Networking

The Next Generation of Network Access Control Starts with HPE Aruba Networking

HPE Aruba’s Cloud Authentication and Policy Architecture and ClearPass offer seamless security.

Doug Bonderud is an award-winning writer capable of bridging the gap between complex and conversational across technology, innovation and the human condition.

Effective enterprise security depends on network access control solutions. And HPE Aruba Networking ClearPass and Cloud Authentication and Policy Architecture (Cloud Auth) offer simple, seamless approaches to next-generation NAC, ensuring that only authenticated and authorized users and devices can access network resources. Here’s what IT leaders need to know.

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Considering Cloud Authentication

Many teams aren’t looking for the most beneficial NAC tools; rather, they’re seeking out the least-despised options, says Bryan Lechner, director of product management for HPE Aruba Networking. “Cloud Auth is part of Aruba Central and makes it easier for any customer using Central to enable authorization functionality,” Lechner says.

The solution stems from the idea that NAC doesn’t have to be on-premises, especially for organizations that leverage technology day-to-day but may not have a dedicated IT department.

“Say you need some security controls but don’t have full-time IT staff,” he says. “Cloud Auth brings enterprise-level security to customers and offers the same level of protection.”

Cloud Auth was designed for customers using the cloud who don’t have the time, resources or staff to build an authentication solution on their own. “For a new client we installed Cloud Auth, which delivers an enterprise security user experience by provisioning the network automatically.”

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What Are Some Key Features of Cloud Auth?

With Cloud Auth, organizations can achieve a unified and dynamic approach to network access control. Here’s how the technology makes that possible:

Integration with common cloud identity stores: Cloud Auth integrates with identity stores such as Google Workspace and Microsoft Entra ID.

Easy onboarding of wired and wireless devices: Cloud Auth also simplifies the onboarding process by allowing IT administrators to securely and seamlessly onboard users and devices. Devices can be onboarded using 802.1X authentication or MAC authentication for non-802.1X devices, or by using Multi Pre-Shared Keys (MPSK). Cloud Auth supports integration with cloud identity providers such as Microsoft Entra ID and Google Workspace, facilitating secure role-based policies and streamlined access management.

Enhanced, AI-based security: AI-based client insights enable secure, MAC-based authentications.

Cloud Auth brings enterprise-level security to customers and offers the same level of protection.”

Bryan Lechner Director of Product Management, HPE Aruba Networking

Why ClearPass Is a Flexible Enterprise Solution

ClearPass provides in-depth functionality for enterprise customers. “It’s meant to be incredibly flexible,” says Lechner. “Every tool is certified. It’s a like a better version of a Swiss Army Knife.”

It’s also incredibly powerful, with multiple ways to approach access control and identity management so that businesses can scale their security frameworks to fit their future needs.

In addition, ClearPass offers several deployment options. For companies that prefer to keep NAC closer to home, on-premises hardware may be the best choice. However, for those looking to extend NAC reach, ClearPass supports both virtual device migration and AWS cloud or Microsoft Azure deployments.

With HPE Aruba Networking ClearPass, IT leaders may also experience fewer network blind spots by using tools such as ClearPass Access Tracker, which allows teams to see all authentications that are happening and improves overall network visibility. Built-in zero-trust security is another benefit, allowing teams to deploy robust, role-based policies that reduce the risk of unauthorized access. ClearPass also integrates with 150 third-party IT systems. This allows teams to show information and receive third-party alerts via ClearPass from a wide ecosystem of partners.

What’s Next for NAC?

“Companies are learning to trust things in the cloud,” Lechner says. “In the past six to 12 months, we have customers asking when Cloud Auth will support more in-depth policies.”

When it comes to ClearPass, meanwhile, Lechner notes that “we have a massive ecosystem behind it. It’s API-driven, supports more than 100 applications, and lets security teams define policy exactly how they want it.”

In both cases, NAC is moving closer to the edge. For Cloud Auth, this means providing companies with more granular control over security policies while keeping deployment simple and streamlined. For ClearPass, it means expanding ecosystem offerings to provide seamless security for IT teams anywhere, anytime.

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