Summary: Municipality of Zoetermeer implements Zero-Trust model with VMware NSX-enabled micro-segmentation for advanced security inside data centers. Zoetermeer follows the Dutch BIG (Baseline Information Security Dutch Municipalities) regulations

Zoetermeer is a modern, fast-growing municipality in the province of South Holland. It provides local services such as water supply, sewage and garbage disposal to around 125,000 residents. As a forward-thinking organization, the municipality of Zoetermeer recognizes that the increasing volume of cyber attacks against organizations today has shown that traditional, perimeter-centric security models are no longer effective.

The municipality responded by working with VMware partner ON2IT IT Services on a solution that wouldn’t treat everything inside the network as trusted. Zoetermeer deployed VMware NSX® network virtualization to facilitate a Zero Trust security model. This Zero Trust model is enabled by the unique micro-segmentation capabilities of VMware NSX.  Zoetermeer is now compartmentalizing different segments of its network and applying automated, fine-grained security policies to individual applications.

“The municipality of Zoetermeer is committed to delivering digital services to our citizens, and also digital tools to enable the best experience for our employees,” said Mr. Van Gaalen, IT Manager, Municipality of Zoetermeer. “But security must remain paramount. Thanks to VMware, we can provide the right person – citizen or employee – with secure access to the right data, from anywhere.”

In addition to providing advanced security inside its data center, the solutions have enabled the municipality to meet rigorous regulatory compliance requirements. VMware NSX has been instrumental in enabling the municipality of Zoetermeer to conform to BIG (Baseline Information Security Dutch Municipalities). These BIG rules have been introduced by the information security service (IBD) of the Association of Dutch Municipalities (VNG) and consist of a set of security measures that ensure a good basic level of security for municipalities. To meet these guidelines, optimal and transparent IT processes and security rules are required.

Mr. Van Gaalen also noted,  “VMware helps us meet the rigorous government requirements for security and data protection. With micro-segmentation, we can better manage security policies across our network, aligning them with individual applications and ultimately reducing risk.  It was the clear next step in achieving a secure software-defined data center,” said

A longstanding VMware customer, Zoetermeer was the first Dutch municipality to use VMware Horizon desktop virtualization. As it continues on its journey of mobile digitization, the municipality will soon provide the majority of its employees with digital workspaces when its newly-built town hall opens. It will deploy VMware AirWatch® Mobile Device Management to securely manage its fleet of mobile devices and to support its growing mobile workforce.