Network Access Control
Network Access Control (NAC) is a security approach that enforces policies to control which devices and users can access a network. It involves authenticating and authorizing endpoints (like computers, smartphones, or IoT devices) before granting network access, often using technologies like 802.1X, RADIUS, or agent-based software. NAC helps organizations secure their networks by ensuring only compliant and trusted devices connect, reducing risks from unauthorized access or malware.
Developers should learn NAC when building or managing secure network infrastructures, especially in enterprise environments, healthcare, finance, or IoT deployments where data protection is critical. It's used to implement zero-trust security models, enforce compliance with security policies (e.g., requiring up-to-date antivirus), and segment networks to limit lateral movement of threats. Knowledge of NAC is valuable for roles in network engineering, cybersecurity, or DevOps to design resilient systems.