Maximizing Network Visibility & Threat Detection with NAC & SOC

Network Visibility, SOC Threat Intelligence, NAC Device Monitoring — these are the three pillars of secure and well-monitored IT. Businesses today need to be able to see every device they are providing access to and respond to threats in real time. This is where NAC (Network Access Control) and SOC (Security Operations Center) come in.

In this blog, we will explore how these solutions enable businesses to enhance network monitoring, identify security threats, and stay alert with cybersecurity posture. Let’s dive in.

Breaking Down Why Network Visibility Is Important

Assume for a moment that you are driving your car on a street that has no streetlights. Impossible, right? That’s how dangerous it is to think you’re managing a network with little visibility. You cannot protect what you cannot see.

The challenge only grows with higher device numbers, remote work, and IoT connections. Companies should monitor laptops, mobile phones, servers, and even smart office equipment. Unmanaged or unknown devices gaining access to them provide a massive security risk.

If you don’t have proper network visibility, you risk:

• Unauthorized access: Hackers, rogue devices, and compromised endpoints get in undetected.
• Reaction to incidents is too slow: IT teams aren’t able to detect breaches until it’s already too late.
• Compliance failures: Regulations such as GDPR, HIPAA, PCI DSS require clear visibility.

NAC and SOC Need to Work as One to Complement Each Other and Fix These Issues

NAC: Identification of Everything on a Network

The foremost aspect of network security is Network Access Control (NAC). It allows only the right devices to connect to the network.

What NAC Does:

• Scans and identifies all devices – Laptops, smartphones, Internet of Things (IoT) devices, printers, etc.
• Restricts working on unauthorized devices – When a device is untrusted, access to critical resources is denied.
• Applies security policies – The solution verifies that every endpoint offers satisfactory security measures before allowing access.
• Segments network access – restricts users and devices by role and permission.

Consider NAC like a doorman at a club. It doesn’t give access to anyone who doesn’t follow the security policies it takes to enter. For instance, if a laptop’s antivirus software is outdated, NAC will block it from connecting until it’s updated.

This enables organizations to minimize network-based threats, manage insider risks, and retain full visibility of who is connected.

SOC: Detection & Response to Threats

NAC prevents unauthorized devices, but SOC (Security Operations Center) behaves like an anti-cyber threat watch hanging over the network.

What SOC Does:

• Monitors & analyzes network traffic – Detects suspicious patterns in real time.
• Investigates security alerts – Validates whether an alert represents a true cyber threat or a false positive.
• Quickly responds to incidents – Quickly takes steps to halt breaches and limit damage.
• Leverages SOC Threat Intelligence – Keeps up with emerging cyber threats and keeps ahead of attackers.

SOC is just like a team of bouncers monitoring CCTV feeds all the time. If they detect atypical activity, they’re able to investigate and take action before a major security incident ends up happening.

How SOC & NAC Work Together

The combination of NAC and SOC produces better security:

• NAC helps stop unauthorized devices from connecting.
• SOC checks authorized devices for any suspicious activity.
• Should SOC detect a threat, NAC can automate the remediation by restricting or disconnecting whatever compromised device.

This active threat detection and response approach allows companies to shut down cyberattacks before damage is done.

Network Visibility Solution by PJ Networks

PJ Networks also knows that network security is not a one-time affair. Businesses require constant visibility, monitoring, and security with rapid response capabilities.

Our solutions include:

NAC Device Monitoring

• Detects and administers all devices attached to the network.
• Implements access control policies to prevent unauthorized access.
• Complies with industry security standards.

SOC Threat Intelligence & Monitoring

• Continuous monitoring to detect and respond to threats effectively.
• Quick incident response to reduce risk from cyberattacks.
• Utilizes advanced threat intelligence to defend against emerging threats.

Custom Security Solutions

• Security plans customized to your business size and IT environments.
• Integrated NAC + SOC for improved network protection.
• Proactive network support and resolution by Subject Matter Experts.

Best protection from cyber threats: End-to-end network visibility.

Conclusion

Network Visibility, SOC Threat Intelligence, NAC Device Monitoring – these are the three elements that every secure business cannot compromise on. NAC gives access only to the safe devices while SOC keeps a hawk eye on everything going on in the network.

NAC and SOC help businesses reduce security risks through comprehensive monitoring while responding to threats in real-time.

About PJ Networks: PJ Networks is a company that offers next-generation NAC & SOC solutions to help organizations establish a solid foundation for their network security.

Do you want total control over your network security? It starts with network visibility, which you can enable today!