Enterasys Networks recently added new integrated endpoint assessment capabilities to its network access control (NAC) appliances. These capabilities are also available for embedded switch modules, which allow companies to ensure only the right users have access to the right information from the right place at the right time.

 

The Enterasys (News - Alert) NAC controller and NAC gateway allow assessment to be integrated onto a single appliance with the other NAC functions for discovery, authentication, authorization and remediation. To match the needs of different organizations who may have already deployed assessment technology, Enterasys NAC works with multiple assessment servers, authentication servers and security software agents.

 

The Enterasys agent-less assessment scans for the SANS Top 20 vulnerabilities and also various other operating system and application vulnerabilities. The endpoint agent scans for anti-virus and firewall status along with operating system patches and peer-to-peer file sharing applications. Enterasys has shipped over 30 million switch ports which can support Enterasys NAC with integrated management visibility and control of pre-connect and post-connect behavior. By integrating with existing wired/wireless network connectivity for Layer 2, Layer 3 and VPN environments, Enterasys NAC avoids forklift upgrades.

 

The Enterasys NAC provides advantages such as business-oriented granular visibility and control over individual users, devices and applications. Enterasys NAC policies permit, deny, prioritize, rate-limit, tag (News - Alert), re-direct and audit network traffic based on user identity, time and location, device type and other environmental variables. Companies can now start with simple endpoint detection and location directory information, add authentication/authorization and/or assessment, and then automate remediation with the phased deployment option.

 

The Enterasys NAC assessment licensing starts at $9,995 (less than $5 per endpoint) and is available immediately from authorized Enterasys distributors and value-added resellers worldwide.

 

“As NAC evolves, it is clear that NAC is a feature of the infrastructure rather than a separate market," said Trent Waterhouse, Enterasys vice president of marketing, in a statement. “Our 25-year track record of innovation, experienced support and open-architecture interoperability, coupled with our security and management software expertise, enables us to deliver a NAC solution that is cost-effective, practical, and achievable to deliver rapid time to value.”