Network Security

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,…

Does Cloudpath work in truly heterogeneous, multi-vendor environments? To a limited extent. Cloudpath focuses primarily on Wi-Fi onboarding and certificate-based authentication, often in conjunction with Ruckus wireless controllers and infrastructure. While it can technically integrate with third-party RADIUS servers and non-Ruckus switches, most of its native capabilities—especially related to enforcement—assume you’re using Ruckus gear. It…

Can Aruba Central’s NAC features be used in truly multi-vendor environments? Technically yes, but practically limited. Aruba Central with ClearPass offers some level of third-party integration through RADIUS and SNMP, but advanced features like dynamic segmentation, CoA, and context-aware policy enforcement often require Aruba-specific infrastructure to function properly. Many of the automated actions and deep…

Does Extreme Networks’ NAC work with non-Extreme hardware? Yes, but organizations should temper expectations. While ExtremeControl claims to support third-party network hardware, that support is often conditional, inconsistent, or incomplete. In real-world environments, especially those with switches and access points from vendors like Cisco, HPE Aruba, or Juniper, many of the advanced NAC features become…

What is Zero Standing Privileges (ZSP) in cybersecurity? Zero Standing Privileges (ZSP) is a modern security concept rooted in the principle of least privilege and just-in-time (JIT) access. At its core, ZSP eliminates persistent administrative or privileged access rights across an organization’s IT environment. Instead of users or service accounts having continuous elevated permissions—standing privileges—ZSP…

What is the ACME protocol and how does it work? The Automatic Certificate Management Environment (ACME) is a protocol developed by the Internet Security Research Group (ISRG), primarily to automate interactions between certificate authorities (CAs) and web servers. Its main goal is to streamline the process of obtaining, renewing, and revoking SSL/TLS certificates, thereby promoting…

What is firewall as a service (FWaaS)? Firewall as a Service (FWaaS) is a cloud-based network security model that provides firewall protection as a centralized, scalable service rather than through traditional on-premises hardware. FWaaS simplifies management, enhances security across distributed environments, and enables secure access from any location. How Firewall as a Service Works –…

What is SSH and How Does It Work? SSH, or Secure Shell, is a cryptographic network protocol that allows secure communication between devices over an unsecured network. Originally developed as a replacement for insecure login protocols like Telnet, SSH provides a secure channel through which users can log into another computer, transfer files, or run…

What is a bastion host and why is it used? A bastion host is a special-purpose computer on a network specifically designed and configured to withstand attacks. It typically serves as the single point of entry into a private network from the public internet, acting as a secure gateway that administrators can use to access…

What is the Automated Certificate Management Environment (ACME)? The Automated Certificate Management Environment (ACME) is a protocol designed to automate the process of obtaining, renewing, and managing SSL/TLS certificates from a certificate authority (CA). It is widely used to secure websites and services with encryption.   How ACME Works: Domain Validation: The ACME client proves…

What is FWaaS? Firewall as a Service (FWaaS) is a cloud-based security solution that delivers firewall functionality via the internet, rather than through traditional on-premises hardware. It provides centralized, scalable, and policy-driven protection for users, applications, and data—no matter where they’re located. Key Features of FWaaS: Cloud-Native Firewall Hosted in the cloud, removing the need…

Understanding Data Centric Security In an era where data breaches and cyber threats are increasingly sophisticated, the importance of data centric security (DCS) cannot be overstated. DCS is a transformative paradigm that shifts the focus from securing infrastructure—such as networks, servers, and applications—to securing the data itself. This approach ensures that data remains protected, irrespective…