How do you configure NAC policies for network access?

1 NAC Framework

Before you start configuring NAC policies, you need to understand the basic components and steps of a NAC framework. A typical NAC framework consists of four elements: authentication, authorization, assessment, and remediation. Authentication verifies the identity of the devices and users that request network access. Authorization determines the level and type of access that is granted or denied based on the authentication results and the NAC policies. Assessment checks the compliance status of the devices and users, such as their operating system, antivirus, firewall, and patches. Remediation provides a way to fix or update the devices and users that are not compliant with the NAC policies.

2 NAC Policies

NAC policies are the core of your network access control strategy. They define the criteria and actions that apply to different groups of devices and users. For example, you can create NAC policies that allow or deny access based on the device type, role, location, time, and compliance status. You can also create NAC policies that enforce quarantine, isolation, or remediation actions for non-compliant or suspicious devices and users. NAC policies can be configured using a centralized management console or a distributed policy server, depending on your network architecture and scalability needs.

3 NAC Configuration

To configure NAC policies for network access, you need to follow some general steps. First, you need to identify and classify your devices and users into different groups based on their attributes and requirements. Second, you need to define the access rules and conditions for each group, such as the network resources they can access, the security level they need, and the compliance standards they must meet. Third, you need to assign the appropriate actions for each group, such as allow, deny, limit, redirect, or remediate. Fourth, you need to test and monitor your NAC policies to ensure they work as expected and to detect any anomalies or violations.

4 NAC Best Practices

To ensure your NAC policies are effective and secure, you need to follow some best practices. For example, use a consistent and clear naming convention for your device and user groups, access rules, and actions. Additionally, use a hierarchical and modular approach to organize your NAC policies, such as by network segment, device type, user role, or compliance level. A least-privilege principle should be used to grant the minimum level of access necessary for each group. You should also use a whitelist approach to allow only the known and trusted devices and users to access the network while blocking or quarantining the unknown or untrusted ones. Furthermore, use a dynamic and adaptive approach to update your NAC policies based on the changing network environment and threat landscape. Finally, coordinate your NAC policies with other network security tools and policies, such as firewalls, VPNs, IDS/IPS, and SIEM for a comprehensive and integrated approach.

5 NAC Benefits

Configuring NAC policies for network access can provide several benefits for your network security and performance. These include preventing unauthorized or malicious users from accessing your network and compromising data and resources, ensuring only compliant and secure devices and users can access the network, controlling and limiting bandwidth and resource consumption to optimize performance and availability, as well as monitoring and auditing network access activities to generate reports and alerts.

6 Here’s what else to consider

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