4: Dashboards for better control
CORE uses NordLayer’s Dashboards to monitor connections and confirm that only authorized users access their systems. This helps them stay compliant with their ISO 27001 ISMS (Information Security Management System) and maintain strong security practices.
“NordLayer doesn’t make certification automatic, but it’s an important part of our ISMS.”
Step 5: Future plans for network segmentation
CORE plans to introduce network segmentation to assign different access levels for teams, such as developers and designers. This will give them more control over who can access specific resources while keeping the VPN in use across the company.
Why NordLayer works for CORE
CORE has trusted NordLayer for five years. They test other options every two years but renewed their contract in 2024 after finding NordLayer still the best choice for their needs and against the other main competitors in the VPN space.
- Ease of use
Setting up the VPN is quick, and employees rarely face issues - Fixed IP control
Clients need IPs in specific locations, and NordLayer delivers - Mac compatibility
As a Mac-based company, CORE finds NordLayer’s app more user-friendly than others
“Other VPN apps feel outdated. NordLayer works smoothly without causing support headaches.”
Adding a new employee takes just 10 minutes:
“It’s simple. Part of onboarding is setting up NordLayer, and it’s done quickly.”
Pro cybersecurity tips from CORE
CORE combines an ISO 27001 training program with a strong focus on continued learning and awareness. Ceri emphasises that staying informed is essential, especially as cyber threats are constantly evolving.
Regular training ensures everyone, regardless of experience, stays sharp and prepared for evolving threats.
Conclusion
CORE protects sensitive client data with NordLayer’s Server with a dedicated IP. This solution supports their hybrid work model and helps them meet compliance requirements for industries like banking and finance. With NordLayer, they ensure secure connections for their team and clients.
About NordLayer
NordLayer is an adaptive network access security solution for modern businesses – from the world’s most trusted cybersecurity brand, Nord Security.
The web has become a chaotic space where safety and trust have been compromised by cybercrime and data protection issues. Therefore, our team has a global mission to shape a more trusted and peaceful online future for people everywhere.
About Version 2 Digital
Version 2 Digital is one of the most dynamic IT companies in Asia. The company distributes a wide range of IT products across various areas including cyber security, cloud, data protection, end points, infrastructures, system monitoring, storage, networking, business productivity and communication products.
Through an extensive network of channels, point of sales, resellers, and partnership companies, Version 2 offers quality products and services which are highly acclaimed in the market. Its customers cover a wide spectrum which include Global 1000 enterprises, regional listed companies, different vertical industries, public utilities, Government, a vast number of successful SMEs, and consumers in various Asian cities.
