Access Control

For years, Network Access Control (NAC) solutions like Cisco ISE, Aruba ClearPass, and Forescout were considered the gold standard for enforcing device authentication and network segmentation. But as organizations shift toward hybrid workforces, cloud-first operations, and BYOD environments, traditional NAC is increasingly seen as a roadblock rather than a solution. In this guide, we’ll show…

Network Access Control (NAC) is no longer optional. As enterprises contend with hybrid workforces, remote devices, IoT sprawl, and ever-evolving cyber threats, having a modern NAC solution in place is foundational to enforcing Zero Trust security. But not all NAC tools are created equal. Many legacy systems struggle with scalability, are costly to maintain, and…

What is context-aware access? Context-aware network access is a security mechanism that dynamically enforces access policies based on the specific context of a user or device trying to access a system. It enhances traditional access control methods by adapting to additional real-time variables beyond static credentials or user roles. Key Components of Context-Aware Access User…

What is identity-based access control? Identity-Based Access Control (IBAC) is a security mechanism used to regulate access to systems, networks, and data based on the digital identity of users or entities. It ties access permissions directly to the identity of a user or system entity. This approach ensures that only authenticated and authorized individuals or…

What is cloud-native access control? Cloud-native access control refers to a security approach that focuses on protecting applications and infrastructure built for cloud environments. Cloud environments are built to run entirely in the cloud, so they are highly dynamic, scalable, and distributed. Traditional access control models—typically built around static, on-premises infrastructure—do not adequately address the challenges of…

What is RADIUS and how does it work? What is RADIUS? RADIUS stands for Remote Authentication Dial-In User Service. It is a protocol that provides centralized Authentication, Authorization, and Accounting (AAA) for users who connect and use a network service. It was originally developed for dial-up networks but is now widely used for managing access…

How well does Ivanti Policy Secure work in diverse infrastructure environments? It supports multi-vendor environments—if you’re willing to work for it. Ivanti Policy Secure can integrate with a wide range of switches, firewalls, and wireless infrastructure using standard protocols (RADIUS, SNMP, 802.1X). However, many of its advanced features require detailed, time-consuming configuration, and full policy…

Does NordLayer provide full network access control across any environment? Not really. NordLayer’s access control focuses on endpoint-device compliance and secure remote tunneling, not true network enforcement. It allows admins to define basic access policies based on device posture (e.g., OS version, AV status) and restrict traffic through its hosted gateways. However, it does not…

Does Meraki cloud RADIUS provide full network access control? Not really—it’s authentication without enforcement. Meraki’s RADIUS integration enables basic user authentication (via 802.1X) for Wi-Fi and wired ports, but once a device connects, there’s no native support for posture checks, continuous compliance, or dynamic policy enforcement. The access decision is binary: allow or deny. Beyond…

Is Juniper MIST Access Assurance effective in mixed-vendor environments? Only to a limited degree. Juniper MIST Access Assurance is primarily optimized for use with Juniper EX switches, MIST APs, and Marvis AI. While it does support RADIUS-based authentication and some third-party integration via standards like 802.1X and SAML, enforcement is tightly coupled to Juniper infrastructure.…

Does Foxpass support access control across diverse infrastructure environments? To a limited extent. Foxpass provides a hosted RADIUS and LDAP service that can authenticate users across different network hardware—primarily for Wi-Fi and VPN access. It supports integration with some third-party infrastructure through basic configuration, but it lacks true enforcement capabilities such as CoA (Change of…

Does Forescout support third-party infrastructure and complex environments? Yes—almost to a fault. Forescout is known for its deep device discovery and control capabilities across heterogeneous, multi-vendor environments. It integrates with a wide array of network devices, endpoints, and infrastructure using SNMP, SSH, WMI, and more. But this power comes at a price: complex integration requirements,…