--- title: Getting the Knack of NAC – An Introduction to Network Access Control description: Find out how to monitor and control access to your organization's network with Network Access Control, or NAC. image: https://blog.systemsengineering.com/hubfs/blog-files/Light%20green%20outdoor%20sign%2c%20slightly%20crooked%2c%20on%20black%20chain-link%20fence%20by%20dark%20red%20steel%20wall%20AUTHORIZED%20PERSONNEL%20ONLY.jpeg --- [![header-logo](https://blog.systemsengineering.com/hs-fs/hubfs/header-logo.png?width=138&name=header-logo.png)](https://www.systemsengineering.com) 888.624.6737 ![Spyglass](https://www.systemsengineering.com/wp-content/uploads/search-google-e1751908066340.png) - [Careers](https://www.systemsengineering.com/about/careers/) - [Blog](https://blog.systemsengineering.com/blog) - [Events](https://www.systemsengineering.com/news-resources/events/) - [Case Studies](https://www.systemsengineering.com/case-studies/) - [Client Center](https://www.systemsengineering.com/client-center/) - [CONTACT](https://www.systemsengineering.com/about/contact/) - IT Services - [Managed IT](https://www.systemsengineering.com/managed-it/) - [IT Essentials](https://www.systemsengineering.com/managed-it/it-essentials/) - [Microsoft Services](https://www.systemsengineering.com/managed-it/microsoft-services/) - [Modern Workplace](https://www.systemsengineering.com/managed-it/modern-desktop/) - [Help Desk](https://www.systemsengineering.com/managed-it/help-desk/) - [Network Assessment](https://www.systemsengineering.com/managed-it/network-assessment/) - [IT Consulting Services](https://www.systemsengineering.com/it-consulting-services/) - [Compliance](https://www.systemsengineering.com/compliance) - [IT Policies-as-a-Service](https://www.systemsengineering.com/it-consulting-services/it-policies-as-a-service/) - [Virtual CIO](https://www.systemsengineering.com/it-consulting-services/virtual-cio/) - [Engineering Services](https://www.systemsengineering.com/it-consulting-services/engineering-services/) - [Project Management](https://www.systemsengineering.com/it-consulting-services/project-management/) - [Business Continuity](https://www.systemsengineering.com/it-consulting-services/business-continuity/) - [Assessments & Gap Analyses](https://www.systemsengineering.com/it-consulting-services/get-it-assessed/) - [Software Services](https://www.systemsengineering.com/software-services/) - [Application Development](https://www.systemsengineering.com/software-services/application-development/) - [SharePoint](https://www.systemsengineering.com/software-services/sharepoint/) - [Database Services](https://www.systemsengineering.com/software-services/database-services/) - [IT Security](https://www.systemsengineering.com/security/) - [Adaptive Cybersecurity Framework (aCSF)](https://www.systemsengineering.com/se-adaptive-cybersecurity-framework-acsf/) - [Cloud Security](https://www.systemsengineering.com/security/cloud-security/) - [Cloud Security Resources](https://www.systemsengineering.com/security/cloud-security/cloud-security-resources/) - [Security Awareness Training](https://www.systemsengineering.com/security/security-awareness-training/) - [Cybersecurity Risk Assessment](https://www.systemsengineering.com/security/cybersecurity-risk-assessment/) - [Compliance](https://www.systemsengineering.com/compliance/) - [Cybersecurity Maturity Model Certification (CMMC)](https://www.systemsengineering.com/compliance/cmmc-compliance/) - [CMMC Compliance Service](https://www.systemsengineering.com/compliance/cmmc-compliance/cmmc-compliance-service/) - [CMMC Resources](https://www.systemsengineering.com/compliance/cmmc-compliance/cmmc-resources/) - [National Credit Union Administration (NCUA)](https://www.systemsengineering.com/compliance/ncua/) - [Cloud Services](https://www.systemsengineering.com/cloud-services/) - [Cloud Management](https://www.systemsengineering.com/cloud-services/cloud-management/) - [Cloud Security](https://www.systemsengineering.com/security/cloud-security/) - [Office 365 Migration & Support](https://www.systemsengineering.com/cloud-services/office-365-migration-support/) - [Office 365 Backup](https://www.systemsengineering.com/cloud-services/office-365-migration-support/office-365-backup/) - [Cloud Assessment](https://www.systemsengineering.com/cloud-services/cloud-assessment/) - [Industries](https://www.systemsengineering.com/industries/) - [Construction](https://www.systemsengineering.com/industries/construction/) - [Education](https://www.systemsengineering.com/industries/education/) - [Financial Services](https://www.systemsengineering.com/industries/financial-services/) - [Accountants & Wealth Managers](https://www.systemsengineering.com/industries/financial-services/accountants-wealth-managers/) - [Banks](https://www.systemsengineering.com/industries/financial-services/banks/) - [Credit Unions](https://www.systemsengineering.com/industries/financial-services/credit-unions/) - [Government](https://www.systemsengineering.com/industries/government/) - [Healthcare](https://www.systemsengineering.com/industries/healthcare/) - [Law Firms](https://www.systemsengineering.com/industries/legal/) - [Manufacturers](https://www.systemsengineering.com/industries/manufacturer/) - [Nonprofit](https://www.systemsengineering.com/industries/nonprofits/) - [About](https://www.systemsengineering.com/about/) - [Leadership](https://www.systemsengineering.com/about/leadership/) - [Our Difference](https://www.systemsengineering.com/about/our-difference/) - [Our Partners](https://www.systemsengineering.com/about/our-partners/) - [Culture](https://www.systemsengineering.com/culture/) - [Contact](https://www.systemsengineering.com/about/contact/) - Managed IT - [Overview](https://www.systemsengineering.com/managed-it/) - [IT Essentials](https://www.systemsengineering.com/managed-it/it-essentials/) - [Microsoft Services](https://www.systemsengineering.com/managed-it/microsoft-services/) - [Modern Workplace](https://www.systemsengineering.com/managed-it/modern-workplace/) - [Help Desk](https://www.systemsengineering.com/managed-it/help-desk/) - [Network Assesment](https://www.systemsengineering.com/managed-it/network-assessment/) - IT Consulting Services - [Overview](https://www.systemsengineering.com/it-consulting-services/) - [Virtual CIO](https://www.systemsengineering.com/it-consulting-services/virtual-cio/) - [CMMC Compliance](https://www.systemsengineering.com/compliance/cmmc-compliance/) - [IT Policies-as-a-Service](https://www.systemsengineering.com/it-consulting-services/it-policies-as-a-service/) - [Engineering Services](https://www.systemsengineering.com/it-consulting-services/engineering-services/) - [Project Management](https://www.systemsengineering.com/it-consulting-services/project-management/) - [Business Continuity](https://www.systemsengineering.com/it-consulting-services/business-continuity/) - [Assessments & Gap Analyses](https://www.systemsengineering.com/it-consulting-services/get-it-assessed/) - Software Services - [Overview](https://www.systemsengineering.com/software-services/) - [Application Development](https://www.systemsengineering.com/software-services/application-development/) - [SharePoint](https://www.systemsengineering.com/software-services/sharepoint/) - [Database Services](https://www.systemsengineering.com/software-services/database-services/) - IT Security - [Overview](https://www.systemsengineering.com/security/) - [Adaptive Cybersecurity Framework (aCSF)](https://www.systemsengineering.com/se-adaptive-cybersecurity-framework-acsf/) - Cloud Security - [Service Overview](https://www.systemsengineering.com/security/cloud-security/) - [Cloud Security Resources](https://www.systemsengineering.com/security/cloud-security/cloud-security-resources/) - [Security Awareness Training](https://www.systemsengineering.com/security/security-awareness-training/) - [Cybersecurity Risk Assesment](https://www.systemsengineering.com/security/cybersecurity-risk-assessment/) - Compliance - [Overview](https://www.systemsengineering.com/compliance/) - [Cybersecurity Maturity Model Certification (CMMC)](https://www.systemsengineering.com/compliance/cmmc-compliance/) - [CMMC Compliance Service](https://www.systemsengineering.com/compliance/cmmc-compliance/cmmc-compliance-service/) - [CMMC Gap Analysis](https://www.systemsengineering.com/compliance/cmmc-compliance/cmmc-gap-analysis/) - [CMMC Resources Hub](https://www.systemsengineering.com/compliance/cmmc-compliance/cmmc-resources/) - [National Credit Union Administration (NCUA)](https://www.systemsengineering.com/compliance/ncua/) - Cloud Services - [Overview](https://www.systemsengineering.com/cloud-services/) - [Cloud Management](https://www.systemsengineering.com/cloud-services/cloud-management/) - [Cloud Security](https://www.systemsengineering.com/cloud-services/cloud-migration/) - Office 365 - [Office 365 Migration & Support](https://www.systemsengineering.com/cloud-services/office-365-migration-support/) - [Office 365 Backup](https://www.systemsengineering.com/cloud-services/office-365-migration-support/office-365-backup/) - [Cloud Assessment](https://www.systemsengineering.com/cloud-services/cloud-assessment/) - Industries - [Overview](https://www.systemsengineering.com/industries/) - [Construction](https://www.systemsengineering.com/industries/construction/) - [Education](https://www.systemsengineering.com/industries/education/) - [Financial Services](https://www.systemsengineering.com/industries/financial-services/) - [Banks](https://www.systemsengineering.com/industries/financial-services/banks/) - [Credit Unions](https://www.systemsengineering.com/industries/financial-services/credit-unions/) - [Accountants & Wealth Managers](https://www.systemsengineering.com/industries/financial-services/accountants-wealth-managers/) - [Government](https://www.systemsengineering.com/industries/government/) - [Healthcare](https://www.systemsengineering.com/industries/healthcare/) - [Legal](https://www.systemsengineering.com/industries/legal/) - [Manufacturers](https://www.systemsengineering.com/industries/manufacturers/) - [Nonprofits](https://www.systemsengineering.com/industries/nonprofits/) - About - [Overview](https://www.systemsengineering.com/about/) - [Leadership](https://www.systemsengineering.com/about/leadership/) - [Our Difference](https://www.systemsengineering.com/about/our-difference/) - [Employee-Owned](https://www.systemsengineering.com/about/esop/) - [Our Partners](https://www.systemsengineering.com/about/our-partners/) - Careers & Internships - [Openings](https://www.systemsengineering.com/about/careers/) - [Benefits](https://www.systemsengineering.com/about/careers/benefits/) - [Internships](https://www.systemsengineering.com/about/careers/internships/) - [Culture](https://www.systemsengineering.com/culture/) - [Case Studies](https://www.systemsengineering.com/case-studies/) - [Blog](https://blog.systemsengineering.com/blog) - [Events](https://www.systemsengineering.com/events/) - [Client Center](https://www.systemsengineering.com/client-center/) - [Contact](https://www.systemsengineering.com/about/contact/) 888.624.6737 [Email Us](mailto:info@systemsengineering.com) ![syse-blog-header](https://blog.systemsengineering.com/hs-fs/hubfs/Logos/syse-blog-header.jpg?width=1440&name=syse-blog-header.jpg "syse-blog-header") # Getting the Knack of NAC – An Introduction to Network Access Control [![Share on facebook](https://blog.systemsengineering.com/hs-fs/hubfs/facebook-color.png?width=60&name=facebook-color.png)](http://www.facebook.com/share.php?u=https://blog.systemsengineering.com/blog/network-access-control&utm_medium=social&utm_source=facebook) [![Share on linkedin](https://blog.systemsengineering.com/hs-fs/hubfs/linkedin-color.png?width=60&name=linkedin-color.png)](http://www.linkedin.com/shareArticle?mini=true&url=https://blog.systemsengineering.com/blog/network-access-control&utm_medium=social&utm_source=linkedin) [![Share on email](https://blog.systemsengineering.com/hs-fs/hubfs/email-color.png?width=60&name=email-color.png)](mailto:?subject=Check%20out%20https://blog.systemsengineering.com/blog/network-access-control&utm_medium=social&utm_source=email%20&body=Check%20out%20https://blog.systemsengineering.com/blog/network-access-control&utm_medium=social&utm_source=email) December 07, 2018 | Posted in: [Cybersecurity](https://blog.systemsengineering.com/blog/topic/cybersecurity), [IT Solutions & Support](https://blog.systemsengineering.com/blog/topic/it-solutions-support) Posted by [Kevin Beling](https://blog.systemsengineering.com/blog/author/kevin-beling) ![Light green outdoor sign, slightly crooked, on black chain-link fence by dark red steel wall AUTHORIZED PERSONNEL ONLY](https://blog.systemsengineering.com/hs-fs/hubfs/blog-files/Light%20green%20outdoor%20sign%2c%20slightly%20crooked%2c%20on%20black%20chain-link%20fence%20by%20dark%20red%20steel%20wall%20AUTHORIZED%20PERSONNEL%20ONLY.jpeg?width=600&name=Light%20green%20outdoor%20sign%2c%20slightly%20crooked%2c%20on%20black%20chain-link%20fence%20by%20dark%20red%20steel%20wall%20AUTHORIZED%20PERSONNEL%20ONLY.jpeg) As security threats increase, our technology must adapt in response to new methods of network intrusion. More and more, organizations are looking to centrally manage and control access to their network be it physical, wireless, or via remote access. For heavily regulated industries, such as **[banking](https://www.syseng.com/industries/financial-services/) and [healthcare](https://www.syseng.com/industries/healthcare/)**, a Network Access Control (NAC) system is fast becoming a necessity. But what is it? ### What is Network Access Control? According to Cisco, Network Access Control solutions “support network visibility and access management through policy enforcement on devices and users of corporate networks.” What does that mean? It means that a single, comprehensive software layer across all points of network entry serves as a sort of security guard, denying or allowing access based on who, or what is requesting access. ### Why would my organization need NAC? There are several driving factors that lead organizations to consider implementing NAC. Here is a list of some of the more popular: - Compliance requirements where only authorized users and devices are allowed to have network access - Heavy use of mobile devices - Heavy remote VPN use - Protect against unwanted access to network ports or WiFi - Ensure devices have necessary security settings and up-to-date patches - Provide secure guest access that protects both guests and the network - Categorize user types when connecting to the network - Gain total network visibility It's pretty intuitive as to why having access control in any of the above situations prevents malicious usage. Now, let's find out how NAC works.  ### How does NAC work? NAC is a powerful tool that has many features and the list is growing every day. At its core, NAC either grants or denies access to a network, a user, or to a device. This security check can be based on a multitude of requirements, including: - The user’s identity and role in the organization (or outside of the organization) - Security settings on their device - Physical location - Operating system - Patch level of their device: is everything updated? If a device is denied access, the user can be given the opportunity to reconnect after they have re-mediated their device to meet NAC compliance. The NAC is maintained by the organization or their Information Security Partner through a dashboard user interface that provides data and reporting as well as a top-level view of all network access policies and settings. This provides the adequate information in an organized and consumable fashion.  ### How do I learn more? If you would like to find out whether NAC is a good fit for your organization, start by scheduling a [security assessment of your network](https://www.syseng.com/security-services/security-assessment/). A trusted network security partner can look at your security requirements and assess the general level of security within your organization including weaknesses, strengths, and best practices to follow.  To schedule now, click on the button below. [![LEARN MORE](https://no-cache.hubspot.com/cta/default/508286/53383c18-674e-49c3-a926-a5cf53cdf0a9.png)](https://cta-redirect.hubspot.com/cta/redirect/508286/53383c18-674e-49c3-a926-a5cf53cdf0a9) --- **![KBeling-1](https://blog.systemsengineering.com/hs-fs/hubfs/social-suggested-images/KBeling-1.jpg?width=150&name=KBeling-1.jpg)Kevin Beling** is an Account Manager at Systems Engineering and has been with the company for four years. Kevin works closely with SE clients to ensure their IT networks are running smoothly, cost-efficiently, and in a streamlined manner so as to guarantee the success of their business.  ### Join the Conversation! ### Posts by Category - [IT Solutions & Support (70)](https://blog.systemsengineering.com/blog/topic/it-solutions-support) - [Announcements (64)](https://blog.systemsengineering.com/blog/topic/announcements) - [Security Bulletins & Alerts (59)](https://blog.systemsengineering.com/blog/topic/security-bulletins-alerts) - [Cybersecurity (55)](https://blog.systemsengineering.com/blog/topic/cybersecurity) - [Business Transformation (30)](https://blog.systemsengineering.com/blog/topic/business-transformation) - [Cloud Security (27)](https://blog.systemsengineering.com/blog/topic/cloud-security) - [Workforce Enablement (21)](https://blog.systemsengineering.com/blog/topic/workforce-enablement) - [Compliance (17)](https://blog.systemsengineering.com/blog/topic/compliance) - [Network Security (13)](https://blog.systemsengineering.com/blog/topic/network-security) - [Artificial Intelligence (10)](https://blog.systemsengineering.com/blog/topic/artificial-intelligence) ### Follow Us On Social ### Contact Us [888.624.6737](tel:888.624.6737) [info@systemsengineering.com](mailto:info@systemsengineering.com) ### Connect With Us ### Receive Our Blog - [IT Services](https://www.systemsengineering.com/) - [IT Security](https://www.systemsengineering.com/security/) - [Compliance](https://www.systemsengineering.com/compliance/) - [Cloud Services](https://www.systemsengineering.com/cloud-services/) - [Industries](https://www.systemsengineering.com/industries/) - [About](https://www.systemsengineering.com/about/) - [Careers](https://www.systemsengineering.com/about/careers/) - [White Papers](https://www.systemsengineering.com/white-papers/) - [Case Studies](https://www.systemsengineering.com/case-studies/) - [Blog](https://blog.systemsengineering.com/blog) - [Events](https://www.systemsengineering.com/news-resources/events/) - [Client Center](https://www.systemsengineering.com/client-center/) ![Ft-logo](https://blog.systemsengineering.com/hs-fs/hubfs/Ft-logo.png?width=105&name=Ft-logo.png)     888.624.6737 | [info@systemsengineering.com](mailto:info@systemsengineering.com) Copyright 2025 Systems Engineering. All Rights Reserved. [Privacy Policy](https://www.systemsengineering.com/privacy-policy) [Support](https://www.systemsengineering.com/support/) [Trust Center](https://systems.app.ctrlmap.com/tp/trust/portal/links?puid=8010ba57-5a2e-40b4-9c56-2c18873c9e5f&trustPortalId=MQ==&code=4642)