Implementing NAP and NAC Security Technologies: The Complete Guide to Network Access Control

5.4. Mobile NAC and the Wireless Threat

Wireless access is one of those things that can increase productivity and make life so much easier. At the same time, it can open huge security holes to companies if it isn't managed properly. The key, of course, is doing it properly, and this is a challenge for many organizations.

In talking with companies as a routine part of my job, I find even the largest companies are taking widely different stances on Wi-Fi. Some are all for it, while some do everything they can to stop it. Some take all reasonable steps to secure their systems that use it, while some don't really take any security measures at all.

The common thing that all of these companies are coming to realize is that there really isn't a good way to stop users from using wireless. Rather than trying to stop it, companies should now look at accepting it and take the necessary steps to secure it. Overall, I am certainly seeing a trend moving in this direction, although I met with a company recently that had basically outlawed it. (They pointed out that this stance is a losing battle.)

So, what are the risks with wireless, and can Mobile NAC help? Certainly, Mobile NAC plays a key role in securing wireless, as you'll se in this section. Following are some of the risks it can help address:

• Risks from connecting to public Wi-Fi hotspots

• Use of wireless in the corporate-sponsored remote office

• Risks when the user isn't even connected to a wireless network

Discussions earlier in this chapter ...