The Future of Access Control
For over a decade, Virtual Private Networks (VPNs) have been providing businesses with secure access for remote workers and end users. As cyberthreats become more rampant and dangerous, communication and network requirements are continuously changing in response. VPNs have begun to show their limited capabilities as they fail to address various security concerns in this ever-changing landscape.
The current VPN technology in use today may not be able to modernize and adapt to the evolving security threats of today. As a result, Software-Defined Perimeters (SDP), Zero Trust Network Access (ZTNA) and Network Access Control (NAC) come into play. Their collective purpose is like a VPN, but they serve as more comprehensive network security solutions.
Network Access Control (NAC)
NAC is a technology designed to provide endpoint authentication and network access controls to ensure only authorized devices are granted access to a network.
Research has demonstrated that NAC and SDP have become essential elements in the development of Zero Trust Networks as they enable monitoring, visibility, and control at the network access layer. Therefore, NAC is a critical foundation for cybersecurity resilience at the access layer.
Moreover, NAC is a technology that utilizes other core technologies in achieving ZTNA. As a result, NAC vendors should provide easy deployment options and software integration. Although network infrastructure evolvement is rapidly changing, many organizations keep hybrid or legacy environments. NAC can be deployed through both on-prem or virtual appliances.
Software-Defined Perimeter (SDP)
SDP solutions are designed to apply the principle of least privilege (POLP), and are software-centric rather than hardware based. It is made to conceal network infrastructure so as not to be seen by external parties and attackers. Once the device and the user are authenticated, SDP builds a one-to-one connection between the server and the device.
To understand how the SDP solution works, think of a door that is always kept locked. Because it is locked, no one can enter the door or even look inside unless the person inside verifies who the person is and what they are doing. When the visitor centers, the person in the house locks the door again.
Zero Trust Networks Access (ZTNA)
ZTNA is a security solution that provides secure remote access to data and services based on defined access control policies. ZTNA is different from VPN as it only grants authenticated users access to the resources needed to perform their job. and helps to eradicate gaps in other secure remote access methods and technologies. In this way, ZTNA works similarly to SDP as they utilize the concept of a dark cloud to stop users from seeing network resources that they are not authorized to access.
About Version 2 Digital
Version 2 Digital is one of the most dynamic IT companies in Asia. The company distributes a wide range of IT products across various areas including cyber security, cloud, data protection, end points, infrastructures, system monitoring, storage, networking, business productivity and communication products.
Through an extensive network of channels, point of sales, resellers, and partnership companies, Version 2 offers quality products and services which are highly acclaimed in the market. Its customers cover a wide spectrum which include Global 1000 enterprises, regional listed companies, different vertical industries, public utilities, Government, a vast number of successful SMEs, and consumers in various Asian cities.
About Portnox
Portnox provides simple-to-deploy, operate and maintain network access control, security and visibility solutions. Portnox software can be deployed on-premises, as a cloud-delivered service, or in hybrid mode. It is agentless and vendor-agnostic, allowing organizations to maximize their existing network and cybersecurity investments. Hundreds of enterprises around the world rely on Portnox for network visibility, cybersecurity policy enforcement and regulatory compliance. The company has been recognized for its innovations by Info Security Products Guide, Cyber Security Excellence Awards, IoT Innovator Awards, Computing Security Awards, Best of Interop ITX and Cyber Defense Magazine. Portnox has offices in the U.S., Europe and Asia. For information visit http://www.portnox.com, and follow us on Twitter and LinkedIn.。
