BTC Markets
BTC Markets Expands and Enhances Security with Cisco Solution from RSI Technologies
Objective
As BTC Markets expanded, the company sought a network solution capable of scaling accordingly, all while prioritizing crucial security needs.
Approach
BTC Markets had established a reliable partnership with RSI Technologies. When BTC Markets relocated to larger facilities and found their current network technology insufficient, they enlisted RSI Technologies to devise an enterprise-grade architecture capable of supporting future expansion and ensuring network security. Consequently, it was a natural choice to have RSI Technologies implement the solution.
IT Outcome
- High-speed connectivity
- Rigorously enforced security applied to all users, wherever they may be
- Secure and reliable connectivity between office and Microsoft Azure
- Increased visibility of user traffic
- Internet access for guests via segregated Wi-Fi and approval workflow
Business Outcome
- Users have a consistent experience across multiple devices
- Reduced risk of security incidents
- Users can work safely from home and on-campus
- The technology is ready to support continued business growth
The Background
Established in 2013, BTC Markets has evolved into Australia’s premier cryptocurrency exchange. With over $20 billion traded by more than 325,000 users on the BTC Markets platform, its growth is undeniable.
Following the expansion of BTC Markets into new facilities, the proficient in-house IT team recognized that the aging network infrastructure no longer aligned with the organization’s requirements. Moreover, the transition to remote work during the COVID-19 pandemic exerted additional strain on the network environment, prompting a reassessment of the company’s security posture.
Following the expansion of BTC Markets into new facilities, the proficient in-house IT team recognized that the aging network infrastructure no longer aligned with the organization’s requirements. Moreover, the transition to remote work during the COVID-19 pandemic exerted additional strain on the network environment, prompting a reassessment of the company’s security posture.
The Challenge
After experiencing significant growth, BTC Markets relocated to a larger facility, prompting a reevaluation of its enterprise technology environment’s scalability to accommodate a growing user base. Andreas Kafka, BTC Markets’ Cybersecurity Expert, identified issues affecting user experience and potential hindrances to future expansion.
Last year, as part of our company’s expansion, we moved to a new office space to accommodate our growing team. In our previous office setup, we encountered various network performance issues. Additionally, our existing network equipment lacked the scalability required to keep pace with our business,” Kafka explained.
We faced challenges such as limited Wi-Fi coverage and the absence of redundant internet connections. Given our reliance on internet connectivity as an internet-based company operating entirely in the cloud, ensuring robust network infrastructure is paramount.”
Security was a primary concern for Kafka. The legacy system provided minimal visibility into the corporate environment, limiting insights into user behavior and hindering efforts to enhance user experience, a critical factor in attracting and retaining top talent for an internet-based company.
We had several security measures in place that required improvement. Consequently, we recognized the necessity to upgrade our network infrastructure,” Kafka noted.
As an organization operating in the cloud with front-end services on AWS and Microsoft Azure, protecting both our cloud-native infrastructure and our back-end office operations is crucial. This is where
and our network project play a pivotal role. The challenges escalated when the COVID-19 pandemic struck, prompting rapid workforce transition to remote work due to health restrictions. While BTC Markets, being a cloud-based business, was relatively accustomed to remote work, the shift emphasized the importance of a robust and secure environment supporting flexible work options while safeguarding both the network and users. We had various requirements, including remote VPN access. Our existing setup lacked a comprehensive enterprise solution, with limited content and web filtering, absence of network segmentation, unreliable connectivity, and limited policy application to network rules,” Kafka outlined. Despite the pandemic-driven shift to remote work, we still prioritize face-to-face collaboration and team building. While we offer flexible work arrangements, ensuring seamless connectivity to our network and cloud-based services like Microsoft 365 remains essential for delivering the best experience, regardless of location.”
Last year, as part of our company’s expansion, we moved to a new office space to accommodate our growing team. In our previous office setup, we encountered various network performance issues. Additionally, our existing network equipment lacked the scalability required to keep pace with our business,” Kafka explained.
We faced challenges such as limited Wi-Fi coverage and the absence of redundant internet connections. Given our reliance on internet connectivity as an internet-based company operating entirely in the cloud, ensuring robust network infrastructure is paramount.”
Security was a primary concern for Kafka. The legacy system provided minimal visibility into the corporate environment, limiting insights into user behavior and hindering efforts to enhance user experience, a critical factor in attracting and retaining top talent for an internet-based company.
We had several security measures in place that required improvement. Consequently, we recognized the necessity to upgrade our network infrastructure,” Kafka noted.
As an organization operating in the cloud with front-end services on AWS and Microsoft Azure, protecting both our cloud-native infrastructure and our back-end office operations is crucial. This is where
and our network project play a pivotal role. The challenges escalated when the COVID-19 pandemic struck, prompting rapid workforce transition to remote work due to health restrictions. While BTC Markets, being a cloud-based business, was relatively accustomed to remote work, the shift emphasized the importance of a robust and secure environment supporting flexible work options while safeguarding both the network and users. We had various requirements, including remote VPN access. Our existing setup lacked a comprehensive enterprise solution, with limited content and web filtering, absence of network segmentation, unreliable connectivity, and limited policy application to network rules,” Kafka outlined. Despite the pandemic-driven shift to remote work, we still prioritize face-to-face collaboration and team building. While we offer flexible work arrangements, ensuring seamless connectivity to our network and cloud-based services like Microsoft 365 remains essential for delivering the best experience, regardless of location.”
IT Outcome
Initially, BTC Markets enlisted consulting support from RSI to devise a network solution that would enhance insights, bolster security, and streamline management. A series of discovery workshops facilitated the identification of precise requirements and alignment of technology options with the company’s strategic direction. While this endeavor commenced prior to Kafka’s arrival at BTC Markets, he embraced the existing trusted relationship between BTC Markets and RSI and continued with the engagement.
We initially had a RSI engineer who outlined a logical and physical architecture for the new network. Satisfied with the proposal, it was a natural progression to involve RSI in the implementation phase,” Kafka remarked.
Upon approval of the high-level design and bill of materials, a comprehensive design was developed by the RSI engineer, with support from relevant technology partners. This delineated the necessary configurations. Given BTC Markets’ status as an internet-based enterprise, cloud management platforms formed the cornerstone of the solution, featuring Cisco Meraki dashboard for switches, wireless, firewalls, 4G internet backup, and software-defined WAN (SD-WAN). Cisco Umbrella was selected to furnish a secure web gateway for both on-premises and remote users, while Cisco Identity Services were integrated to facilitate dynamic and automated policy enforcement, streamlining the delivery of a highly secure network. The deployment of AnyConnect client software ensured clients benefitted from always-on web security, enabling secure work from any device and location.
The outcome is a secure, policy-based network that prioritizes user and application requirements. As one of Australia’s few Cisco Gold Partners, RSI’s expertise in customer experience and enterprise networking, as evidenced by its recognition as a Leader in 2020, was instrumental in catering to users’ evolving needs amidst changing work environments.
The bulk of the implementation work was handled by RSI, encompassing all equipment configuration and setup. While BTC Markets provided personnel for physical equipment installation and configuration of certain elements on our end, as well as some solution components, the workload distribution was roughly 80-20,” Kafka recalled.
Despite ongoing COVID-19 restrictions and the growing popularity of hybrid work arrangements, Kafka noted that network traffic patterns have not fully reverted to pre-pandemic levels. He anticipates potential adjustments as more employees return to the office.
Since the implementation of the new network, our office occupancy has been limited, primarily comprising technical support staff. However, VPN access has been successfully rolled out, enabling remote workers to securely access resources using their devices,” Kafka explained.
Kafka’s team has adeptly adapted to the new technology, with invaluable support from RSI. He emphasized the importance of working with a knowledgeable partner during the adoption of enterprise-level networking technology, citing a particular security feature that initially impacted functionality on a subset of websites due to decryption and inspection of internet traffic. This challenge was swiftly resolved through custom configuration, which included specific exceptions for trusted sites.
In instances of such challenges, we relied on the expertise of the RSI engineer to navigate and resolve them,” Kafka concluded.
We initially had a RSI engineer who outlined a logical and physical architecture for the new network. Satisfied with the proposal, it was a natural progression to involve RSI in the implementation phase,” Kafka remarked.
Upon approval of the high-level design and bill of materials, a comprehensive design was developed by the RSI engineer, with support from relevant technology partners. This delineated the necessary configurations. Given BTC Markets’ status as an internet-based enterprise, cloud management platforms formed the cornerstone of the solution, featuring Cisco Meraki dashboard for switches, wireless, firewalls, 4G internet backup, and software-defined WAN (SD-WAN). Cisco Umbrella was selected to furnish a secure web gateway for both on-premises and remote users, while Cisco Identity Services were integrated to facilitate dynamic and automated policy enforcement, streamlining the delivery of a highly secure network. The deployment of AnyConnect client software ensured clients benefitted from always-on web security, enabling secure work from any device and location.
The outcome is a secure, policy-based network that prioritizes user and application requirements. As one of Australia’s few Cisco Gold Partners, RSI’s expertise in customer experience and enterprise networking, as evidenced by its recognition as a Leader in 2020, was instrumental in catering to users’ evolving needs amidst changing work environments.
The bulk of the implementation work was handled by RSI, encompassing all equipment configuration and setup. While BTC Markets provided personnel for physical equipment installation and configuration of certain elements on our end, as well as some solution components, the workload distribution was roughly 80-20,” Kafka recalled.
Despite ongoing COVID-19 restrictions and the growing popularity of hybrid work arrangements, Kafka noted that network traffic patterns have not fully reverted to pre-pandemic levels. He anticipates potential adjustments as more employees return to the office.
Since the implementation of the new network, our office occupancy has been limited, primarily comprising technical support staff. However, VPN access has been successfully rolled out, enabling remote workers to securely access resources using their devices,” Kafka explained.
Kafka’s team has adeptly adapted to the new technology, with invaluable support from RSI. He emphasized the importance of working with a knowledgeable partner during the adoption of enterprise-level networking technology, citing a particular security feature that initially impacted functionality on a subset of websites due to decryption and inspection of internet traffic. This challenge was swiftly resolved through custom configuration, which included specific exceptions for trusted sites.
In instances of such challenges, we relied on the expertise of the RSI engineer to navigate and resolve them,” Kafka concluded.
Conclusion
Instead of perceiving the implementation of the new network as the conclusion of the project, Kafka emphasized that it should be regarded as an ongoing endeavor.
When my predecessor devised the solution, it was portrayed as a seamless background operation. While there is truth to that notion, as it doesn’t necessitate constant monitoring or maintenance, to fully realize its value, we must not adopt a ‘set and forget’ mentality. It’s imperative to actively engage by logging in, responding to incidents, identifying recurring traffic patterns, and investigating them for potential signs of malicious activity,” Kafka explained.
Although this aspect may have been initially “underestimated,” Kafka underscored its significance, underscoring the importance of partnering with a trusted and knowledgeable entity that remains engaged beyond the implementation phase.
Much of the learning occurs through hands-on experience; the engineer doesn’t simply hand over the reins on the final day and expect us to become experts overnight. Their expertise has been invaluable, and they’ve been readily available to address our inquiries and provide the necessary support. We greatly value this aspect of our relationship with RSI; we never feel like the door is closed. RSI undoubtedly remains a top priority for future collaborations because we trust in their reliability, possessing the right expertise and attitude,” Kafka concluded.
When my predecessor devised the solution, it was portrayed as a seamless background operation. While there is truth to that notion, as it doesn’t necessitate constant monitoring or maintenance, to fully realize its value, we must not adopt a ‘set and forget’ mentality. It’s imperative to actively engage by logging in, responding to incidents, identifying recurring traffic patterns, and investigating them for potential signs of malicious activity,” Kafka explained.
Although this aspect may have been initially “underestimated,” Kafka underscored its significance, underscoring the importance of partnering with a trusted and knowledgeable entity that remains engaged beyond the implementation phase.
Much of the learning occurs through hands-on experience; the engineer doesn’t simply hand over the reins on the final day and expect us to become experts overnight. Their expertise has been invaluable, and they’ve been readily available to address our inquiries and provide the necessary support. We greatly value this aspect of our relationship with RSI; we never feel like the door is closed. RSI undoubtedly remains a top priority for future collaborations because we trust in their reliability, possessing the right expertise and attitude,” Kafka concluded.