Coleg Gwent Strengthens Security with Proactive Protection
Project at a Glance
Coleg Gwent, one of Wales’ largest further education colleges, sought to enhance its security approach across a large, multi-site IT environment. Working closely with Softcat, the college reviewed its options and selected a solution focused on proactive protection, operational simplicity and long-term value. Softcat supported the delivery of a combined managed XDR platform and penetration testing service, enabling centralised visibility, continuous monitoring and structured assurance. The result is a more resilient security posture, improved confidence for stakeholders, and reduced operational strain on internal IT teams.
Challenge
Coleg Gwent was looking to evolve its approach to security in line with a growing and increasingly complex IT estate spanning multiple campuses and thousands of devices. As security became more strategically important, the college explored opportunities to enhance protection, simplify operations and strengthen assurance. At the same time, a change in licensing for its existing platform created a natural point to reassess the market and identify a solution that could deliver the right balance of capability, transparency and value within a publicly funded environment.
Critical Success Factors:
1
Security that scales
A security solution that delivered strong protection and assurance at scale.
2
Less noise, more focus
Reduced operational complexity and alert fatigue for IT teams.
3
Confidence built in
Clear value, transparency and confidence for senior stakeholders.
Solution
Softcat supported Coleg Gwent throughout a structured tender process, focusing on outcomes rather than recommending a single technology. By aligning proposed solutions to the college’s requirements, Softcat helped identify an approach that prioritised proactive protection, reduced complexity and clear value. The final solution combined Heimdal’s managed extended detection and response platform with penetration testing services from Pen Test People, delivering layered endpoint protection, continuous monitoring and centralised management. The implementation was completed smoothly, with agents deployed across the environment and integrated seamlessly into existing systems, supported by clear visibility and control through a unified portal.
- Managed XDR providing proactive, 24‑hour endpoint protection.
- Centralised visibility and simplified security management.
- Integrated penetration testing and vulnerability reporting.
Results
The new solution has provided Coleg Gwent with increased confidence through proactive, round-the-clock monitoring and a more streamlined security operation. Improved alert prioritisation has reduced noise and enabled IT teams to focus on higher-value activities, while consistent system performance has enhanced operational reliability across multiple sites. The addition of structured penetration testing and live reporting has strengthened assurance and insight, supporting faster and more informed decision-making. Overall, the college has achieved a strong balance of protection, usability and return on investment.
- Reduced alert fatigue and operational overhead.
- Improved confidence through proactive, 24‑hour protection.
- Clearer insight and assurance across security activities.
It’s not just about buying something and being left to our own devices. We know Softcat and Ben [Softcat Account Manager] are there to support when we need them.
Evan Smith
Head of Infrastructure and Security, Coleg Gwent