(ISC)2 Certified in Cybersecurity Practice Exam

Which standard is used for Network Access Control (NAC) authentication?

1. 800.5x

2. 802.1x

3. 741.5x

4. 850.2x

The correct answer is: 802.1x

The standard used for Network Access Control (NAC) authentication is 802.1x. This standard defines port-based network access control, allowing two important components: the authentication of devices seeking to connect to a LAN or WLAN, and the enforcement of policies for access. 802.1x utilizes the Extensible Authentication Protocol (EAP) to encapsulate the authentication messages, allowing for various authentication methods to be implemented according to organizational needs. By requiring devices to authenticate before granting access to the network, 802.1x helps to enhance security by ensuring that only authorized users and devices can connect. This makes 802.1x essential for environments where strong security is necessary, such as enterprise networks, where protecting sensitive data and resources is a priority. Other listed standards do not pertain to network access control in this specific context, as they do not focus on the requirements and processes associated with authenticating devices on a network.