NAC (Network Access Control)
NAC controls which devices can connect to a network based on identity and posture checks.
Updated: 2026-03-06
Definition
Network Access Control (NAC) enforces policies at the point a device connects to the network (wired or wireless).
It can check identity, device compliance (patch level, AV/EDR), and place devices into the right VLAN or quarantine.
Key points
- Controls network admission (who/what can connect)
- Can quarantine non-compliant devices
- Often integrates with identity and endpoint security
Common mistakes
- Thinking NAC replaces segmentation (it complements it).
- Rolling out NAC without a staged 'monitor-only' phase.
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