Gurunavi Completes Zero Trust Security Framework with Netskope

Gurunavi’s Transition to Zero Trust Security with Netskope

Gurunavi, a popular restaurant information provider in Japan, has recently completed the implementation of Netskope's SASE platform to establish a comprehensive Zero Trust security framework across its organization. This innovative move aligns with their mission of connecting people through food while promoting a productive and diverse workplace.

Since the introduction of cloud computing and AI, ensuring robust security has become imperative. With an increasing push for hybrid work environments, Gurunavi was determined to enhance its operational productivity while safeguarding sensitive information. The implementation of Netskope’s solutions is expected to address various pressing challenges the company faced, including shadow IT risks and outdated VPN infrastructure.

Netskope, a leader in cloud security and networking technologies that provides the most advanced solutions tailored for the cloud and AI era, collaborated closely with Gurunavi. By leveraging its rich expertise, Gurunavi was able to secure real-time visibility and control over both Windows and Mac environments. This capability is a significant differentiating factor contributing to the success of their digital transformation.

Key Achievements:

1. Enhanced Cloud Service Visibility & Shadow IT Management: With Netskope's integration, Gurunavi has realized real-time visibility of all cloud services that are in use across different departments, enabling immediate responses to high-risk services. The addition of Netskope's Cloud Security Intelligence (CCI) further allows for objective service authorization assessments, significantly bolstering governance.

2. Shift to a VPN-less Environment: The introduction of Netskope Private Access (NPA) resulted in the discontinuation of their traditional VPN, thereby eliminating various vulnerabilities associated with it. This Zero Trust architecture allows for user-specific access control, offering seamless secure access regardless of the user's location.

3. Improved Hybrid Work Performance: Gurunavi has experienced substantial advancements in performance, particularly concerning web conferencing and data transfer speeds, courtesy of optimized communications through local breakouts. This also alleviated network congestion at their data centers, attributing to newfound operational efficiency.

Significant Cost Allocations:

The financial implications of utilizing Netskope have also been profound for Gurunavi. An estimated 40% reduction in operational costs is attributed to the cancellation of VPN managed services and the elimination of burdensome software version management, leading to an enhanced efficiency within the IT department. The company has also planned to upgrade WAN connections at various sites to high-quality Internet lines, aiming for further optimization.

Continuous Technical Support:

Tokyo Electron Device Co., Ltd. (TED), a certified partner of Netskope, has been instrumental throughout the transition period. Their specialized engineers provided consistent support from the Proof of Concept (PoC) phase, assisting Gurunavi with requirement redesigns and regular logging analyses.

Yuuji Tsushima, Deputy Section Chief of Gurunavi’s Infrastructure Service Section, expressed satisfaction with the transition, stating that having all communications monitored through Netskope has alleviated security concerns regarding remote work. The future vision includes simplifying the network structure by downsizing expensive WAN links and implementing Netskope on corporate smartphones to achieve a 'secure hybrid work' environment across all devices.

The Country Manager of Netskope Japan, Yuichi Gonda, remarked on the positive outcomes of Gurunavi’s enhanced security posture over time. They are proud to have contributed to Gurunavi's efforts to balance safety and performance, and they look forward to supporting the company’s continued digital transformation and growth.

Through ongoing collaboration with Netskope, Gurunavi plans to leverage additional functionalities from Netskope as they advance their network enhancements, the application of Netskope on smartphones, and further optimization of their operations with AI technology. This partnership is expected to continue fostering a secure and efficient operational environment for the company.

For more detailed information regarding Gurunavi's deployment of Netskope solutions, please refer to the related case study.

About Netskope:

Netskope (NASDAQ: NTSK) is at the forefront of the latest security and networking technologies tailored for the cloud and AI era. Their solutions provide optimized access and real-time context-based security for people, devices, data, and a broad AI ecosystem. With a clientele including over 30 Fortune 100 companies, Netskope One platform and powerful NewEdge network are trusted for visibility into cloud and SaaS application usage, facilitating risk reduction and enhancing network performance.

For more about Netskope, please visit their website.