GlobalConnect launches NAC for better control over network access

GlobalConnect launches NAC for better control over network access. The new security service helps businesses identify which users and devices are connecting to the network and strengthens organizations' cybersecurity at a time when the number of connected systems and devices continues to increase.

Corporate networks today include significantly more connected devices than ever before. IoT solutions, remote working, and the use of personal computers and mobile phones at work mean that more users and systems need to be managed in the same network environment. At the same time, the requirements for access control, traceability, and documented security have become stricter.

Now launching GlobalConnect security service NAC, Network Access Control, which gives companies better control over which users and devices connect to the network and strengthens organizations' ability to meet increasing security and regulatory requirements.

A network cannot be secure if you lack visibility into which users and devices are connected. NAC gives businesses the visibility and control they need to protect critical systems and meet increasingly stringent regulatory requirements, says Anna Granö, EVP B2B at GlobalConnect.

Small devices can create large security gaps

In many organizations, mission-critical systems coexist with a growing number of connected devices that are not always managed by the IT department. These can include cameras, sensors, printers, and other Internet of Things (IoT) devices with limited built-in security. If such a device is compromised, it can act as an entry point for cyberattackers trying to further penetrate the network.

When devices are automatically considered trusted as soon as they connect, they can gain broader access than intended. NAC changes this by identifying and classifying each user and device, and controlling exactly what access they should have.

Limits damage and prevents lateral movement

With Network Access Control in place, the network becomes a more controlled environment where access is granted based on clearly defined rules. Unknown or non-compliant devices can be blocked or placed in separate network segments with limited access. This means that the consequences are limited even if a single device is compromised.

NAC is not about stopping every single attack, but about ensuring that a breach cannot spread further into the network. By controlling access, we significantly reduce the risk of lateral movement, which is critical to limiting the consequences of security incidents,” says Soren Gjevert Petersen, Senior Director, Security Services.

Practical support for modern security requirements

The need for Network Access Control is driven by several parallel developments. The number of connected devices continues to increase, working methods change, and the threat landscape is increasingly characterized by ransomware and attacks that exploit weaknesses within the network. At the same time, organizations are expected to be able to demonstrate clear control over their digital environments.

"For many organizations, it's fundamentally about reducing their attack surface and gaining real operational control at the network level. NAC is a practical tool for translating security requirements into concrete actions," says Soren Gjevert Petersen.

About NAC (Network Access Control)

NAC is a security service that:

• Provides full visibility over users and devices connected to the network
• Control access based on identity, device type, and security status
• Blocks or isolates unknown and non-compliant devices
• Limits the spread of security incidents
• Is an important enabler for a Zero Trust Network
• Supports access control and documented security requirements