Cisco has introduced a range of routing products and
software that support its Network Admission Control, (Nac)
technology, which integrates security features and policies into
network switching and routing products.
It also unveiled a programme to encourage other companies to
develop Nac-compliant products and offered consulting services to
help customers deploy Nac on their networks.
Nac was developed jointly by Cisco and antivirus companies
Network Associates, Symantec and Trend Micro. It addresses the
security risks of remote and mobile computer users connecting to
corporate networks.
The software allows Cisco routers to evaluate whether a
computer's anti-virus definitions are up to date and its operating
system is adequately patched before allowing it to connect to a
network.
Cisco 830 to 7200 series routers running the company's
Internetwork Operating System Version 12.3(8)T or higher now
support the Nac program.
The Cisco Trust Agent Version 1.0, which collects information
from other security software clients, has been integrated with the
Cisco Security Agent, a software client for servers and desktop
systems that provides integrated firewall, intrusion detection and
content-based security.
Other "end point" security products support the Trust Agent as
well, including NAI's McAfee VirusScan Enterprise 8.0i and 7.x
products, Trend Micro's OfficeScan Corporate Edition Version 6.5
and future versions of Symantec's Client Security and AntiVirus
Corporate Edition products.
To encourage other companies to develop Nac-compliant products
such as security and patch management software, Cisco will release
application programming interfaces to third-party technology
suppliers for integration later this year.
Paul Roberts writes for IDG News Service