What does NAC do before granting access to foreign hosts?

Network Access Control (NAC) plays a crucial role in managing how devices connect to a network, particularly when dealing with foreign hosts—devices that are not part of the organization’s internal network. Before granting access to these devices, NAC typically assesses their security posture. This assessment often includes checking for the latest patches and antivirus definitions to ensure that the device complies with the organization's security policies.

Updating patches and antivirus definitions is essential because it helps to determine if the foreign host is free from known vulnerabilities and malware. If a device is outdated or lacks proper security updates, it could pose a significant risk to the network. Therefore, NAC performs this check as part of its access control process to mitigate potential threats that could arise from compromised or poorly secured hosts.

By ensuring that foreign hosts have the latest security updates before they are allowed access, NAC helps maintain the integrity, confidentiality, and availability of the network. This proactive measure is a fundamental aspect of a comprehensive security strategy.