The combined power of data loss prevention (DLP) and network access control (NAC) technologies

In today’s complex cyber threat landscape, protecting sensitive data and isolating networks from unauthorized access is critical for businesses. Data Loss Prevention (DLP) and Network Access Control (NAC) solutions are essential components of comprehensive cybersecurity strategies. However, utilizing these two technologies separately does not fully leverage the potential that can be achieved with an integrated approach.

At S3M Security, we integrate DLP and NAC technologies to deliver a proactive and comprehensive defense mechanism that strengthens your data security and network integrity. This integration not only prevents breaches but also creates a continuous shield against both internal and external threats.

The technological benefits of integrating DLP and NAC

Dynamic and Conditional Access Policies:

Technological Benefit: NAC is designed to detect any device or user attempting to connect to the network. It then evaluates real-time risk data from DLP. For instance, if a user’s device is found to store sensitive data or violate a specific DLP rule, NAC can automatically restrict the user’s access permissions, quarantine the device, or completely block it. This goes beyond static security policies, providing intelligent access controls that adapt based on the risk situation.

Sales Pitch: “Your network will now know not just who is connected, but what is connected. ConnGuard instantly analyzes your device’s security posture and automatically adjusts network access when a risk involving sensitive data is detected. This provides dynamic and flexible protection that maximizes data security without disrupting workflow.”

Endpoint Data Leakage Protection:

Technological Benefit: NAC can verify the installation and operational status of the DLP agent, determine the date of the previous scan, and identify any critical violations before permitting an endpoint to be accepted into the network. If DLP conditions are not met, NAC restricts or denies the device access to the network. This feature is designed to prevent the leakage of sensitive data through unprotected devices.

Sales Pitch: “Picture this: your devices undergo a comprehensive security check before they are allowed on your network. ConnGuard verifies that every device complies with our data loss prevention standards before it connects to your network. This ensures that your sensitive data remains secure at all times and from any location.”

Rapid Threat Response and Remediation:

Technological Benefit: In the event that DLP detects a data leak attempt or rule violation, it will immediately notify NAC. NAC can use this information to change the network segment of the relevant device, cut off internet access, or isolate it. This automation system is designed to swiftly identify and neutralize threats, providing a more efficient response than manual intervention.

Sales Pitch: “Have you experienced a security breach? There is no cause for alarm. ConnGuard instantly detects data loss attempts and isolates the threat by reconfiguring network access in seconds. This automatic, lightning-fast response ensures your business remains operational while maintaining the highest level of data security.”

Comprehensive Content and Contextual Awareness:

Technological Benefit: NAC is able to identify the user or device’s identity, location, and device type, while DLP can determine the content type (e.g., PII, PCI, HIPAA) and sensitivity of the data being transferred. This integration provides a comprehensive contextual view of the “who, where, when, what, data, and how” of data transfers. This profound awareness empowers organizations to implement more intelligent and precise security protocols.

Sales Pitch: “Now your network knows not just the flow of data, but what the data is and who is using it. ConnGuard’s integrated power understands your data contextually, providing unparalleled security visibility and control. This feature empowers users to make more informed security decisions than ever before.”

Please find below some example scenarios: The Power of DLP and NAC Integration in the Field

Scenario 1: Ensuring the Security of Confidential Customer Data

Situation: A sales representative at a financial services company is attempting to connect to the company’s wireless network using their personal laptop. The laptop contains a file with unencrypted customer credit card information, which violates company policies. In the absence of ConnGuard, the laptop can establish a network connection, potentially leading to the unauthorized disclosure of sensitive data within or outside the network.

With ConnGuard (DLP+NAC Integration):

The DLP agent on the laptop detects the unencrypted credit card data and flags it as a violation. DLP then notifies NAC of the violation.Upon receiving the notification, NAC takes action to prevent the representative’s laptop from accessing the network. The representative’s laptop is either completely blocked from accessing the network or redirected to a quarantine VLAN (Secure Zone). The representative is sent alerts and instructions to resolve the issue. This feature prevents the entry of sensitive data into the network and the potential risk of a leak. In the second scenario, we will discuss the protection of critical intellectual property by remote workers.

Situation: An engineer working remotely for a software development company accesses project code from his home network via the company VPN. The engineer attempts to copy a section of the code to his personal cloud storage account (e.g., Dropbox). In the absence of ConnGuard, DLP policies may allow access to the cloud service, and the code leak may not be detected or prevented.

With ConnGuard (DLP+NAC Integration):

When the engineer’s device connects to the network via the company VPN, NAC performs checks to ensure the device is compliant with security standards (e.g., the latest security patches and antivirus software updates). When the engineer attempts to copy the code file to their personal cloud storage account, DLP detects this action as “Intellectual Property Leakage” and blocks it.

DLP reports this violation and the engineer’s identity to NAC. NAC immediately terminates the engineer’s VPN connection and blacklists the device, temporarily blocking its access to the company network. The IT team will be alerted immediately. We are pleased to inform you that the attempt to leak information has been successfully blocked. In addition, we have established an immediate response mechanism to guard against any future similar attempts. The third scenario is about guest network security and regulatory compliance.

Situation: A visitor connects to a healthcare organization’s guest network. Visitors may unwittingly carry an outdated virus on their devices, which has the potential to spread to other devices on the network.

In the absence of ConnGuard, visitors’ devices can seamlessly connect to the network, thereby enabling the potential spread of the virus. This, in turn, can adversely impact network performance and even pose a risk of accessing sensitive patient data (PHI).

With ConnGuard (DLP+NAC Integration):

When a visitor’s device attempts to connect to the organization’s guest network, the NAC device performs a “security posture” check for guests (e.g., does it have up-to-date antivirus software?). DLP is designed to detect attempts to spread malicious software by monitoring network traffic or using an agent on the device. DLP reports the infected device and the attempt to spread to NAC. NAC quarantines or isolates the device from the network, preventing the virus from spreading to the corporate network or other guest devices. An automatic alert is sent to the IT team. Network integrity is maintained while ensuring compliance with regulations such as HIPAA, which are critical for healthcare organizations.

S3M Security’s ConnGuard Integration is a key component of our business. S3M Security’s integrated approach, which combines DLP and NAC technologies under the ConnGuard brand, provides a comprehensive cybersecurity strategy that goes beyond a one-dimensional solution:

Proactive Protection: This system is designed to identify and neutralize potential threats before they reach your network, thereby preventing data leaks.

Centralized Management: This innovative solution streamlines operational processes by centralizing management of complex security operations on a unified platform, leading to significant reductions in operational overhead.

Advanced Visibility: It provides deep, contextual visibility into your data flows and all devices on your network.

Regulatory Compliance: It helps organizations comply with strict data protection regulations, such as GDPR, HIPAA, and PCI DSS.

Scalability: This product is designed to adapt to the needs of organizations of all sizes, from small businesses to large enterprises.

S3M Security’s ConnGuard solution is designed to enhance data security and network access control. Secure your business against future threats today!

Please contact us for more information or to schedule a custom demonstration.