In-Depth

Study Reveals What’s Driving Network Access Control

A majority of survey respondents looking to implement an NAC solution want to reduce malware incidents, control remote access to the network, and enforce endpoint configurations.

• By James E. Powell
• 01/02/2007

According to a new study from research firm Aberdeen, IT organizations are under increasing pressure to address the security gaps created by non-managed PCs connecting to their network, leading to malware infections and concern about controlling individual network access and meeting regulatory requirements.

In a statement, Mounil Patel, vice president and research director at Aberdeen, noted, "The best network security strategy falls short if it doesn’t include the risk that threats (such as viruses and spyware) will be carried into the network on unmonitored laptops and computers. The risk is high in any company with mobile users, but can be particularly high in situations where end users such as contractors or students may connect their own computers into an organizations network environment.… Organizations need to take a new look at their endpoint security strategies and understand how NAC products are able to automatically protect and remediate these risks."

The Information Management and Security benchmark report, “Endpoint Security Strategies Part I: The Network Access Control Benchmark,” found that 59 percent of respondents want to implement NAC to reduce incidents of malware propagation, while 53 percent say they want the solution to control network access for staff, partners, and contractors. Other drivers include the need to enforce endpoint software configurations, improve network uptime, and reduce time required to recover from malware outbreaks.

Full disclosure: Enterprise Systems assisted Aberdeen by inviting Enterprise Strategies readers to participate in the study.

You can download a complimentary copy of this report here. (registration is required)