As our networks change to encompass remote work, IoT devices, and BYOD, NAC software has stood the test of time to keep networks secure. What makes NAC so great? 802.1X – the standard for port-based authentication. In the face of increa
Portnox Cloud uses 802.1X because it has not only stood the test of time, but remains the gold standard. 802.1X was developed in 2001 and has survived thanks to the flexibility it provides when used in conjunction with a NAC along with the security of the Extensible Authentication Protocol (EAP). Take your access control beyond just usernames and passwords with certificate-based authentication, MAC-Based filtering, and role-based access.
Discover how the New Albany Floyd County Consolidated School District secured its network and scaled access control in record time with Portnox Cloud. Facing a diverse mix of 15,000 endpoints and limited IT resources, the district deployed Portnox Cloud across 20 buildings in weeks — not months — with real-time device visibility, seamless Chromebook integration, and no new hardware. The result: stronger security posture, simplified operations, and broad device coverage from day one.
Staying ahead in IT means strengthening cybersecurity—and zero trust architectures now lead the charge. But let’s face it: embracing zero trust can feel daunting. With so many tools and complexities, it’s easy to lose your way.
To understand how organizations navigate zero trust, Portnox teamed up with TechTarget. We surveyed hundreds of IT and cybersecurity professionals across North America. Discover the insights we uncovered in our Trends in Zero Trust report.
802.1X authentication is a network access control protocol that verifies the identity of users and devices before granting access to wired or wireless networks. It operates by validating credentials through a RADIUS server before network connectivity is established. With Portnox Cloud, 802.1X authentication is enforced centrally, ensuring consistent policy decisions and reducing unauthorized access across distributed environments.
Portnox Cloud supports 802.1X authentication by acting as a cloud-native RADIUS controller that brokers authentication requests for users and devices. When a device attempts to connect, Portnox validates credentials, device posture, and risk context before granting access. This enables secure, scalable 802.1X authentication without the need for on-premise servers or complex infrastructure.
802.1X authentication is critical because it prevents unauthorized devices from accessing networks by requiring verification before connectivity. This blocks rogue or unmanaged endpoints from connecting to sensitive resources. Portnox Cloud extends 802.1X authentication with posture and risk checks, ensuring only trusted users and compliant devices gain access, strengthening overall network security.
Yes. 802.1X authentication works across both wired and wireless networks, applying the same identity and device checks regardless of connection type. Portnox Cloud centralizes this process, allowing organizations to enforce consistent access policies across all network segments. This unifies protected access and makes it easier to manage secure onboarding for a wide range of endpoints.
Traditional 802.1X authentication deployments require on-premise RADIUS servers and certificates. Portnox Cloud simplifies this by delivering a cloud-hosted RADIUS service with automated certificate support. This eliminates server maintenance, complex configurations, and infrastructure overhead, enabling faster deployment and easier scaling without compromising on security.
802.1X authentication helps secure BYOD devices by verifying user and device credentials before granting network access. Portnox Cloud enhances this by applying posture and compliance evaluation during the 802.1X handshake. This means BYOD devices must meet security policies before they connect, reducing the risk of insecure or unmanaged devices compromising network resources.
Yes. 802.1X authentication can integrate with NAC, endpoint risk monitoring, and conditional access policies to strengthen network access control. Portnox Cloud unifies these elements by combining 802.1X authentication with continuous posture assessment, policy enforcement, and automated remediation. This layered approach enables organizations to go beyond basic authentication toward full zero trust access control.
