Top 5 Benefits of Implementing a Network Access Control Solution Today
Network Access Control Solutions
network access control solution (NAC) is a security process for private and corporate networks. It consists of several authentication and authorization solutions to protect endpoints, networks, and devices. Corporate network access control solutions are more crucial since they have numerous endpoints. They are more prone to cyber-attacks and data breaches.
Network access control solutions aim to avoid unauthorized admission to the private corporate network. They increase the visibility of a network by analyzing suspicious activities of users. On the other hand, they profile users to avoid malicious code entrance to the enterprise networks. Increasing the compliance capability level is another purpose of network access control (NAC) solution since companies are subject to several access control and data protection rules.
NAC solutions can vary depending on the changing technologies and access management trends. However, remedies will always be aimed at controlling network access and ID authentication. Here, we will discuss some other benefits of NAC solutions.
1. Endpoint Security and Compliance: Network access control solution
The use of IoT devices and the bring-your-own-device (BYOD) implementations has increased. This led to an increase in endpoints at the same rate. Endpoints are the main factor in expanding the attack surface in the enterprise networks. When attack surfaces expand, malicious attackers can find more opportunities to leak into networks. So, today’s organizations with crowded connected devices must be aware of their endpoint security posture.
BYOD (bring-your-own-device) implementation saves companies from spending on employee devices. On the other hand, it decreases companies’ control over user computers, desktops, and mobile devices. User devices without corporate protection pose a greater risk to network security. Unauthorized users can access company resources by using these devices. Fortunately, there are security tools to protect user devices from falling victim to fraud and other dangers. Creating a BYOD policy and robust policy enforcement is the first step in securing networks. This policy enforcement should include trusted devices, best practices for authentication, and training. Besides enforcing security policies, remote access VPN (Virtual Private Network) and Zero Trust Security are also efficient solutions to save corporate networks from malicious activities.
Compliance is another aspect of network access control. Organizations can meet regulatory requirements by benefitting from network access control (NAC) solutions. Although there are several regulations such as HIPAA, GDPR, and PCI-DSS, companies should check which regulation they are subjected to. Thus, they can be able to revise and update their security policies.
2. Reduced Attack Surface Through Network Segmentation for network access control solution
Network segmentation is an efficient way to reduce the attack surface in corporate networks. Segmentation refers to dividing the network into smaller pieces to avoid malware infection. Even if a company network is infected by malware, segmentation prevents other segments from being damaged.
Another advantage of network segmentation is companies can determine different security policies for each of them. Some parts of the network can be more vulnerable to attacks while others do not pose that much risk. So, companies can use more network authentication methods for them to diminish attacks. On the other hand, segmented networks safeguard network traffic from non-compliant devices. As an IT manager, you can develop an authentication method that is customized for granular control. This is how network solutions work in segmented networks.
3. Real-time Visibility and Control over Network Activities
Network access control offers real-time visibility and robust control over user activities in networks. Network security infrastructure should be able to track all users and the endpoints of the organization’s network. Analyzing employees, third-party contractors, and devices is a vital part of any security solutions. Moreover, a proper Network access control solution should protect wireless access points too.
Real-time visibility is possible with continuous monitoring through a network. Today’s digital landscape has been rapidly evolving. Threats, solutions, and perceptions have been changing all the time. Thanks to network access control tools, companies can detect bottlenecks, suspicious traffic patterns, and any other anomalies that occur in extreme networks. Furthermore, they obtain complete visibility over user activities. Companies can increase their control over network activities and take immediate action by leveraging real-time optimization solutions. Robust monitoring and control can proactively address the real threats and potential malicious attempts.
4. IT Operations and Reduced Costs
IT teams can’t control all networks, users, and devices manually. Automation is an indispensable part of modern security policy compliance. Tools and solutions that are used in network access control help IT operations and improve operating systems. Components of network access control promise centralized management via automation. Automated response provides a real-time response to security incidents.
Companies can eliminate variation in IT operations in different segments of the network by automated access controls. They can provide consistency and reduce human error due to automated IT operations. Another benefit of network access control tools is that they diminish the time spent on controlling and the cost of labor.
Restricting unauthorized users from private networks is the prior purpose of any network access control system. Tools should protect devices, and safeguard remote endpoints, and IoT devices from unauthorized admissions. Multi-factor authentication is one of the solutions through network access control. Since IT teams can not authenticate users’ identities, technological solutions are required. Multi-factor authentication offers a reliable and secure authentication experience. On the other hand, IT teams can no longer have to deal with authentication processes then they can focus more on different parts of the network access control (NAC). Remote authentication dial is another tool to authenticate remote employees regardless of their connected devices.
Network access control solution work is the IT teams’ responsibility. However, it is clear that IT operations can not pursued without an appropriate technology anymore. IT can still work with connection security and network perimeter safety. On the other hand, access controls can be more qualified and strong via network access control (NAC) solutions.
5. Flexibility to Adapt to Changing Network Environments
A modern organization of today should make regular security posture check. Network environments have been evolving and changing their features. Network access control is favorable due to its flexibility. Organizations can adapt their network access control tools according to the changing necessities of the corporate network.
First of all, the security policies of an organization must be up-to-date. Network access control offers to meet changing policy requirements immediately. As a company manager, you can customize authentication tools according to your new authentication rules. Since network security solutions mainly comprise access-based security tools, changing ID control methods will be adequate.
Comprehensive visibility and control over all endpoints is also possible with flexible network access control. A company can have remote employees, third-party vendors, and a BYOD policy. Day after day, organizations will encounter different implementations and require further solutions. At these times, solutions that can adapt to different network environments will be vital.
The Strategic Advantage of Modern NAC Solutions
We are living in an era of evolving technologies and cyber threats. Businesses have to consider network access control too. The growing number of digital assets of companies poses a risk to the reputation and finances of businesses. Personal devices are riskier than at any time, and complex networks become prevalent. Modern network access control (NAC) solutions liberated companies from data breaches, unauthorized network access, and legal liabilities. NAC solutions help companies to enforce their access policies through the network.
By leveraging network access control (NAC) solutions, companies can protect their vulnerable assets, private networks, devices, and users. This is how they can develop their business and increase their market value in this era. Marketing, financial, and HR are not adequate to gain success in today’s businesses. A robust IT team, operation, and network access control solutions such as Virtual Private Network (VPN), Identity and Access Management, and Zero Trust security are mandatory for companies to achieve their business goals.
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