How do you authenticate network access for users and devices?

1 Password-based authentication

The simplest and most common way to authenticate network access is by using passwords. Users enter their username and password to log in to a network service or device. Passwords are stored in a database or directory service, such as Active Directory, and checked against the user input. Password-based authentication is easy to implement and use, but it has some drawbacks. Passwords can be guessed, stolen, or forgotten, and they need to be changed regularly to maintain security. Password-based authentication also does not provide enough protection for sensitive or high-risk network resources.

2 Certificate-based authentication

A more secure and reliable way to authenticate network access is by using certificates. Certificates are digital documents that contain information about the identity and credentials of a user or device, such as name, email, role, or public key. Certificates are issued by a trusted authority, such as a certificate authority (CA), and signed with a digital signature. Users and devices present their certificates to a network service or device, which verifies the validity and authenticity of the certificates. Certificate-based authentication is more resistant to attacks and spoofing, and it can provide stronger encryption and authorization. However, certificate-based authentication requires more infrastructure and management, and it can be more complex and costly to implement and use.

3 Multi-factor authentication

Another way to enhance the security and reliability of network access authentication is by using multi-factor authentication (MFA). MFA is a method that requires users to provide two or more factors of authentication, such as something they know (password), something they have (token), or something they are (biometric). MFA adds an extra layer of protection to network access, as it reduces the risk of unauthorized access if one factor is compromised. MFA can also improve user convenience and compliance, as it can reduce the need for frequent password changes or resets. However, MFA also introduces some challenges, such as user education, device compatibility, and network availability.

4 RADIUS and TACACS+

One of the challenges of network access authentication is how to manage and enforce authentication policies across different network devices and services. For this purpose, network administrators can use protocols such as RADIUS (Remote Authentication Dial-In User Service) and TACACS+ (Terminal Access Controller Access-Control System Plus). These protocols allow network administrators to centralize the authentication process and delegate it to a dedicated server, such as a RADIUS server or a TACACS+ server. The server acts as an intermediary between the network devices and services and the authentication database or directory service. The server receives authentication requests from the network devices and services, validates them against the authentication database or directory service, and returns the appropriate response. RADIUS and TACACS+ can simplify the administration and maintenance of network access authentication, and they can also provide additional features, such as accounting, auditing, and authorization.

5 Network Access Control

Network Access Control (NAC) is a system that monitors and controls the access and behavior of users and devices on a network, offering a solution to the challenge of network access authentication. NAC can check credentials and verify compliance with policies and standards before granting access, as well as monitor activity and performance on the network. It can also isolate, quarantine, or disconnect non-compliant or malicious users or devices, while providing guidance to help them resolve issues. NAC can improve security and efficiency of authentication, but it can also be complex and expensive to implement and use. Coordination and collaboration among different network stakeholders is often necessary.

6 Here’s what else to consider

This is a space to share examples, stories, or insights that don’t fit into any of the previous sections. What else would you like to add?