By Cheryl Hanna, Senior Network Engineer, ACCP, ACMP —
Wireless networks facilitate mobility, collaboration, and seamless connectivity. It’s not a stretch to say society would stumble – or crumble? – without them. However, this convenience also presents a unique set of security risks and challenges. Unauthorized access, vulnerabilities from IoT devices, and sophisticated cyber threats all highlight the need for a robust security framework.
So what is there for a good, security-minded IT networking professional to do?
Aruba ClearPass provides a powerful solution for securing wireless networks, offering advanced capabilities for access control, device profiling, and policy enforcement. This post explores six best practices for securing wireless networks with Aruba ClearPass, ensuring your organization’s data and resources remain protected. We will cover the following:
1. Strong Authentication
2. Endpoint Visibility and Device Profiling
3. Granular Access Policy Enforcement
4. Secure Guest Access
5. Tool and Platform Integration
6. Security Audits and Updates
1. Implement Strong Authentication Mechanisms
The foundation of network security begins with robust authentication protocols. Aruba ClearPass supports 802.1X authentication, an essential framework for verifying the identity of users and devices. With 802.1X, access to the wireless network is contingent upon users authenticating via credentials or digital certificates, allowing only trusted devices to connect.
For higher security, consider adding multifactor authentication (MFA), especially in environments with sensitive data or resources. ClearPass also enables role-based access control, which helps segment users based on their role or department, limiting access to only those resources essential to their work. This principle of least privilege reduces the risk of unauthorized access or accidental exposure.
2. Enable Endpoint Visibility and Device Profiling
In a diverse network environment with company-issued employee devices, IoT devices, and BYOD, endpoint visibility is crucial. Aruba ClearPass Device Insight enhances visibility by identifying and profiling every device on the network. This feature allows IT teams to understand exactly what is connecting to the network and apply tailored security policies.
Knowing the devices on your network is essential for detecting abnormal activity. ClearPass Device Insight not only profiles devices but also continuously monitors them, making it easier to identify potential security risks or unusual behavior, such as unauthorized access attempts or device configuration changes.
3. Enforce Granular Access Policies
Aruba ClearPass Policy Manager enables organizations to create highly specific policies that govern network access based on various criteria, including user role, device type, and location. This granular approach to policy enforcement is crucial for segmenting access and mitigating security risks.
By implementing such access policies, organizations can control access on a need-to-know basis, ensuring that sensitive resources are not readily accessible to every user or device. ClearPass’s flexibility also allows for adaptive policies, meaning access can be adjusted dynamically based on real-time context, such as location or behavior patterns, adding another layer of security.
4. Secure Guest Access
Providing guest access is often necessary in enterprise environments, but it also poses security challenges. Aruba ClearPass Guest offers a secure way to manage guest access by isolating it from the main network. With ClearPass’s captive portal feature, guests can authenticate through a secure, customized portal, reducing the risk of unauthorized access.
Administrators can also set limitations for guest access, such as time-bound restrictions, device limits, and restricted access to specific resources. This controlled approach to guest access ensures that visitors can connect conveniently while keeping the core network protected.
5. Enhance Security with Integrated Tools
Aruba ClearPass Extensions allow organizations to integrate ClearPass with other security tools, like next-generation firewalls (NGFW), security information and event management (SIEM) systems, and endpoint protection platforms (EPP). This integration enables a more cohesive security strategy, facilitating information sharing and automated responses across security systems.
For example, ClearPass can automatically send alerts to a SIEM system in the event of suspicious activity, allowing security teams to respond more swiftly. Aruba’s extensive partner ecosystem also provides a wide range of integrations, enabling you to customize your network security setup based on specific needs and preferences.
6. Perform Regular Configuration Audits and Updates
Securing wireless networks is never a set-it-and-forget-it approach. Regular audits of your ClearPass configurations help ensure that your policies and profiles remain aligned with your organization’s evolving security requirements. Reviewing authentication protocols, access policies, and device profiles can uncover outdated or redundant settings that may weaken your security posture.
Additionally, Aruba frequently updates ClearPass with new features and security enhancements. Staying current with these updates not only keeps your network secure but also provides new tools to address emerging threats. Ensure that your team routinely checks for updates and implements them promptly to maintain an optimal security environment.
Securing Wireless Networks Requires Best Practices Adherence
In an era where cyber threats are increasingly sophisticated, securing wireless networks is a critical aspect of enterprise security. Aruba ClearPass provides comprehensive tools to help organizations defend against unauthorized access and ensure that only trusted users and devices can connect.
By following the best practices outlined here, including strong authentication, granular access controls, device profiling, and regular audits, you can significantly reduce security risks. Remember, security is a journey—continuously improving your processes and leveraging new ClearPass features will ensure that your wireless network infrastructure remains resilient against evolving threats.
Do you need assistance with securing your wireless network or maintaining your Aruba ClearPass environment? If so, contact your Structured account manager or email info@structured.com today! We offer professional services to help secure wired and wireless infrastructure across the enterprise. We also offer managed services for Aruba ClearPass so your environment never falls out of sync with the latest updates and best practices.
About the Author
Cheryl Hanna is an accomplished IT expert in secure wired and wireless networks. With more than 12 years of experience in IT, including experience with network design, configuration, monitoring and troubleshooting, she has been integral in the success of numerous Aruba ClearPass deployments and managed services engagements with Structured’s customers. As an Aruba Certified Mobility Professional and an Aruba Certified ClearPass Professional, Cheryl has distinguished herself as a go-to expert in secure wired and wireless networking, including the AAA protocols of RADIUS and TACACS+.