Network Access Control and Mobile Enterprise
Current trends suggest that remote work and mobile enterprise are here to stay for the time being. As corporations adjust to global challenges and adopt distributed cloud-based workforce patterns, an acute awareness of network security becomes increasingly necessary. Mobile enterprise, often lauded as beneficial for employee productivity and satisfaction, also encourages real-time collaboration via various cloud-based tools.
Unfortunately, not all users nor devices can be trusted equally, especially in bring-your-own-device (BYOD) business structures. Edge-device security protocols, such as those involving firewalls and Internet-adjacent hardware, have traditionally been used to direct the flow of network traffic. However, Network Access Control (NAC) policies tend to be more robust and flexible than traditional edge-focused control protocols. Such policies aim to overcome trust concerns and improve network security from inside and outside a network by standardizing access enforcement across all possible roles, users, and devices. Industry leader Aruba Networks’ NAC platform recently received recognition by Marsh’s Cyber Catalyst program for its ability to significantly reduce cyber risk. We have chosen to explore in detail a few key components of Aruba’s award-winning ClearPass NAC platform as it pertains to mobile enterprise.
- ClearPass Policy Manager
Aruba’s award-winning ClearPass network access control platform provides organizations with extraordinary cybersecurity protocols for BYOD, Internet of Things (IoT), guests, employees, contractors, and corporate devices across any wired, wireless, and Virtual Private Network (VPN) infrastructure. This highly adaptable platform results in comprehensive visibility of all devices connecting to the corporate network and supports a Zero Trust posture to guard against the constant threat of cyberattacks. Furthermore, network access control is improved and simplified by automated authentication of devices, as well as rapid, precise incident analysis and response via integration with 150+ third-party solutions covering a wide range of security capabilities.
Aruba’s ClearPass Policy Manager provides organizations with a complete and scalable NAC management platform well-suited for many requirements and configurations. ClearPass centrally enforces all aspects of access control, regardless of business scale or industry. Its enforcement policy considers and controls access depending on a user’s role, their device type and health, endpoint attributes, authentication method, common traffic times, patterns, and locations. This platform also supports deployment across tens of thousands of devices and is offered in packages applicable to both small and large organizations within either centralized or distributed environments.
2. ClearPass Onboard
Aruba Networks’ ClearPass platform includes automated mobile device configuration to help streamline the onboarding process. ClearPass Onboard provides native support for any Windows, Android, Chromebook, macOS, iOS, and Ubuntu devices via a user-friendly portal. Specific network details, security settings, and unique device identity certificates are automatically configured on authorized devices. Cloud identity services like Okta, G Suite, and Microsoft Azure can also be utilized as identity providers via Onboard for seamless secure certificate authentication. ClearPass Onboard automatically configures mobile devices for users, further supporting BYOD workforces by allowing them to easily self-register and authenticate multiple personal devices before securely interfacing with corporate networks.
3. ClearPass OnGuard
Another key feature of Aruba’s ClearPass is OnGuard, which performs regular sophisticated endpoint posture assessments to enhance security and compliance before devices can connect to an enterprise network. ClearPass OnGuard automatically performs audits on personal firewalls, anti-virus software, and anti-spyware applications, features flexible deployment options such as agentless configuration, dissolvable agents, or continuous monitoring via dedicated agent, and supports Windows 7 and above, macOS 10.10 and above, as well as various Linux-based operating systems.
4. ClearPass Guest
Another essential feature of Aruba Networks’ ClearPass platform gives guest websites a professional look and feel by incorporating any unique brand and style to create a custom portal optimized for laptops, tablets, and smartphones. This allows organizations to offer guests a personalized login experience which naturally reflects their particular brand, voice, and values. The guest portal is based on the brand’s existing website design, and a plugin is specifically designed to deliver an unmatched user experience on any mobile device.
Network access control platforms like Aruba Networks’ ClearPass are quickly becoming standard in the growing world of mobile enterprise. As organizations continue to adapt to shifting structures and expectations, careful attention will need to be paid to both software and hardware vulnerabilities to avoid costly downtime, data loss, and privacy breaches. If you are concerned at all about cybersecurity, or simply have additional questions, we encourage you to contact us directly or browse our cloud security and network security service pages. We look forward to answering your questions and providing peace of mind when it comes to your personal and professional cybersecurity.