What is Cisco ISE and how does it work ?

Cisco ISE (Identity Services Engine) is a comprehensive network access control and policy enforcement platform. It enables organizations to enforce security policies for end-user devices and manage network access to ensure secure connections. Here’s an overview of what it is and how it works:

Key Functions of Cisco ISE:

1. Identity and Access Control: Cisco ISE identifies users and devices accessing the network, ensuring that only authorized users and compliant devices can connect.
2. Policy Enforcement: It applies policies based on various criteria such as user roles, device types, location, and security posture.
3. Guest Access Management: ISE facilitates secure guest access by providing customizable portals and managing temporary access credentials.
4. Bring Your Own Device (BYOD) Support: It manages personal devices connecting to the corporate network, ensuring they meet security standards.
5. Profiling and Posture Assessment: Cisco ISE can profile connected devices and assess their compliance with security policies (e.g., checking if antivirus software is up to date).
6. Threat Containment: It can integrate with other security systems to automatically respond to threats, such as isolating compromised devices.

How Cisco ISE Works:

1. Device Identification: When a device attempts to connect to the network, Cisco ISE identifies it using several methods like MAC address, DHCP requests, or through integration with network devices like switches and wireless controllers.
2. Authentication: ISE uses various authentication protocols (e.g., 802.1X, MAB – MAC Authentication Bypass) to verify the identity of the user or device. It can integrate with Active Directory, LDAP, or other identity stores for user validation.
3. Authorization: Based on the identity of the user or device, ISE applies policies to determine the level of network access. For instance, employees may have full access while guests might be restricted to internet-only access.
4. Posture Assessment: ISE can check the security posture of devices, such as whether they have up-to-date antivirus, firewall enabled, or meet other security criteria. Non-compliant devices can be quarantined or granted limited access until they meet the requirements.
5. Continuous Monitoring and Enforcement: Cisco ISE continuously monitors the network and enforces policies in real-time. It adapts to changes in device posture or behavior and can trigger automated responses to security incidents.
6. Integration with Security Ecosystem: Cisco ISE integrates with other Cisco security products (like Firepower, AMP) and third-party solutions to provide a cohesive security strategy, sharing information and orchestrating responses across the security infrastructure.

Deployment Modes:

• Centralized Deployment: ISE servers are deployed in a central location and manage all policy enforcement across the network.
• Distributed Deployment: ISE can be deployed across multiple locations with central management, allowing for scalability and redundancy.

Cisco ISE is a critical component in securing enterprise networks by providing visibility, control, and compliance enforcement, making it essential for organizations aiming to manage access and protect their network environment.

Cisco ISE was officially launched in May 2011 as a groundbreaking solution aimed at consolidating various identity and network access control (NAC) features into one comprehensive platform. This launch marked Cisco’s strategic move to provide enterprises with better visibility and control over who and what could access their networks. Today, Cisco ISE is trusted by organizations worldwide, from enterprises to government agencies and educational institutions. Its ability to adapt to various environments and scale with growing network demands makes it a preferred choice for comprehensive network access control.

To find out more about Cisco ISE visit – https://www.cisco.com/site/uk/en/products/security/identity-services-engine/index.html