Traditional Firewalls Vs NAC & SOC: Why They’re Not Enough

Firewall Limitations | NAC Access Control | SOC Network Protection

Firewalls are important, but they are like locking the front door while leaving the windows wide open.
Hackers are more sophisticated, and more threats can come from both outside and inside your network.
This is precisely why contemporary security solutions such as Network Access Control (NAC) and Security
Operations Centers (SOC) are so crucial. So, let’s discuss why firewalls alone are not enough to keep your
network safe and where you need NAC and SOC to make up for what firewalls can’t.

1. Limitations of Firewalls

Firewalls are a first line of defense, but they have vulnerabilities. Here is the reason they don’t add up to
what you need to save your business:

• They only stop known threats – Firewalls filter traffic based on defined rules.
• They don’t enable internal access control — Once a hacker or an insider breaches the
  firewall, they can roam freely.
• They don’t see stealthy attacks — Hackers are clever; they use phishing, stolen credentials,
  or advanced malware that sneaks through firewalls.
• Remote work makes them less secure – Employees accessing from personal devices or coffee
  shops leave security holes.
• They can’t interpret behavior – Firewalls only look for suspicious activity inside of a
  network, allowing threats to easily lie in wait.

This is where NAC and SOC join hands to provide a layered security mechanism.

2. Role of NAC in Managing Internal Access

Network Access Control (NAC) makes sure that only authorized users and secure devices can access your network.
It works as a security checkpoint in your system.

Here’s how NAC access control enhances security:

• Device authentication – NAC verifies whether a laptop, phone, or IoT device is permitted
  access before allowing it.
• User authentication – Not even an insider gets to sensitive data without passing security policies.
• Quarantine policy violators – NAC restricts access to a device that isn’t meeting security
  requirements (for example, as a result of outdated software or the lack of antivirus).
• Track who goes where – You can enforce rules keeping employees from unnecessary access.
  For instance, accounting teams should not be able to see data pertaining to HR.
• Zero Trust Integration – NAC incorporates Zero Trust security that does not trust any device
  or user by default.

Without NAC, once a cybercriminal or a rogue employee evades your corporate perimeter, they can dreamwalk through
your network, undetected.

3. How SOC Detects Stealthy Attacks

Threats can get through even with both firewall protection and NAC access control implemented.
That’s where a Security Operations Center (SOC) comes into play.

A SOC is a group of cybersecurity experts who monitor your network around-the-clock for hidden threats.
They monitor traffic, identify suspicious behavior, and respond before damage happens.

Why SOC network protection is a game-changer:

• Real-time threat detection – SOC analysts leverage AI and security tools to identify
  anomalous activity such as unauthorized logins or data exfiltration.
• Incident response – If a breach occurs, SOC goes beyond simply notifying you — they
  contain and help eliminate the threat.
• Log analysis – SOC monitors every event on the network to look for patterns that might
  indicate an impending attack.
• Threat intelligence – SOC incorporates global threat intelligence to protect itself from
  new cyberattacks.
• Compliance assurance – If you need to comply with cybersecurity standards like GDPR or HIPAA,
  the SOC ensures you stay compliant.

Without a SOC team, many businesses don’t even realize they have been breached until it’s too late.

4. NAC & SOC Solutions by PJ Networks

Only Most Secure Web Solution, Just Firewall is Not Enough @PJ Network

This is exactly why we offer a complete NAC and SOC solution to address your business needs.

Our NAC Solution:

• Fully configurable network access control policies
• Employee, contractor, and guest access security
• Ensures automated actions to quarantine risky devices
• Monitoring of devices that are connected in real time

Our SOC Services:

• Round-the-clock security monitoring to detect threats early
• Threat detection and response, powered by AI
• Incident management for rapid damage containment
• NIST, HIPAA & Security compliance support

Therefore, we guide businesses beyond the perceived limitations of firewalls to developing a layered approach to security.

5. Conclusion

Firewalls are crucial but are only part of the cybersecurity puzzle. Modern threats still threaten businesses that
rely only on spam traps.

CASE 4: NAC

NAC makes sure only secure and authorized devices gain access to your network. SOC effectively divides these threats
from others so they can protect your network 24/7, detect attacks, and put a stop to hidden cyberattacks.

If your business seeks real protection, go beyond firewalls in 2023 and use NAC access control and SOC network protection.
So, PJ Networks is here to keep your business secured against the emerging threats!