¶ Introduction
Network security is paramount in today's digital landscape. The need to protect sensitive data, ensure compliance, and safeguard against unauthorized access has never been more critical. 802.1X Network Access Control (NAC) is a robust and standardized solution that offers enhanced security by controlling access to network resources based on user and device authentication. This document delves into the benefits and features of 802.1X NAC for securing your network as well as provide guidelines on how to activate NAC in Exium's SASE platform.
¶ The Challenge
Organizations face the constant challenge of preventing unauthorized access to their networks. With the increasing diversity of devices and user mobility, ensuring that only authorized personnel and trusted devices gain access is a complex task. A breach can have serious consequences, including data loss, compliance violations, and reputational damage.
¶ The Solution: Network Access Control (NAC)
802.1X NAC addresses these challenges by offering dynamic, policy-driven access control for wired and wireless networks. Key benefits include:
|
No |
Key NAC Features |
|---|---|
| 1 | Enhanced Network Security: 802.1X enforces authentication and authorization policies, allowing only authenticated devices and users onto the network. This reduces the risk of unauthorized access and potential breaches. |
| 2 | Guest Network Isolation: Easily segregate guest users, preventing them from accessing sensitive internal resources while still providing internet access. |
| 3 | Compliance and Audit Trail: Maintain compliance with industry regulations and internal policies by tracking and auditing network access. |
| 4 | Flexible Policies: Tailor access policies based on user roles, device types, or specific network segments, allowing for granular control. |
| 5 | Network Visibility: Gain insights into connected devices, their status, and activities on the network, enabling rapid threat detection and response. |
¶ How NAC works in Exium's SASE Platform
Exium's NAC is based on the 802.1X security protocol that is widely used to control and authenticate access to a network. It ensures that only authorized users and devices can connect to a network, thereby enhancing security. Here's how Exium's 802.1X based NAC works:
User Authentication: When a user or device attempts to connect to a network, they are prompted for authentication credentials, typically a username and password. This process can also involve other authentication methods, such as digital certificates.
Start authentication process: The user or device attempting to connect initiates the authentication process by sending its credentials to the Cyber Gateway.
Cyber Gateway: The Network Access Device (NAD) function running in the Cyber Gateway receives the credentials and acts as the intermediary between the user or device and the authentication server. It is responsible for relaying authentication requests and responses between the user or device and the authentication server.
Authentication Server: The authentication server which runs in Exium's CyberMesh cloud is responsible for verifying the user or device's credentials.
Authentication Protocol: The user or device credentials are transmitted to the authentication server using a secure authentication protocol such as EAP-TLS.
Authentication Exchange: The authentication server validates the user or device credentials. If the credentials are correct, the authentication server sends an authentication success message to the Cyber Gateway (NAD). If the credentials are incorrect, an authentication failure message is sent.
Access Control: Based on the authentication result, the Cyber Gateway (NAD) makes a decision regarding network access. If the authentication is successful, the NAD permits network access for the user or device. If the authentication fails, network access is denied.
Role-Based Access Control: In addition to allowing or denying access, the the Cyber Gateway (NAD) can assign a specific role or VLAN to the the user or device. This role-based access control (RBAC) allows different levels of network access based on user roles, such as guest, employee, or administrator.
Logging and Monitoring: The NAC system includes logging and monitoring features that record authentication and access events. This information is valuable for security analysis, compliance reporting, and auditing.
Dynamic Access Control: 802.1X NAC supports dynamic control over network access. If a device's status changes after authentication (e.g., a device becomes non-compliant with security policies), the NAC system can dynamically adjust access rights or quarantine the device.
Exium's 802.1X based NAC is a powerful tool for network security because it ensures that only authenticated and authorized users and devices can access the network. It also offers granular control, and the ability to enforce security policies.
¶ Configuring and Testing NAC?
First make sure, you have Modern Workplace security enabled in your workspace.
To configure NAC, follow the steps below.
- Navigate to the MSP admin console -> Client Workspace
- Click on Sites → Cyber Gateways in the left menu bar → Add Gateway (or Click on an existing Gateway name)
- Toggle the “NAC” switch to “Yes” (see screen shot below) in “Advanced configuration section”
- Once done , click “Save/Update”
- Please follow the instructions for Multiple interface CGW deployment for other configuration parameters and deployment options
¶ Summary
802.1X Network Access Control is a fundamental component of modern network security. By controlling and monitoring access based on user and device authentication, organizations can dramatically improve their security posture. Implementing 802.1X ensures that only authorized users and trusted devices connect to the network, mitigating the risks associated with unauthorized access and data breaches.
To learn more about implementing Network Access Control in your organization and explore tailored solutions that fit your unique requirements, contact Exium at hello@exium.net for a consultation or demonstration.