Access Control

The Cisco ISE server has long been considered a cornerstone in network access control (NAC). It provides organizations with a way to verify, authenticate, and authorize every device and user that connects to their network.  However, as IT ecosystems evolve, businesses are finding traditional, appliance-based NAC solutions increasingly difficult to scale and maintain. This article…

Modern networks have shifted toward hybrid identity, remote access, and cloud-first infrastructure. As this shift continues, many organizations are reassessing how device posture, compliance checks, and network access control should operate.  This article provides a technical comparison of Cisco ISE posture and Portnox’s cloud-native NAC platform, focusing on architectural differences, deployment requirements, and enforcement logic.…

Cisco Identity Services Engine (ISE) is widely used to secure access across complex networks, but its licensing structure can be difficult to navigate. Features, tiers, infrastructure requirements, and subscription models all affect how the platform functions and what it ultimately costs. This guide provides a clear overview of Cisco ISE licensing, including key tiers, cost…

Every IT leader faces the same fundamental question: how do you know which devices and users are connected to your network right now, and if they should be there? In an era of distributed workforces, cloud adoption, and increasing regulatory scrutiny, that uncertainty creates unacceptable risk. This article provides a clear explanation of Network Access…

What is deepfake phishing?    Deepfake phishing is a type of phishing attack that uses AI-generated fake audio or video to trick victims into revealing sensitive information or sending money. Unlike traditional phishing, which often relies on text-based emails, deepfake phishing creates highly realistic audio or video impersonations of trusted individuals, such as a CEO,…

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…