NAC & SOC in Your Network to Prevent Data Breaches

Every business in the world depends on keeping themselves safe from cyber-attacks which result in data breaches, lack of secure network access, SOC monitoring, etc. But in a world where hackers are devising new ways to steal data every day, traditional firewalls and antivirus software aren’t enough. This is where solutions like Network Access Control (NAC) and Security Operations Centers (SOC) come into play.

NAC limits unauthorized access, while SOC keeps an eye on suspicious activity around the clock when both are used together. Now, let’s take a look at how these two cybersecurity solutions work to protect your network against data breaches.

What Are Typical Causes of Data Breaches?

There are several reasons data breaches occur, but certain reasons are more popular than others. Even sectors leading in security solutions often downplay potential vulnerabilities and data leaks. Here’s what you need to know:

• Weak Passwords – Simple or reused passwords among employees lead attackers to easy access.
• Phishing Attacks – Through fake emails hackers lure employees to disclose credentials.
• Outdated Software – Vulnerable applications create gaps that allow attacks to happen.
• Unsecured Devices – Any device connected to your network with no security rules in place can be a liability.

So, the million-dollar question is, what to do to make sure that unauthorized users don’t have access to crucial information? That’s where NAC and SOC come into play.

How NAC Restricts Data Access

Network Access Control (NAC) is similar to a security guard for your network. It ensures that authorized devices and users are the only ones connecting. NAC prevents illegitimate users from even reaching the network.

Here’s how NAC enhances security:

• Device Authentication – Access is given only to approved laptops, phones, and IoT devices. It rejects anything it does not recognize.
• User Authentication – Ensures only employees with the correct credentials can log in.
• Access Restrictions – Restricts access based on user roles. So an HR employee is not going to see financial data, for example.
• Endpoint Security Checks – NAC checks if the device is up to date on security patches and antivirus prior to admission to the network.
• Guest Network Segmentation – Guests and outside vendors receive their own networks that do not come close to business-sensitive information.

NAC serves as the first line of defense, ensuring that only trusted devices and individuals are allowed to enter the network. But how does data exfiltration by an insider sound? That’s where SOC comes in.

How SOC Detects Suspicious Data Transfers

Even if NAC is highly effective at preventing unauthorized users from accessing the network, internal cyber threats can still exist. An attacker could grab an employee’s credentials, or a rogue employee might attempt to exfiltrate sensitive data out of the organization.

Real-time monitoring and threat detection offered by a Security Operations Center (SOC) can prevent data breaches before they occur.

SOC focuses on:

• Continuous Network Monitoring – 24/7 surveillance to identify unusual activity.
• Behavior Analysis – SOC tools learn what’s “normal” for each employee. Someone copying over gigs of files out of the blue is a red flag.
• Incident Response – In case of a cyber threat detection, SOC holds any data leakage in time before any damage happens.
• Log Analysis – Gathers and analyzes data logs to pinpoint patterns in attempts to access unauthorized information.
• Threat Intelligence – Leverages global threat databases to enable proactive detection and prevention of cyberattacks.

NAC and SOC make a significant contribution to cybersecurity when used in collaboration. NAC prevents unauthorized access and SOC monitors suspicious activities.

Data Protection Solutions by PJ Networks

We specialize in data breach prevention, secure access to networks, and SOC monitoring solutions for your business at PJ Networks.

Here are our cybersecurity solutions:

• Next Gen NAC Deployment – We prevent unauthorized users and devices on your corporate network.
• 24/7 SOC Services – Our security specialists monitor and react to threats around the clock.
• Zero Trust Security – We employ strong zero-trust, authenticating all users and devices before allowing access.
• Cloud & On-Prem Security – No matter if your business works around the cloud or on-site, we provide the best security solutions tailored to your needs.
• Employee Security Training – We train your employees in cybersecurity best practices to minimize insider threats.

Conclusion

NAC and SOC, when used in combination, represent the most effective method for preventing unauthorized data exfiltration and securing your sensitive business information. NAC acts as a gatekeeper, preventing unauthorized users from accessing the network, while SOC offers round-the-clock vigilance to thwart data breaches in real time.

If you’re not already implementing data breach prevention measures within your business, now is the time!