Network access control is critical for business security, especially now that remote and hybrid work models are common. With employees working on sensitive documents and sending personal data across the internet, managing device access to private networks helps prevent hackers from gaining unauthorized access to private resources.
This article explains what network access control is, how your business can use it, and how Proton VPN for Business can provide an easy network access control solution for any organization. We also share a list of seven dos and don’ts to help you stay on top of your network security.
- What is network access control?
- How can a network access control solution help you?
- Network access control dos and don’ts(new window)
- Manage access control security with Proton VPN for Business(new window)
What is network access control?
Network access control, also referred to as NAC, is a security measure that manages access to private networks and sensitive resources. It authorizes compliant devices to enter a network by identifying and authorizing an employee’s device, which can be verified through their username and password. Only devices with the right authorization and device requirements can access the network, providing protection against unauthorized access, malware, and other security vulnerabilities.
A strong network access control solution also assesses if a device meets business security standards, such as having a firewall and the latest software updates, or if it has security vulnerabilities. If an unrecognized or unsecured device that doesn’t meet specific requirements is detected, the system can alert a company’s IT security team and restrict access.
Being able to verify the identity of employees on a secured network through devices, including smartphones and laptops, can stop threat actors from stealing company resources and taking advantage of vulnerabilities with malware. Many network access control services can also make sure employees comply with security policies, such as having a strong password(new window), so a network isn’t at risk of being compromised through human error.
Access control in network security essentially acts as a gatekeeper for a business network, only allowing verified employees using trusted devices to access it.
How can a network access control solution help you?
With around 40% of workers in the US working(new window) remotely or in a hybrid position, monitoring and controlling who has access to your business network is more critical than ever. Not only does a network access control solution enable a business to keep an eye out for any suspicious behavior on a network, but it can also raise a company’s security standards, especially if they are starting out as a small business(new window).
Here are a few ways it can help your business:
- Improve login security
Creating a strong password standard across a business can keep brute force attacks(new window) at bay, and a reliable network access control system can ensure all employee passwords are hard to crack. This is due to all devices needing to meet a security standard. However, it can also make two-factor authentication(new window) (2FA) mandatory for everyone using the network. Many network access control platforms that use 2FA offer an extra layer of protection to online accounts, as it goes beyond just a username and password. Since it requires two forms of identification, such as using a password and a code generated by an authenticator app, it makes it harder for cybercriminals to access an account or device linked to a network.
- Allow remote employees to securely access internal networks
A dedicated IP address is a static IP address assigned exclusively to your business that can be used to provide secure access to internal resources for remote employees. All a company must do is rent a dedicated IP address and then whitelist that address on its internal network. Employees can access the network simply by connecting to the correct VPN server. It will assign them the IP address in question and provide a secure, encrypted connection. This setup ensures that an attacker who doesn’t have access to that dedicated IP address cannot try to break into the internal network (by stealing or brute forcing credentials, for example). - Segment your network
Businesses can also use multiple dedicated IP addresses for network segmentation, setting up tiered levels of access. Put simply, you can use specific IP addresses to authenticate employees’ level of clearance and provide them access to different smaller networks within a business, keeping sensitive resources away from those who do not need them.
- Track connected devices
Since network access control systems monitor who is on a specific network, they can track all the connected devices employees use. This allows a security IT team to learn where a potential threat comes from, such as suspicious behavior or malware on a particular employee device. Network access control systems also make it easier to connect and monitor newly added devices to different networks, keeping tabs on which devices qualify to enter specific networks within a business. - Meet compliance requirements
Depending on your industry, you might need to comply with specific security or regulatory requirements (for example, GDPR or HIPAA). In other cases, even if it’s not strictly required in a legal sense, certain security standards or certifications (for example, ISO 27001) are expected by a company’s customers. Network access controls are often a major component of meeting these compliance requirements and security standards.
Network access control dos and don’ts
While network access control provides essential security for any business, there are certain practices that companies should (and shouldn’t) follow to take full advantage of securing their resources. After all, network access control systems aren’t just used to monitor activity; they can provide a new level of security standards.
Here are some dos and don’ts to get started
- Implement strong authentication policies
Passwords act as the first line of defense for network access control, so it’s important to ensure everyone uses strong, unique passwords to secure their accounts and devices. Forget 123456 or password1234; passwords should be at least 16 characters long(new window) and be memorable. A password generator(new window) can help make it easier for every employee to have a password that’s hard for hackers to crack. Adding 2FA and using a dedicated IP address to manage access to your servers help prevent any unauthorized access to your network.
- Use network segmentation
As we mentioned before, you can also use several dedicated IP addresses to divide your network into smaller segments and monitor different networks within your business. For example, healthcare organizations handle sensitive patient data, like patient records. This information can be isolated to a smaller network that only authorized employees can access. This can prevent or isolate major cyberattacks, such as the 2021 Health Service Executive of Ireland ransomware attack(new window).
- Perform regular software updates:
Making sure all devices in a business are up to date will reduce the risk of cyberattacks, so be sure that your network access control system keeps devices aligned with evolving threats and business needs. Performing regular software updates on systems can fix security vulnerabilities and offer protection against malware threats, reducing the risk of threat actors taking advantage of any security holes that can be exploited. This prevents private information from a business being stolen and raises defenses against any new cyberthreats. - Monitor device activity
The main purpose of network access control systems is to continuously monitor network activity to identify potential threats or suspicious behavior on devices. Having a dedicated team in place that can reliably monitor your business’ networks will help spot any anomalies early before they cause further problems. - Don’t neglect mobile devices
While businesses often use computers and laptops to access a network, more devices are capable enough to connect to a server, too. Make sure the network access control solution covers smartphones, tablets, and other mobile devices, especially if employees often communicate through these devices.
- Only share credentials via secure channels
Information that could lead to unauthorized access to a network can cause major problems for your business. Keeping passwords and IP addresses on a need-to-know basis is key, but it’s also important to be aware of phishing attacks(new window) that can expose this information. Knowing how to securely share this information (for example, by using Proton Mail(new window) to send end-to-end encrypted emails or Proton Pass(new window) to create secure sharing links for individual passwords or vaults) will prevent you from compromising your network access control systems.
- Don’t forget about cybersecurity awareness
Cybersecurity measures aren’t just for security IT departments; every employee should have an understanding of how to implement these measures. Reports have shown that human error(new window) is one of the leading causes of data leaks, so giving employees training on cybersecurity best practices and establishing company policies on what can be done on a business device is crucial to keeping the network access control system secure.
Manage access control security with Proton VPN for Business
To create an internet that protects privacy, Proton VPN for Business provides businesses with the necessary tools to safeguard sensitive data with a multi-layered solution:
- With Proton VPN for Business, you can lease VPN-based dedicated IP addresses that provide great flexibility, allowing you to segment access to resources on a need-to-know basis.
- Proton VPN is a software VPN, meaning you can deploy it instantly without needing to worry about a complicated setup or needing to train your team for days.
- Add new accounts, set specific permissions, and configure private gateways using the easy-to-use central control panel.
- Control access only to devices and networks you trust. This enables you to restrict access to network assets on a need-to-know basis.
- By encrypting internet traffic, the data you transmit over the internet is inaccessible to anyone monitoring your local network, including your internet service provider (ISP). This also provides an additional layer of privacy on public WiFi, such as at airports and coffee shops.
- Proton VPN offers NetShield Ad-blocker to protect against malware, malicious websites, and unwanted ads, along with alerts to warn you about man-in-the-middle attacks that may be lurking on your network.
Businesses with remote workers need a reliable network. Proton VPN’s anti-censorship measures and global server network make it easy for employees to access company resources from anywhere in the world, all while denying access to those without authorization. With additional features such as VPN Accelerator and Alternative Routing, you can expect fast and reliable connections.
Start keeping your business network secure by creating a Proton VPN for Business account today.
