Security is absolutely critical on Darwin. Security is implemented on a number of levels within the service, with a number of aims in mind:

• Protection of physical systems;
  
• Restriction of systems and data access to authorised users;
  
• Prevention of malicious attack on systems and/or data;
  
• Restriction of network access and usage to authorised users and purposes only;
  
• All benefits components hosted within the service have the same levels of security.

The server farm is built with the high security standards, restricting access to authorised personnel only at all times. The server farm is hosted in one of the premier datacentres in London.

Access to all on-public areas of on-line systems and services is controlled by a system of authentication and encryption.

All communication between a Member's web browser and services (other than access to the public areas), including entry of username and password is handled using SSL 3 (Secure Sockets Layer 3) 128-bit encryption.

All hosted system, including office e-mail server have permanently active and frequently updated anti-virus software implemented. This monitors system, application data and e-mail files for viruses, isolating and treating any infected items.

All communications aspects of the service are built using stringent secure networking principles.

All network traffic is monitored and checked routinely for consistent performance and attempted security breaches.

Given the business critical nature of Darwin, it is essential that the solution be resilient at every level. The service employs a fully resilient and load balanced server farm and communications infrastructure. This ensures that the failure of any server or communications component will not result in a loss of service.