In the world where data is the new oil, it is important for enterprises to put in place measures that will ensure the security of their networks. One of the ways to do this is by using Network Access Control, popularly known as NAC. With NAC, organizations can enforce policies that regulate access to their networks, thereby making it more secure. In this blog post, we will be discussing what NAC is all about and how to implement it in your organization.
What is Network Access Control?
NAC is a solution that provides a consolidated view of all the devices that are connected to your organization’s network. With NAC, organizations can verify device compliance before it is allowed to access the network. Devices that do not meet security policies can be blocked or redirected to a remediation network where they can be patched before being allowed back onto the main network. NAC can be used to enforce policies such as access control, endpoint compliance, and guest management.
How does NAC work?
The NAC solution will interrogate devices that are attempting to connect to the network to assess a range of requirements that can be customized by the organization. The requirements can include device type, endpoint security, operating system, and software versions. If the device passes all the checks, it will be granted access to the network. If it does not, it will be either redirected to a remediation network or blocked from accessing the main network.
Benefits of Implementing NAC
There are several benefits to implementing NAC. The first and most important one is that it ensures that only authorized devices are allowed to access the network, thereby reducing the risk of attacks. It also minimizes the risk of data loss and corruption, as it ensures that all devices satisfy the organization’s security requirements to be allowed on the network. Additionally, NAC can ensure that all devices on the network are patched and up to date with all the latest security fixes. Finally, NAC can simplify compliance with regulatory frameworks, as it helps organizations meet compliance requirements.
How to Implement NAC
To implement NAC, you first need to identify the devices that are connected to your network. Next, you need to establish policies that dictate which devices are allowed to connect to the network and which ones are blocked. After that, you will need to configure your network to redirect devices that do not meet the security policies to the remediation network where they can be patched. Finally, you will need to monitor the activity on the network to identify any anomalies that might indicate a security threat.
In conclusion, NAC is an essential security tool that every organization should consider implementing. By doing so, the security team can ensure that only authorized devices are allowed on the network, thereby reducing the risk of attacks. The implementation of NAC can be done in a few simple steps which involve identifying devices on the network, enforcing policies, configuring the network, and monitoring activity. By implementing NAC, organizations can enhance their network security, simplify compliance with regulatory frameworks and reduce the risk of data loss and corruption.
