How a Home Solutions Leader Achieved Secure Contractor Access on Unmanaged Laptops

Managing secure contractor access to corporate applications and data presents unique challenges, especially for companies relying on contractors using unmanaged, personal devices.

A prominent home solutions provider recently sought a flexible solution to address the need for secure contractor access without compromising productivity. Here’s how their search unfolded, and what solution they ultimately chose:

The Challenge of Securing Unmanaged Devices for Contractor Access

This company, a leader in home solutions, depends on a network of contractors who use their personal devices to access critical internal tools and applications. However, these unmanaged devices meant limited visibility, raising concerns about data security. 

The company needed a solution that allowed contractors secure access to web and SaaS applications as well as thick-client software, all while maintaining high productivity.

Evaluating Enterprise Browser Solutions 

Initially, the company reviewed several enterprise browser options, including solutions from Mammoth, Island, and Palo Alto’s Talon. 

Enterprise browsers seemed promising for enforcing security on web-based access but revealed limitations in flexibility and user experience. Contractors reported that enterprise browsers restricted them from fully utilizing various applications, leading to productivity losses. This lack of functionality made it clear that the company needed a more adaptable solution.

Enter Venn: A Secure Enclave for BYOD Workforces 

Venn’s approach aligned perfectly with the company’s needs by creating a secure, isolated enclave on each contractor’s device. This Secure Enclave, powered by Venn’s Blue Border™, allows contractors to access necessary tools within a secure environment, thereby ensuring company data security without compromising on end-user privacy, as the company can’t see anything outside of the Enclave.

Key features of Venn’s solution include:

• Network Isolation
  • Venn isolates network traffic, directing all work-related connections through a controlled VPN, while personal activities go out through a standard internet connection. This approach enhances data security without impacting device performance.
• Granular Access Control & Permissions
  • Venn can be customized to restrict risky activities, such as unauthorized printing, copying, and file transfers, within the Secure Enclave, while still allowing contractors to access their essential applications and data.
• Visual Cues with Blue Border
  • With Venn, all work applications are clearly wrapped in a distinctive blue border, providing a visual reminder that users are operating within a secure, controlled environment. This visible blue border distinctly separates work activities from personal activities on the same device. By isolating work applications in this way, Venn minimizes the risk of data leakage, reinforcing a clear boundary between company data and personal device use.
• Secure File Storage
  • Contractors’ files are encrypted and stored inside the Secure Enclave, ensuring sensitive company data never leaves the secure environment.

Enhancing Contractor Productivity with Venn’s BYOD Solution 

Unlike the restrictive nature of enterprise browsers, Venn empowers contractors to work within a fully equipped environment, running applications locally on their machine and enabling familiar, native workflows. With the Secure Enclave, contractors can efficiently use SaaS applications, web tools, and other business applications that they need running locally. With more flexible application support, they can be more productive while ensuring data remains protected.

A Practical Approach to Secure Contractor Access 

For this home solutions provider, Venn’s Blue Border offers a balanced solution—allowing contractor productivity while safeguarding sensitive information. 

By choosing Venn, this company not only protects its data but also enables a seamless work experience for its contractors.