Network Access Control | You can’t live without it
We’re working with a growing number of devices—all of which connect to a network.
Ease of use and accessibility are key to modern working environments. That’s ideal, of course, but it also introduces security risks and places increasing strain on your network. That’s why it’s essential to maintain control over who can access your network. Do you know exactly who is connected, when, where, and how? The answer is probably no. In this blog, we explain why Network Access Control is now indispensable.
The ecosystem in which devices like laptops, smartphones and IP cameras exchange data is a goldmine for hackers. That’s why it’s wise to subject devices to a thorough check before they’re allowed to connect to your network. After all, the sophistication of cyberattacks is evolving just as rapidly as IT security itself.
Discover the latest IT security statistics and trends in our free infographic.
You wouldn’t let just anyone into your home, would you?
Just as you wouldn’t let strangers walk into your home, you shouldn’t allow unrestricted access to your network.
Where you’d normally build a physical barrier, here you need a virtual one. You simply can’t make informed decisions if you don’t know who’s connecting to your network. That’s why it’s smart to check every device before it connects using Network Access Control (NAC).
What is Network Access Control?
Network Access Control combines various security techniques to create a centralised approach to managing network access—whether wired or wireless.
You can use NAC to restrict access to authorised users and ensure that all devices meet specific requirements before connecting. These checks might include verifying antivirus software, scanning for known vulnerabilities, and confirming system updates. NAC allows you to define your organisation’s access policy centrally, ensuring users always receive the appropriate level of access—regardless of when or where they connect. After a series of security checks, your system automatically decides whether to grant access.
How does Network Access Control work?
So how does it actually work? NAC secures your network before anyone connects.
During the pre-admission phase, access control is enforced. You define the rules for different users and network segments. This forms the foundation of your access policy, which every connection is evaluated against. Here are the key steps NAC follows:
1. Do you know the user and their device?
Authorised users can log in to your network. If the user is unknown, you must decide whether to grant access—and with what permissions. Even for known users, you define what rights they have. For example, access may differ between personal and company devices.
2. Is the device secure?
Before a device connects, its security is assessed. Is the operating system up to date? Is antivirus software installed? Is malware or ransomware detected? If there’s any doubt, the device is quarantined.
3. What access rights does the user or device have?
Your NAC policies determine which rights a user or device receives. Based on these rules, access is granted to specific segments of your network.
4. Are there threats lurking?
Once connected, your firewall can communicate with your NAC solution to flag unsafe users or devices. NAC can then actively terminate the connection, keeping your network secure—even after access has been granted.
Where should you implement NAC?
NAC is essential for any organisation or institution where large numbers of users connect to the network from various locations and devices. Here are a few examples:
Educational institutions
Universities and schools often have a user base that changes regularly. Staff and students connect from multiple devices and locations.
University campuses, in particular, are considered a nightmare for IT specialists. NAC solutions allow IT administrators to define who can access which parts of the network, limit the number of connected devices per user, and control the types of devices permitted.
Healthcare
Another example of implementing network access control is in the healthcare sector, where NAC solutions face particularly significant security challenges.
Consider the growing number of medical devices connecting to the network, the communication between external partners, and the vast amount of personal and medical data being exchanged. NAC makes it easy to enhance overall security in line with applicable laws and regulations. It enables healthcare professionals to access patient information quickly and securely—while ensuring that access is restricted to authorised personnel only.
Businesses
NAC offers clear benefits for businesses too.
Whether you’re implementing a new access policy or using machine learning to detect security risks, NAC provides valuable insights and simplifies management.
Management and visibility with NAC
Only when you know who is connected to your network, when, and how, can you make informed decisions about network management. How many users are online? What devices are they using? How much traffic is flowing through your network?
With weekly or monthly reports, you’ll have a clear picture of your network’s status to help you focus on what matters most and set the right priorities. In addition to improving visibility and security, NAC also boosts network efficiency—and ultimately reduces IT costs. In short, you can’t do without Network Access Control.
Want to find out more? View our infographic on Network Access Control or download our e-book on network management.
Get in touch with Mark Jongen, Solution Specialist – Data Centre.
