BLOG

By Leonardo Lopes – Applications Engineer

Importance of corporate network security

In today's highly connected digital world, enterprise networks represent the central nervous system of organizations, facilitating real-time communications, data sharing and collaboration. However, this interconnection brings with it a host of security challenges as cyber threats evolve in complexity and sophistication.

As organizations seek to maintain the integrity, confidentiality and availability of their digital resources, enterprise network security becomes a critical priority. From malware and ransomware attacks to data breaches and denial of service (DDoS) attacks, the risks faced by enterprise networks are varied and constantly changing. Furthermore, with the implementation of the General Data Protection Law (LGPD), ensuring network security is not only a preventative measure against cyber threats, but also an essential protection for users' personal data against unauthorized access and breaches.

Cutting-edge technology and integration with NAC protocols

In this scenario, companies like Datacom have played a crucial role in providing advanced security solutions. Through the implementation of cutting-edge technology integrated with the most used Network Access Control (NAC) protocols, Datacom provides organizations with a solution to strengthen their defenses against threats. These devices not only protect network systems, but also facilitate more effective and adaptive security management.

Network Access Control is a fundamental approach to strengthening the security of enterprise networks. In essence, NAC is a set of policies and procedures designed to ensure that only authorized devices that comply with established security standards have access to the corporate network.

Definition and importance of NAC

This technology operates at multiple layers, from device and user authentication to real-time security policy enforcement. By implementing NAC, organizations can more granularly control who or what can access their network, thereby reducing the risk of compromise by unauthorized or non-compliant devices.

The main components of the NAC include:

• Device and User Authentication: Before allowing network access, NAC verifies the identity and credentials of both devices and users. This may involve verifying digital certificates, login credentials, and other authentication methods.

• Device Security Assessment: NAC verifies that devices attempting to connect to the network meet minimum security requirements. This may include having up-to-date antivirus software, applying security patches, and complying with corporate security policies.

• Security Policy Enforcement: Based on information collected during authentication and security assessment, NAC applies specific access policies. This may include restricting access to certain network resources, segmenting traffic, and applying additional protection measures such as personal firewalls.

• Monitoring: NAC is not limited to just initial access control: it also continuously monitors device and user compliance with established security policies. This enables rapid response to any compliance deviations that may pose a risk to network security.

Advances in Network Security

In terms of hardware and software requirements, successful implementation of NAC requires switches and routers that support advanced authentication capabilities, as well as authentication servers and centralized management software. Protocols such as 802.1X, RADIUS and TACACS+ are commonly used for authentication and authorization of devices and users on the network.

To advance network security, DATACOM LAN switches offer tri-authentication functionality.

Tri-authentication

• 802.1X Authentication: This is a port-based authentication method that is widely used in wired and wireless networks. With 802.1X, devices or users need to authenticate themselves before they can transmit data over the network. When a device tries to connect to a network port, it is directed to an authentication server, where it is asked to provide its credentials. After successful authentication, the port is released for data traffic.

• Web Authentication: This method is commonly used on public wireless networks or on corporate networks that want to provide temporary access to unmanaged devices. For example, when an end device does not support the 802.1X protocol, such as some guest devices, they are directed to a web login page when connecting to the network. Here, the user provides their authentication credentials through a browser-based authentication portal. After successful authentication, the device is granted access to the network for a limited period of time.

• MAC Address Based Authentication: In this method, devices are authenticated based on their unique MAC addresses. This method is often used for devices that do not support 802.1X-based authentication or cannot access web login pages, such as printers, cameras, and some IoT devices. The MAC addresses of authorized devices are previously configured in an access control list (ACL) on the authentication server. When a device tries to connect to the network, the server checks whether the MAC address is whitelisted before granting access.

It is important to highlight that our solution offers the flexibility to add multiple servers for these authentications. This means that customers have the option to distribute the load across multiple authentication servers, thus increasing processing capacity and improving the availability of the authentication service.

Tri-authentication offers a comprehensive approach to ensuring network security, allowing devices to authenticate in diverse ways that are adaptable to the specific needs of each environment. The 802.1X authentication, web authentication and MAC address-based authentication methods provide a robust and flexible solution, ensuring that all connected devices are properly identified and authorized to access the network.

Conclusion

In conclusion, Datacom is dedicated to strengthening the security of enterprise networks with cutting-edge technology and unparalleled customer support. In addition to having a support team ready to resolve any questions, we offer a complete line of switches for LAN networks, ensuring robust and adaptable solutions for any corporate environment. We encourage those interested in improving the security of their networks to contact our account managers to explore how our products can meet your specific needs. At Datacom, we are committed to providing not only security, but also confidence and operational efficiency.