Aruba ClearPass vs Cisco Identity Services Engine (ISE) vs Varonis Platform comparison

Aruba ClearPass is a network access control (NAC) solution that provides a range of security and access management capabilities for wired, wireless, and VPN networks. ClearPass enables organizations to secure their networks and devices, enforce security policies, and provide secure access to network resources.

Aruba ClearPass Features

Aruba ClearPass has many valuable key features. Some of the most useful ones include:

• Device profiling: Aruba ClearPass automatically profiles and classifies network devices based on type, manufacturer, operating system, and more, to help organizations secure their networks.

• Guest management: The solution provides a secure and easy-to-use guest management system for organizations to provide guest access to their networks.

• User-friendly interface: The Aruba ClearPass includes a user-friendly interface, enabling administrators to easily manage and enforce security policies, monitor network activity, and respond to security threats.

• Policy enforcement: Users can enforce security policies based on device type, user role, and other factors, to help secure their networks and devices.

• Threat detection and response: With its real-time monitoring and threat detection capabilities, organizations are able to quickly identify and respond to security threats.

• Authentication and authorization: Aruba ClearPass offers a range of authentication and authorization methods, including certificate-based authentication and 802.1X, to provide secure access to network resources.

• Reporting and analytics: The solution Includes real-time reporting and analytics capabilities, enabling administrators to monitor network activity, track security incidents, and improve security over time.

Aruba ClearPass Benefits

There are many benefits to implementing Aruba ClearPass. Some of the biggest advantages the solution offers include:

• Comprehensive solution: Aruba ClearPass integrates with a range of network security technologies, including firewalls, intrusion detection and prevention systems, and VPN gateways, to provide a comprehensive security solution.

• Scalability: Designed to scale from small to large organizations, ClearPass provides a solution that can grow with an organization's needs.

• Increased visibility: By implementing Aruba ClearPass, administrators can monitor network activity, track security incidents, and improve security over time.

• Improved user productivity: The solution’s secure and seamless access to network resources helps users be more productive and access the resources they need, when they need them.

• Better business agility: With the solution, organizations can quickly respond to security threats and enforce security policies, improving overall business agility.

Reviews from Real Users

Aruba ClearPass is a solution that stands out when compared to many of its competitors. Some of its major advantages are that it’s easy to use, has a valuable Guest Captive Portal and virtual security enforcement, and has a good web dashboard and policy manager.

“It is easy to use and more integrated with the Aruba wireless networks,” says Muhammad N., Network & Information Security Engineer at a healthcare company.

Ammar F., Head of IT at Hubtech, explains, “What I like most about Aruba ClearPass is that it has the best enforcement feature for the network. I also like its Guest Captive Portal and virtual security enforcement features, but the virtual security enforcement feature is still under testing by my company. Aruba ClearPass also has a wonderful UI which I find valuable."

Another PeerSpot reviewer mentions, "The web dashboard and the policy manager are very intuitive and very easy for the engineers to use."

Cisco Identity Services Engine (ISE) offers comprehensive network access control and visibility, supporting features like 802.1X authentication, profiling, and posturing. It integrates with Microsoft and other Cisco products, facilitating robust security policies across distributed networks.

Cisco Identity Services Engine is a key player in network access control, offering centralized management and a user-friendly interface. It supports zero trust principles and provides strong authentication for wired and wireless networks. ISE's capabilities include granular security policies, enhanced device posturing, and seamless integration, bolstering security infrastructure. Users benefit from its dual authentication through EAP, simplifying access management across networks.

• 802.1X Authentication: Supports network security for authorized device access.
• Profiling: Identifies devices for accurate policy enforcement.
• Posturing: Evaluates device compliance for access decisions.
• TACACS: Streamlines network device authentication and authorization.
• Guest Access: Provides secure access to visitors.
• Microsoft Compatibility: Seamlessly integrates with Microsoft environments.

• Security Enhancement: Offers strong network security policies.
• Operational Efficiency: Centralized management improves operational aspects.
• Improved Compliance: Ensures adherence to industry standards.
• Scalability: Supports growing network demands effectively.

In industries like finance, healthcare, and education, Cisco ISE is pivotal for securing wired and wireless networks, implementing BYOD policies, and managing user access. Organizations leverage ISE for effective authentication and authorization, while maintaining compliance with industry security standards.

Varonis Platform specializes in network security and data monitoring with modules for alerting, data classification, and access management, benefiting environments like Microsoft 365.

Varonis is designed to secure data by auditing and tracking data movement. It leverages data alert and classification modules to identify and manage sensitive information. The platform enhances network security by alerting users to unexpected data modifications and deletions, crucial for effective data loss prevention. It supports unstructured data management, ensuring proper data access and permission controls. Known for its 24/7 support, Varonis offers comprehensive analytics and unified reporting, helping prevent data overexposure and facilitating compliance efforts.

What are the key features of Varonis Platform?

• 24/7 Support: Provides round-the-clock assistance.
• Data Monitoring: Tracks data activities efficiently.
• Unified Reporting: Consolidates data access reports.
• Data Classification: Identifies sensitive data effectively.
• Permission Management: Simplifies managing access rights.
• Behavior Analytics: Detects abnormal behavior patterns.

What benefits should be highlighted in user reviews?

• Enhanced Security: Improves data protection measures.
• Compliance Support: Assists in meeting compliance standards.
• Data Transparency: Offers clarity in data access activities.
• Access Control: Ensures proper access to data.
• Centralized Remediation: Eases remediation procedures.

Varonis Platform is widely utilized in industries needing stringent data confidentiality and management, such as finance and healthcare, for tracking data modifications and unauthorized access. Enterprises deploy it to manage permissions within large datasets, benefiting Microsoft 365 environments. While Varonis requires enhancements in cloud integration, the current deployment is often based on-premises, with attention to addressing the security needs and effective data handling for critical infrastructure.