Decision details

The current network firewall devices were procured and implemented in 2006 and are end-of-life September 2018.

(1) To draw down £145,000 of the £140,000 capital allocation identified in the capital programme. The £145,000 allocation was identified for the refresh of the current network firewalls and was approved as part of the Capital Programme 2015/16 to 2018/19 at Full Council on Tuesday 3rd March 2015. The allocation was spread over two financial years, £72,000 in 2016/17 and £73,000 in 2017/18 but after discussions with finance ICT over £300,000 of capital allocations the capital programme finance approved moving the full allocation of £145,000 to 2016/17; and
(2) To procure four Cisco Next Generation Firewalls and associated equipment.

Option 1 - Do nothing: This would lead to the Council failing the annual IT Health

Option 2 - Replace like for like: This option would meet requirements of PSN Compliance but would deliver no added value and would also incur a greater cost.

Option 3 - Replace with Next Generation Firewall Devices and Full Security Suite: This option delivers the greatest level of threat detection, prevention and remediation but is not achievable within the current capital and revenue budgets.

Option 4 Recommended Option Replace with Next Generation Firewall Devices: This option is achievable within existing capital and revenue budgets.