Network Access Control

What is network access control?

Network access control (NAC) is a technology tool that restricts unauthorized users and devices from accessing private computer networks. A critical component of network security, NAC lets authorized people have access to networks on approved devices. 

Many businesses turn to bring-your-own-device (BYOD) policies as they move to hybrid work models. These organizations must use NAC to protect the network from potential cyberattacks and data breaches.

Network access control software lets businesses enact policies to control access to their infrastructure. It also makes it easy for users to protect their data from potential attacks, keeping their information safe from bad actors.

Types of network access control

To maintain a protected network, organizations need solutions that prevent risks and enforce compliance. Two types of NAC work together to provide complete security coverage:

• Pre-admission manages all processes and permissions before a user or device gains network access. The pre-admission NAC evaluates any access attempts and grants entry only if the user or device proves they have proper authorization and that they comply with security policies. 
• Post-admission monitors movement and access within the network. If a device or user tries to access protected areas of the network, post-admission NAC asks for re-authentication.

Basic elements of network access control

Network access control software covers a wide variety of features and functionalities. These capabilities fit under two main umbrellas: 

• Authentication. When users request access, NAC solutions verify their identity, role, and authorization level. Network access control may use multi-factor authentication or check digital certificates before admitting a user or device.
• Authorization. After authentication, the software grants users permissions (based on settings initiated by the organization). The permissions determine how much access the user has to the network. For instance, all employees may have access to resources about benefits, while only particular employees have access to marketing onboarding information.

Benefits of network access control

Network access control protects sensitive data and deepens peace of mind and assurance for companies and their customers. Some specific advantages of NAC include:

• Improved cybersecurity. Organizational networks face constant threats from malware, bad actors, and distributed denial-of-service (DDoS) attacks. NAC isolates suspicious devices and blocks unauthorized personnel to minimize data breaches and avoid downtime. Plus, it helps prevent access mining, the collection and distribution of sensitive information on the dark web.
• Better compliance. Companies that handle customer information, including payment, personal, and health data, must meet specific regulatory standards or face fines or legal consequences. NAC ensures compliance across devices and users.
• Enhanced visibility. As companies grow, network visibility becomes more challenging to attain. More users means more devices, including personal devices from home. With NAC, organizations can view a list of devices on their network and find out how secure each is.
• More scalability. NAC solutions scale and adapt with a company as it grows. A bigger network with more devices naturally faces a greater risk of cyber threats. Network access controls automatically track and protect hundreds of thousands of endpoint devices, and admins can easily change access rules across the board.

Network access control best practices

Implementing NAC software is a big step toward a more secure network. But to get the most out of this solution, consider the following best practices:

• Follow the principle of least privilege (POLP). A team should carefully consider or reconsider organizational access levels when setting up network access controls. For better outcomes, companies must limit users' access solely to the parts of the network they need. If they need more access, they can request permission. The NAC allows administrators to set privileges based on the user’s role, location, and time of day.
• Use multi-factor authentication (MFA). With the rise of remote work, hackers looking for system vulnerabilities turn to password-based logins as easy targets. Multi-factor authentication means that users must verify their identity in at least two ways, making it harder for unauthorized users to get into the network.
• Educate users. Implementing and adopting NAC solutions can have some initial challenges. The IT team should know the ins and outs of the software so they can take full advantage of its features and functionalities. Educating other employees or end users on best practices, like recognizing phishing or setting strong passwords, also helps protect the network.
• Monitor continuously. If NAC software spots suspicious activity, it alerts network administrators. To ensure these issues get addressed promptly, companies should assign an IT member as the point person for these notifications. In addition to monitoring the network in real time, administrators ought to review historical analytics to spot trends and guide future tech decisions. 

Read more about how network access control works and why you need it.