Weak networks need NAC bypass

The majority of current network access control (NAC) solutions fail to address basic security problems, and the proprietary approach adopted by Cisco, Microsoft and the Trusted Computing Group is blocking the development of a certified, interoperable NAC standard.

Ofir Arkin, chief technology officer (CTO) at network security specialist Insightix, says that the lack of a clear definition of what NAC is and does is confusing potential customers, and allowing vendors to tag the NAC label onto a broad range of products that do not merit the description.

Host admission control schemes are designed to protect enterprise networks by allowing or denying network access to PCs, laptops and other devices based on the health and security status of those machines.