Network Access Control (NAC) Solutions

What Is Network Access Control?

Network Access Control (NAC) Solutions are network security platforms emphasizing asset usage monitoring and restrictions and protections around sensitive data. They operate as traffic controllers, executing on defined policy and enforcing rule-based restrictions for identity and access management and preventing cross-contamination of critical network components by unsecured endpoints. Total NAC solutions combine hardware appliances with software, and they are often bundled with other networking or security capabilities, such as authentication, incident response, and network monitoring.

Network access control solutions help organizations enforce zero-trust security postures by automatically requiring both valid authentication from the requesting device and authorization from a pre-set list of policies and rules. They are most commonly set up at the network’s edge, but can also enforce policies when devices attempt to access different segments of the network internally. These policies and restrictions can be set based on IP address, device security profiles, or other user identifiers. NAC software is primarily focused on enterprise networks, although there are some products that can serve the SMB market as well.

Network Access Control Use Cases

NAC Solutions are important resources when establishing a zero-trust security posture, particularly at larger organizations. They can also provide additional network visibility. However, there are some newer use cases that modern NAC solutions have focused on serving.

Bring Your Own Device (BYOD) Policies

BYOD has become an increasingly standard, and even expected, policy for employees. However, the policy also creates a host of security risks and potential vulnerabilities. NAC solutions help mitigate that risk by forcing all devices, including BYOD, to prove they have the appropriate login credentials and security postures to gain access to requested resources. Since NAC policies can be heavily customized, it allows employees to bring their own devices without jeopardizing the entire network.

Internet of Things (IoT) Devices

IoT devices are becoming an ever more central part of modern business operations. However, IoT devices require some level of network access, and can be a rampant vulnerability for enterprises. NAC solutions can tailor resource access and permissions for specific devices or classes of IoT devices to give them the necessary access without giving vulnerable access to unneeded portions of the network.

Guest Access

Much like BYOD policies, network guests come with unpredictable security measures and often only need access to specific portions of the network. NAC solutions can give network guests a quality experience on the network while minimizing the risk that guests’ devices could be exploited by malevolent 3rd-parties.

Regulatory/Medical Compliance

NAC solutions can help certain industries stay compliant with data privacy and protection regulations. This is particularly true for medical organizations, who are at the intersection of a highly-regulated industry and exponentially-increasing volumes of at-risk IoT devices.

NAC Solution Comparison

When comparing different Network Access Control solutions, consider these factors:

1. Scalability: How many endpoints is each product optimized for? Consider both the functional limitations of each product, as well as any pricing tied to scaling, such as the number of endpoints supported.

2. Policy Customization: How easily customizable are the policy controls for each NAC policies? Consider the routine maintenance and updating that comes with adding on new device classes, increased network complexity, and other new factors that require administrator attention.

3. Integrations: How well, and easily, does NAC solution integrate with the business’s broader networking and security tools? The main systems that should be evaluated include the business’s existing SIEM, networking monitoring, or endpoint security solutions.

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