Cybersecurity 101

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…

Choosing the right Network Access Control (NAC) solution can be challenging. This NAC comparison breaks down the key differences between Portnox Cloud and Cisco ISE across deployment, scalability, cost, and Zero Trust readiness. NAC remains one of the most effective ways to secure enterprise environments. This is especially so as hybrid work, BYOD, and IoT…

As organizations move toward cloud-based, hybrid, and remote environments, managing secure network access has become more complex. At the core of this challenge is RADIUS (Remote Authentication Dial-In User Service), a protocol that has quietly enabled secure authentication and policy enforcement for decades. In this article, we’ll explain how RADIUS works, what makes it indispensable…

Zero Trust Network Access (ZTNA) has quickly become more than a cybersecurity buzzword. It’s the modern blueprint for secure, flexible, and scalable remote access. For organizations balancing hybrid work, multi-cloud deployments, and a growing list of connected devices, ZTNA represents a fundamental shift in how we think about trust on the network. At Portnox, that…

What is a switch in networking? A switch in networking is a hardware device that connects multiple devices (like computers, printers, and servers) within the same local area network (LAN) and enables them to communicate efficiently. ‘ Here’s a detailed breakdown: A network switch operates at Layer 2 (Data Link Layer) of the OSI model,…


What is a cyber kill chain attack? A cyber kill chain attack refers to a framework that breaks down the stages of a cyberattack-from the initial planning to the execution and completion of malicious goals. It’s a model originally developed by Lockheed Martin to help organizations understand, detect, and defend against advanced persistent threats (APTs).…

Zero trust network security represents a major evolution in how organizations defend their data and systems. Rather than assuming trust based on location or network boundaries, this model enforces verification at every point of access. In this article, we’ll explain what zero trust means in practice, why it’s become essential to modern cybersecurity strategies, and…

What is non-repudiation in cybersecurity? Non-repudiation in cybersecurity is a security principle that ensures no one can deny their actions or involvement in a digital transaction, communication, or data exchange. It provides proof of origin, authenticity, and integrity, making it impossible for a party to later claim, “I didn’t send this” or “I never received…

What is a virtual directory? A virtual directory is a software layer that sits on top of multiple identity and data sources to present them as a single, unified directory. Instead of copying or synchronizing data into one place (like an LDAP server or database), it provides a real-time abstraction-acting as a “view” or “proxy”…

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…