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The ESP Group emphasizes security throughout all of its technology practices and believes that security does not have to compete with functionality. They approach security by constantly and continuously modifying the hardware, software, network environment and security tools, and monitoring capabilities in accordance with a rigid configuration management process to ensure that the highest possibly capability is being provided to the customer.
ASP Model

Using an Application Service Provider allows clients to leverage the cost savings benefits and the expertise of a focused, trusted security provider without having to hire additional in-house talent. Therefore, an ASP model can compliment an existing network infrastructure without the requirement for additional resources. This translates into a better return on investment for clients. The ASP model:

* Leverages the cost benefits of the Internet without compromising security

* Eliminates client system administration costs and additional staffing requirements

* Simplifies network architecture in a centralized Secure Operating Center

* Requires no client side software beyond a current web browser

* Clients can access their portal from virtually anywhere in the world

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Tools

Products/Core Tools

The ESP Group Secure Portals include a set of core tools that have been designed to include robust functionality, an intuitive interface and the capability to compartmentalize data by individual users, organizations or customized groups. Core tools include:

* Secure Messaging - this tool is similar to a desktop mail program in which users can send and receive secure messages. Messages are kept inside the portal under 128-bit encryption. Each message can contain up to 10 attachments. Notifications can be sent to a user’s external email program to notify them that they need to log into the portal to receive a message.

* Compartmented Library - this tool allows users to create their own library categories and to manage the users that have access to the category. Users that don’t have access to the category, don’t see the category listing. Users can upload documents into the library and can even create subfolders to further segment documents as necessary.

* Online Briefings - this tool allows users to share PowerPoint presentations in a real-time format. This capability is ideal for teleconferencing in which users are participating from diverse locations. Each briefing contains a moderator who can control the pace of the presentation. Users can view the presenter’s notes and chat during the presentation.

* Data Survey Wizard - this tool gives any user the ability to easily create a survey. The survey is then posted to a designated group of users, selected by the survey owner. The survey owner can then gather the survey responses at any time after the survey has been posted.

* Member Directory - this tool allows users to view contact information for other members on the portal.

* Calendars - this tool allows any user to establish private or public calendars. The calendar owner can determine need-to-know for each calendar and specific calendar event. Similar to most calendaring and scheduling programs, the calendar view can be changed to reflect the monthly, weekly or daily view.

* Forum Discussions - this tool allows users to establish threaded forum discussions and to share expertise with other users in the portal. The owner of the forum discussion decides who has access to the discussion area and can control access at the admin, write or read only levels.

* Public/Private Chat Rooms - this tool allows any user to participate in a public chat room or to create private chat rooms. The owner of each room can designate additional users that may have access to the private chat area.

* WebPort - this tool allows any individual to establish a web-page within the portal. The owner of the WebPort can designate additional users that may access the web page. This tool allows users to create and manage their own content pertaining to their organization, projects or working groups.

* Document Revision Control System - this tool is designed for document management capabilities to allow users to be able to collaborate on a document via a check in/check out process. While any user can designate a Revision Control Document, the owner can designate additional users that may participate in the Revision Control Process. Access can be given at the admin, vote, edit and read-only levels.

* Task Trac - this tool is designed to keep track of ongoing tasks and projects. This tool keeps track of ongoing projects, resource allocation, percentage of completion as well as comments and requirements. Each task can have an unlimited number of sub-tasks. Users will only see the tasks for which they have been granted specific access.

* Admin Tools - each Administrator has the ability to push down the management to a local level. Admin rights include reporting capability, access to user accounts and the ability to edit drop-down and notes options within portal.


Customized Tools


In addition to the Core Tools, The ESP Group also creates customized applications that are designed specifically for the client. The technical team works closely with the client to gain a complete understanding of the business processes and requirements to ensure that the application is built correctly. Customized applications can be tailored to accommodate changes in policy and business practices. A few of these applications include:

* Foreign National Management and Tracking System - this tool has been used by top Government Agencies to track Foreign Nationals who have access to Government facilities. The system includes a customized workflow feature in addition to a sophisticated set of reports.

* Adverse Reaction Drug Reporting System - this tool allows patients to report adverse drug reactions securely, via the portal, to pharmaceutical companies around the world. This allows the companies to gather information and research findings before distributing information to the public.

* Visit Certification System - this tool provides a secure means for Government and commercial companies to exchange clearance information for classified visits of cleared personnel.

* Centralized Scheduling System - allows trainers to set up courses and to allocate seats. Users can then register online for the class, participate in class surveys and receive follow-up evaluations on class completion.

* Equipment Utilization Database - allows users to populate a database of equipment that can be reused by a participating entity. Product details may include manufacturer, make, model, product name, part number, quantity and additional details. Users can then browse the equipment database and reserve the appropriate equipment.

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Defense In-Depth
Defense in depth diagram The ESP Group employs a Defense in Depth approach in its network architecture by using:
  • Single Protocol: All collaborative tools are collapsed into a single protocol interface to reduce complexity of the system and reduce the opportunity for attack.
  • Outbound Notifications: No inbound mail is allowed due to the threat involved in opening mail protocols to the Internet.
  • Survivable Architecture : Redundant connections to the Internet to provide scalability and availability. No single point of failure in system (notional drawing does not depict all availability devices).
  • No Remote tools: All management and administration of systems is performed at console, no remote manipulation of the systems is permitted and can not be exploited (since they do not exist in our framework).
  • Hardened Architecture: Hardening means to run the absolute minimum necessary to perform a specific task using the best possible tools (best security track record). All systems within the ESP are hardened and perform single tasks to reduce the complexity of the environment of each system. Reduced complexity directly correlates to enhanced security.
  • Aggressive Cyber-Security Management: The ESP Group personnel provides on-going real-time updates to all systems (including, patches, anti-virus updates, hot-fixes, etc.) to combat the latest threats as they occur.

 

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Human Interface

The ESP Group has developed a HUMAN interface that helps to analyze and isolate potential malicious activity. The system profiles the normal behavior of users and can be programmed to take action when a user acts outside of their normal behavior patterns. This technology can be discussed by appointment with The ESP Group Security Team. Please email info@espgroup.net for more information.

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Product Demo

The ESP Group operates a fully-functional demonstration portal to showcase the product's capabilities. In order to access the demonstration portal, please contact an ESP Group sales representative to obtain a username, password and organization ID.

Demonstrations will allow 30 days of unlimited use of the collaboration system and will also allow a user to grant access to additional participants.

Please contact our Sales Department at:
Phone: 703-418-6311
Email: sales@espgroup.net

If you have already received a username and password, click the link below to proceed to the login page:

https://demo.esportals.com

Click here to go to Demo Portal
Click here to go to the ESP Group Demo portal
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