Network administrators who want complete control over their network may find NAC systems attractive because they need not be online 24-hours a day. But only during certain hours when users will be trying to gain access to the system.
Generally, Network Access Control Systems are devices that control company computer access. They can block or grant computers access to the network through factors such as password strength and the time of day the computer tries to log in.
The Network Access Control System is an organizational security mechanism that provides network administrators control over who accesses what resources over a wired/wireless LAN. NAC also provides controls that allow vital measures of overall system security to be taken on the basis of parameters such as user name/password strength, data integrity, day/time of connection, location of the user, and more.
Advantages of Network Access Control System
- If an unauthorized computer gains access by masquerading as another authorized system, a NAC can help resolve this issue. It will recognize that the new device has different characteristics from its counterpart and thus deny it access.
In this way, NAC Systems works similar to antivirus software regarding recognizing malicious programs and shutting them down before they have any time to do damage.
- You can configure the system to allow access for some time to accommodate users operating on the road with laptops. But the NAC System monitors even these connections. When they log out or their allotted connection time expires, the system will automatically shut down that computer’s access.
- By enforcing security measures based on all factors that affect security rather than just one or two, Network Access Control Systems provide an effective way for businesses to protect their resources against unauthorized use by users, both internal and external to the company.
NAC provides many advantages over software-based systems and may be helpful in any business environment where security is essential. While no system is perfect, these devices have certain features that give them an edge over other solutions.
Disadvantages of Network Access Control System
NAC systems have several advantages that make them attractive for businesses, but there are also some disadvantages that they need to be aware of.
- When possible, NAC systems are preferable to using software only because they tend to be more secure. Many companies opt for a hardware-based system when security is a priority. Software-based systems can prove less reliable in cases where the user does not follow installation instructions precisely due to their ease of uninstallation and lack of physical connection.
- One disadvantage is the fact that they rely on physical connections. In cases where a network cable is not available or not easily accessible for one reason or another, it will be impossible to run a NAC system since it requires a connection to work correctly. Since not all modern networks have wired connections in place, this can be a significant drawback when using a Network Access Control System.
- Another issue is that software-based systems require downtime when new users need access added or removed from their accounts. It’s possible in some cases, computers may go offline for short periods if their cable is unplugged for maintenance or other work, but in cases where that’s not possible, the NAC System needs to be shut down during this time.
- While NAC systems are generally preferable to security software, they can be expensive to install and maintain. The price is often justified because the hardware is more difficult to hack than software, but if a system does fail, it may take an entire business day or longer to get it back up and running, which would be much more costly than just paying for the software.
Network Access Control Systems like any system, have their advantages and disadvantages. A company should look at them in detail before deciding on which one they will choose to decide if they are right for them in particular or not.
Conclusion
The Network Access Control System is a security mechanism that provides network administrators control over who accesses what resources over a wired/wireless LAN (Local Area Network). This system also provides controls for key measures of overall system security to be taken on the basis of parameters such as user name/password strength, data integrity, day/time of connection, location of the user, and more.
By enforcing security measures based on all factors that affect security rather than just one or two, this system provides an effective way for businesses to protect their resources against unauthorized access by users, both internal and external to the company.
These systems have many advantages over software-based systems and may be helpful in any business environment where security is essential. While no system is perfect, these devices have certain features that give them an edge over other solutions.
