What is The Full Form of NAC?
Before understanding what NAC stands for one needs to get a notion that because the use of non-corporate devices to access corporate networks is becoming more common, firms must pay close attention to network security, including who or what is given access. The answer to what is the full form of NAC lies in specific to the Network security of every growing corporate and non-corporate institutions all over the world. It ensures that only authorised users and devices have access to the network, that those devices are in good working order, and that the users are who they say they are. Network Access Control is the NAC full form. Basically, if you have a network, the NAC determines who gets access to which parts of it and when. It is inherently a security element that NAC stands for is the fact that it ensures that whoever connects to the network has the appropriate authorisation. The regulations for regulating devices, data, and user access to them are then enforced by NAC solutions. Now that you are aware of what is the full form of NAC let us dive deeper into its meaning, different types of NAC, importance and activities performed and its advantages.
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What is the Meaning of NAC?
One facet of network security is network access control or NAC. Many NAC tools are available, and network access servers are frequently used to execute the functions. Effective network access control limits access to just those devices that have been allowed and are compliant with security policies, which means they have all of the necessary security patches and anti-intrusion software. Network operators create the security policies that determine which devices or applications are compliant with endpoint security standards and are therefore given access to the network.
The term NAC has importance not just in the networking area but also in different fields. And the NAC full form varies and the meaning is specific to its respective area. Like the NAC full form in ITI which is the Industrial Training Institute stands for NAC certification. Certificate from the National Accreditation Commission which is the NAC full form in education field. NAC stands for National Apprentice Certificate in its entire form. The National Trade Certificate is another name for it. The Ministry of Skill Development and Entrepreneurship, Directorate General of Training, issues this credential (DGT).
Working Mechanism of Network Access Control
On wired and wireless networks, network access control (NAC) works by locating and identifying the many devices that are connected to and can access the existing system. Administrators will select which protocols are implemented while setting up a NAC network security solution, thereby dictating how devices and users are permitted for the appropriate level of authorisation. This process should be carried out in large part by the company's digital security personnel. The rules that govern how a NAC network admission control system operates can be rather different. Different rules can be created depending on the device being used, the location from which the data and resources are being accessed, the access privileges of various users, and the exact data and resources being accessed.
Different Types of Network Access Control
The first kind is called the pre-admission type. When a user or endpoint device requests access to a network, the first type of network access control is called pre-admission since it occurs before access to the network is allowed. A pre-admission network control assesses the access request and only allows entry if the device or user making the request can demonstrate that they are following corporate security requirements and are permitted to enter the network.
The other kind of Network Access Control is the post-admission type. When a person or device tries to enter a different section of the network after being admitted, post-admission network access control occurs. If pre-admission network access control fails, post-admission network access control can limit lateral movement within the network, limiting the harm caused by a cyber assault. Each time a user or device wants to move to a new portion of the network, they must re-authenticate.
Different Concepts Involved in NAC
A quarantine network is a restricted IP network that allows users to access only specific hosts and programmes via routed access. When a NAC product decides that an end-user is out-of-date, their switch port is assigned to a VLAN that is only routed to patch and update servers and not to the rest of the network.
The basic idea behind NAC is to allow the network to make access control decisions based on end-system knowledge, therefore how the network is educated about end-systems is an important design issue. Whether NAC systems require agent software to submit end-system information or use scanning and network inventory techniques to determine those characteristics remotely is a fundamental difference. As NAC has grown, software companies like Microsoft have embraced it, including their network access protection (NAP) agent in Windows 7, Vista, and XP. NAP compatible agents are also available for Linux and Mac OS X, which give the same level of intelligence.
NAC solutions are deployed by network operators in the anticipation that some valid clients may be denied access to the network and if the users never had out-of-date patch levels, NAC would be unnecessary. As a result, NAC solutions must include a mechanism for resolving end-user issues that prevent them from gaining access.
A captive portal redirects visitors to a web application that gives instructions and tools for updating their machine by intercepting HTTP access to online pages. No network usage other than the captive gateway is permitted until their computer passes an automatic examination. This is similar to how public access points handle paid wireless connections. Organizations can use external captive portals to offload wireless controllers and switches from hosting web portals. For wireless and wired authentication, a single external portal hosted by a NAC appliance reduces the need for multiple portals and streamlines policy management operations.
Importance of the Activities Performed by NAC
Network access control is not suitable for all businesses, and it is incompatible with some existing security measures. Organizations with the time and resources to correctly instal network access controls, on the other hand, may provide a far stronger and more thorough layer of protection around expensive or sensitive assets.
The policy lifecycle management is taken into consideration. It enforces policies across all operational scenarios without the need for additional products or modules.
The importance of profiling and visibility is highlighted. Before malicious malware can cause harm, it recognises and profiles users and their gadgets.
When it comes to guest networking access the visitor registration, guest authentication, guest sponsoring, and a guest management portal are all available through a configurable self-service site.
Assesses compliance with security policies based on user type, device type, and operating system.
Carry out health examinations.
Ensure that access control policies are followed.
In a lot of circumstances, some cleanup work and some remediation tasks are done.
Network hazards are mitigated by applying security policies that automatically block, isolate, and repair non-compliant workstations without the need for administrator intervention.
Through the open/RESTful API, you can integrate with different security and network solutions.
Conclusion
After a user has acquired access to a network, secure network access control adds extra layers of protection around certain areas of the network, assuring application security. Compatible security protections, such as encryption and greater network visibility, may be included in some network access control solutions. The concept of access control may appear unduly simplistic and old-fashioned, yet it is at the heart of every security plan to keep attackers and unauthorised parties out. Although the premise of NAC is the same today as it was more than a decade ago, the reasoning and reasoning for installing a NAC solution are even more important now. NAC is making a comeback, as a tried-and-true technology that is well-suited to today's mobile and IoT scenarios. Organizations can get started with NAC by speaking with a technology partner like WEI (Windows Experience Index).
FAQs on NAC Full Form
Q.1) In networking, what does NAC stand for?
Answer.) Controlling network access and Network security ensures that only authorised users and devices have access to the network, that those devices are in good working order, and that the users are who they say they are. One facet of network security is network access control or NAC. The monitoring and regulation of network connection is part of Network Boundary Protection. Firewalls, for example, can be set up to restrict unauthorised access to a network system, and intrusion detection and prevention technologies can be put up to prevent internet-based attacks.
Q.2) What is the purpose of NAC?
Answer.) With enterprises increasingly needing to account for the exponential growth of mobile devices accessing their networks and the security risks that brings, having the tools that enable visibility, access control, and compliance capabilities to reinforce your network security infrastructure is vital. Network Access Control (NAC) is being used by businesses to identify, assess, and enforce access control on any and all devices before they connect to the network. A NAC solution satisfies the basic requirement of knowing which devices IT is responsible for safeguarding. Noncompliant devices can be denied network access, quarantined, or given very limited access to computing resources by a NAC system, preventing unsecured nodes from infecting the network.
Q.3) How do I turn on NAC?
Answer.) To guarantee that the network is protected against infected workstations, network access control (NAC) scans clients connected to an SSID to verify if they are using anti-virus software. To use this functionality, the SSID must have either Splash Pages or Sign-On Splash Page enabled.
