Network access control is also known as network admission control, and it’s a system with automated features that allows you to easily authenticate and authorise legitimate users while keeping unauthorised users locked out.
Businesses these days often have bring-your-own-device policies and use IoT devices or work with contractors who are granted some level of access on a temporary basis. Managing all these endpoints manually would be extremely costly and time-intensive, making NAC solutions a necessity.
However, its cyber security benefits do not end there. With an expanded attack surface, cyber criminals may exploit any vulnerabilities they encounter. Network access control solves this problem by monitoring networks for unusual activity, automatically blocking any devices that appear suspicious.
The Importance of Network Access Control
There are several reasons why NAC can be important, and its benefits make it applicable in various contexts. In short, network access control solutions help organisations with:
- Securing networks so that only authorised users have access
- Enforcing access policies through the authentication of users
- Verifying endpoint compliance before granting access
- Managing guest networks that allow limited access
- Reducing the potential for malware infections and data breaches
- Limiting access based on each user’s role to reduce risk and minimise attack surfaces
- Monitoring networks in real time
- Allowing safe integration of personal devices
- Responding to and containing threats
- Achieving regulatory compliance
- Simplifying and improving access management
- Enforcing security protocols
- Allowing for greater flexibility and scalability
Examples of Use Cases For Network Access Control
Managing Guest and Contractor Access
Whether you wish to collaborate with partners in other organisations or appoint contractors to perform certain tasks, you can use your NAC solution to allow them the necessary access, separating them from your employees.
Implementing a Bring-Your-Own-Device (BYOD) Policy
Mobile access helps your people to work on the go. However, without NAC to ensure that devices are compliant before they gain access to your network, they could inadvertently compromise your network security. With NAC in place, your employees can use their own devices, and you can maintain a secure network.
Using The Internet of Things Without Opening Security Loopholes
IoT devices are widely used to enhance efficiency in a variety of industries. For example, manufacturers and retailers may use them to simplify tasks like inventory management. With the proliferation of these devices, attackers have new endpoints to target. NAC limits these risks by applying secure access policies.
Network Access Control For Rapid Incident Response
Constant device monitoring limits the potential for a cyber security incident, but also integrates with security tools to identify suspicious activity. If a threat is detected, NAC will instantly quarantine the relevant device, prevent access, or limit access. This makes it significantly more difficult for an attack to succeed and enables IT incident response teams to pinpoint and address any issues more easily.
Secure Medical Device Access
Medical devices enable healthcare workers to remotely monitor patients. Naturally, they must have secure network access that ensures sensitive data is safe. A NAC solution is indispensable in this context.
Types of Network Access Control
There are two forms of network access control. Pre-admission control will evaluate attempts to access your network and only allow authorised devices and users to enter it. Post-admission access control kicks in when users try to navigate from one part of a network to another. It checks user authorisations and prevents lateral movement in the event of a cyber attack.
Capabilities of Network Access Control in Network Architecture
In simple terms, network access control allows authorised users to access and use networks as needed while keeping unauthorised users out. It helps you to enforce security policies automatically while also monitoring network activity. Apart from managing initial access, NAC can also control network activity, denying access to network resources and intervening in response to irregularities that may indicate a security risk.
Benefits include complete, real-time network visibility, matching users to access control lists in networking, being able to accommodate and manage guests, and sometimes even helping with network management tasks like load balancing.
Advantages of Network Access Control
By this time, you’re sure to have spotted some of the chief benefits of network access control solutions. Bringing them all together in one place, they include:
- Network visibility
- Effective and easy access management
- BYOD efficiencies without the risk
- Secure IoT deployment
- Automated policy implementation
- Enhanced cyber security
- Improved threat detection and faster responses
- Compliance with data privacy and security laws
- Efficiency, automation, and security-driven cost savings
Find Out What Network Access Control Can Do For Your Organisation
Now that you understand the basics of network access control, you may be wondering what it might achieve in your specific context. To find out, contact us. Advantex offers tailored network and IT infrastructure solutions that prioritise efficiency and security.
We bring expertise and partnerships with prominent providers to the table. Our custom solutions are implemented across various industries, and our support teams are available 24/7. With Advantex, you will not only have a supplier or service provider, but a team that puts your organisation and its needs first.
