Network Access Control

In simple terms, Network Access Control (NAC) is a security option that employs a set of protocols to ward off unauthorized users and devices from a particular network by constraining access to the devices, which is in line with some network security policies. NAC is incorporated with the ability to restrain the availability of network resources to devices and users who meet a defined security policy.

Another interesting feature of the NAC is its ability to render endpoint security protection like antivirus, firewall, security enforcement strategies, and network authentication procedures.

Network Access Control (NAC) can operate effectively on different ranges of networks, including wired and wireless networks. It locates and identifies the distinct devices that have been granted access to the network system. Setting up a Network Access Control requires that administrators carefully select the protocols that would determine the set of users that would be granted access to the network. Due to its risks, this process should be handled by cyber security personnel of the company. Since the working principles of a Network Access Control can vary, the Rules enacted should then depend on the type, location, and data under assessment. Below are some tips on what the working principles of NAC entail:

• Mostly, a Network Access Control system is formulated to restrict access to all unauthorized devices.
• NAC grants permission to approve or deny network access based on some criteria or other variables.
• NAC permits implementing network access protocols based on the different roles played within an organization.
• Network Access Control is designed to conform to numerous business and security policies.

Network Access Control generally comprises two distinct stages, The authentication and the authorization stage. A user must pass these two stages before being granted access to the computer network. If any of these steps fails, the user will be denied total access to the network. Several forms of Authentication mechanisms, such as usernames and passwords, biometrics scans,  etc., are requested during the authentication stage.

After successful authentication, the Network Access Control approves access based on local access protocols.

The Network Access Control (NAC) best practices play some major roles. The most important of these roles is how it helps create a network access control setup that combines security and simplicity. These practices include:

1. Understanding your network control requirements before kicking off is very important. Both the Information that requires protection and the degree of the protection should be carefully mapped out before choosing the appropriate Access control tool. Since the complexity of corporate networks has increased with time, some employees and storage hardware devices can rapidly widen the attack surface. Network Access Control must incorporate every endpoint to work perfectly.
2. Formulating an active network access control team to care for and maintain the Network Access Control systems. The team should be in charge of updating the software, ensuring that employees follow the enacted security policies, and Checking for the vulnerabilities of a cyber-attack.
3. Adopt strong controls to validate all connections. Depending on system configuration, Network Access Control can be flexible or strict. However, applying powerful controls such as multi-factor authentication is an important Network Access Control best practice.
4. Multi-factor authentication directs users to enter multiple authentication factors before access can be granted to the network. The Authentication Methods can take the form of one-time passwords or biometric data. This will make it almost impossible for hackers to beat. Multi-factor Authentication is a more complex security measure beyond relying on passwords alone.

4. Adequate Network Access Control should be carefully chosen. The third-party NAC vendor should be selected based on trust. Ask NAC vendors whether or not their products are optimized for cloud security. Also, confirm if the network access control systems tally with the existing identity and access surveillance formats. It is also important that all controls should be in line with the critical endpoints.

5. Deep controls should be enabled to protect the assets within the network.

Multi-factor authentication protects the network by screening out unauthorized users without adequate credentials.

An access control list (ACL) is a documentary or a set of rules that indicates the users or systems granted or denied access to specific information or network resources. They are filters installed in most routers that determine the users granted access to the network.

Access control lists regulate authorizations to a computer system or network. They are used to filter traffic in and out of a specific device. They can also help to coordinate traffic to enhance network performance and grant administrators full supervision over users on their network or system. Access Control List is the mechanism to strengthen network security by warding off any malicious traffic.

What is remote access in networking?
Talking about Remote access, an authorized user can gain access to a computer or network from a different geographical area through the internet.

Remote access allows users to connect to the network or computer they need, even when they are physically far away. This is most suitable for workers who work at branch offices or from home. Through remote access, workers can access files and other resources on any device connected to the network. This makes easy collaboration between employees possible and thereby increases team member productivity.

It is important to state that remote access grants organizations the benefit of hiring the best talents, irrespective of their locations. This Is one of its major advantages.

Technical support experts can utilize remote access to connect to users' computers from different geographical locations to help resolve issues with their computer system or network. This thereby reduces the cost and energy of going to work onsite.

When an individual access the network or data of an organization without receiving permission, this is tagged as Unauthorized access. Below are five considerations that companies should keep top-of-mind in order to prevent unauthorized access:

• The password to be used should be strong
• The endpoint security should be tightened
• A tougher Two Factor Authentication (2FA) and Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA) should be used
• User activities should be thoroughly monitored
• Network encryption should be enabled