Start with the equipment you have.
Operational networks often contain legacy controllers, industrial IoT equipment and engineering workstations with different security capabilities. Installing an endpoint agent or replacing the access infrastructure may not be practical.
EasyNAC’s agentless approach provides device visibility and access control on protected networks without requiring a dedicated NAC agent on each device. The OT whitepaper discusses legacy equipment, asset identification, IT/OT convergence and high-availability requirements.
Build visibility before changing access.
Discover connected equipment and reconcile it with the operational inventory. Record what each device does and which communications it needs. Passive observations can help establish device context; select any additional discovery methods with the operational owner.
A discovered address or device profile does not by itself prove authorization. Use the inventory, relevant management information and defined policy to decide which equipment belongs on the network.
Control unknown and unmanaged devices.
An unfamiliar laptop connected at a production location should not automatically receive the same access as approved equipment. EasyNAC can apply configured restrictions to untrusted devices on the protected network.
Access control lists define the permitted traffic for the assigned role. Plan restrictions around the actual communication paths needed for operations. Test the intended result before expanding enforcement to a larger area.
Add threat signals to the access workflow.
The whitepaper describes device-fingerprint changes, malware lateral-spread detection and built-in deception. These signals can alert the team or trigger a configured access response. Different device classes may need different actions.
For example, an unknown engineering laptop can be restricted pending approval. A change in a known OT device’s attributes can prompt investigation. Choose the response with the operational team rather than applying the same automatic quarantine action to every asset.
Pilot around operational requirements.
- Choose a controlled network segment and involve its operational owner.
- Agree required device-to-device and service connections.
- Establish visibility and approve the discovery methods.
- Test restrictions on an authorized test device before touching critical equipment.
- Confirm approved communications, alert handling and recovery.
Device and event records can support your security program. Access control is one part of OT protection, alongside segmentation, endpoint controls, recovery and operational procedures. Installing NAC alone does not establish compliance or guarantee disruption-free operation.
Cover remote operational locations.
For suitable distributed networks, software Enforcer Sensors extend EasyNAC protection to remote subnets. Larger sites can use regional appliances with optional CVM management. Select the deployment model based on coverage, connectivity and operational requirements.
Read the whitepaper for the fuller OT discussion, then use the Evaluation Kit to agree measurable acceptance criteria for your network.
See how EasyNAC fits your network.
Use the standalone Evaluation Kit for practical tests, a deployment checklist and an editable scorecard. Bring your network questions to the EasyNAC team.