Improving Security with Cisco ISE

Improving Security with Cisco ISE

A platform for managing security policies called Cisco Identity Services Engine (ISE) gives end users and devices secure network access. For endpoint devices connected to a company’s routers and switches, the licensed Cisco ISE enables the creation and enforcement of security and access policies. It is intended to assist organizations in streamlining identity management across devices and applications.

Enterprises can see who is connected as well as which applications are installed and active thanks to Cisco Identity Services Engine, which gives them insight into and visibility into their network. By protecting the network and every endpoint connected to it, the product can aid zero-trust strategies. To further simplify security policy management, ISE can also exchange information with other integrated Cisco tools, such as user and device identities, threats, and vulnerabilities.

Although a 90-day free evaluation license for up to 100 endpoints can be downloaded, the licensed Cisco ISE is licensed on a subscription basis.

What is the purpose of Cisco ISE and how does it function?

Protecting an organization’s data from network security breaches becomes more difficult as users and devices connect to networks from a greater variety of locations. Using Cisco Identity Services Engine, administrators can manage who has access to their network and confirm that only authorized, policy-compliant devices are being used. ISE is a tool that IT administrators can use to manage bring-your-own-device (BYOD) policies, visibility, guest network access, threat containment, tool integrations, device administration, and visibility.

Users of wired, wireless, and virtual private networks (VPN) can all be authenticated by Cisco ISE. Administrators can view who is connected to their network at any time by viewing the list of authorized and unauthorized users who have access to it. Network device configuration with IPv6 is also possible for administrators.

Each instance of the licensed Cisco Identity Services Engine is referred to as a node, and it is available as an appliance or as software that can run on VMware. There are the following deployment nodes in Cisco ISE:

• Node for policy services. The services offered by this node include guest access, provisioning, profiling, posture, and network access.
• Node monitoring. This node generates reports and collects logs. This node receives events that occur within the ISE topology and logs them.
• Administration Node for Policies. Administrators can log in to and change system-related configurations and policy settings using this node. Changes are sent to policy services nodes after they have been configured.
• Node for pxGrid. With other ISE network systems and Cisco products, this node exchanges context-based sensitive data from the Cisco ISE session directory. Data can be transferred from ISE to other programs using the pxGrid node.

When a device connects to a network, the licensed Cisco Identity Services Engine confirms the user’s identity as well as the nature of the connected device, the time and place of the user’s request, and the access method employed. The user is given network access after Cisco ISE decides the request is valid.

The following are some additional vital Cisco ISE features:

• Client provisioning and evaluating the posture of each device at each endpoint are used to enforce compliance.
• Security group tags and security group access control lists (ACLs) are used to provide enforcement capabilities such as Cisco TrustSec.
• The Terminal Access Controller Access-Control System security protocol manages remote authentication and offers device administration.

Key Features using Cisco ISE for improving Security.

Using the following features, the licensed Cisco ISE aids in defending networks against online attacks.

• Monitoring and troubleshooting. For monitoring, reporting, and troubleshooting, ISE users have access to a web console.
• Coordinated management. Administrators can now configure, manage, and authenticate users and devices in a single place.
• Cisco TrustSec and Group-Based Policy. A segmentation controller that controls switch, router, wireless, and firewall rules is part of this.
• Access control offers users options for access control, such as security group ACLs, virtual LANs, URL redirections, and downloadable ACLs.
• Identity in context and corporate rules. These guidelines cover authentication, device identity, posture verification, user and endpoint identity attributes, and more.
• Gadget profiling. Custom device templates that automatically identify, categorize, and associate administration identities can be made using Cisco Identity Services Engine.
• Integration of Cisco DNA Center. ISE can be integrated with this network controller and management dashboard to serve as a network analytics platform. Additionally, DNA Center can help with the formulation, implementation, and administration of policies. Users and software programs instead of network devices can then be subject to these policies.

Benefits of using Cisco ISE.

The following advantages are provided by Cisco Identity Services Engine.

• Enhanced network visibility. All users and endpoints connected to a network are recorded in ISE’s detailed attribute histories.
• Centralized network access control (NAC). A centralized location can be used to manage every network access point within an organization.
• Containment of the threat. Administrators can select which devices to allow on a network by using ISE, which matches endpoints with attributes like users, location, threat, and vulnerability.

ISE licensing from Cisco

One, three, or five years are available for the subscription-based licensing of Cisco ISE, and the license automatically renews at the end of each term.

Premier, Advantage, and Essentials are the three main licenses offered by the licensed Cisco ISE. The lowest tier is Premier, while Essentials is the highest. These packages are organized in a nested doll model, so all of the features in the Premier edition are included in both the Advantage and Essentials tiers, and all of the features in the Advantage edition are included in the Essentials tier.

These features are part of the Premier license:

• Posture enforcement and visibility.
• NAC visibility and enforcement focused on threats.
• Enforcement and visibility of mobile device management.

The most additional features are included in the Advantage license, including the following:

• Sharing context
• Support for BYOD
• Trust security group policy
• Communications that are real-time
• Networks that are created by users
• Visibility and enforcement of profiling
• Visibility and enforcement of AI endpoint analytics