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

5.2. Why Companies Look to Mobile NAC

Chapter 4 discussed why companies are looking at LAN-based NAC solutions. This chapter will do the same with Mobile NAC solutions. Following are some key reasons why companies look to Mobile NAC solutions:

• There are threats to mobile devices that need to be addressed.

• The company failed a security audit.

• There is a need to comply with various compliance regulations.

Again, these reasons aren't really different from the reasons that companies look to a number of different security solutions. The difference is in how Mobile NAC can help address these reasons.

Failing a security audit and recognizing the threats are pretty straightforward reasons to seek a solution. In just a bit, I'll explore in detail the threats and how they can be addressed. Anything compliance-related is always murky, so let's talk about that one now.

5.2.1. Mobile NAC and Compliance Regulations

There are few buzzwords that stir the emotions as much as "compliance." The government and other bodies demand it, companies must abide by it, and vendors love to attach it to their products and presentations.

One of the key challenges with many compliance regulations is that they are vague. This vagueness leads to subjectivity and confusion. This vagueness is also sometimes used as an excuse.

Earlier this year, I spoke at a security event in Chicago. I strive to make my presentations very objective, fact-based, and clear, so I usually don't muddy the waters by talking about specific ...