Cisco Identity Services Engine (ISE) vs CyberArk Endpoint Privilege Manager comparison

The compared Cisco and CyberArk solutions aren't in the same category. Cisco is ranked #2 in NAC , with an average rating of 7.9, and holds a 22.4% mindshare in the category. CyberArk is ranked #4 in PAM , with an average rating of 8.8, and holds a 2.6% mindshare. Additionally, 87% of Cisco users are willing to recommend the solution, compared to 86% of CyberArk users who would recommend it.

Cisco Identity Services Eng...

Read 145 Cisco Identity Services Engine (ISE) reviews

15,135 Views
9,838 Comparison Views

87% willing to recommend

CyberArk Endpoint Privilege...

Read 38 CyberArk Endpoint Privilege Manager reviews

3,967 Views
1,190 Comparison Views

86% willing to recommend

Cisco Identity Services Eng...

CyberArk Endpoint Privilege...

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Executive Summary

We performed a comparison between Cisco Identity Services Engine (ISE) and CyberArk Endpoint Privilege Manager based on real PeerSpot user reviews.

Find out what your peers are saying about Hewlett Packard Enterprise, Cisco, Fortinet and others in Network Access Control (NAC).

To learn more, read our detailed Network Access Control (NAC) Report (Updated: December 2025).

Buyer's Guide

Network Access Control (NAC)

December 2025

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Review summaries and opinions

We asked business professionals to review the solutions they use. Here are some excerpts of what they said:

ROI

Sentiment score

7.1

Cisco Identity Services Engine enhances security, simplifies operations, and reduces costs while boosting productivity and ensuring regulatory compliance.

Sentiment score

7.2

CyberArk Endpoint Privilege Manager enhances security, reduces risks and costs, saves resources, and protects sensitive information effectively.

Direct comparisons with Forescout reveal up to 30% to 40% difference in cost savings.

SunilkumarNaganuri

Service Line Manager (Service Operations Expert) - Network Access Control at a pharma/biotech company with 10,001+ employees

We also save money because we increased security, stopped incidents, and reduced breaches and security breaches.

Mohamed Fouad

Cybersecurity Team Leader at EMAK For Integrated Solutions

For more quotes and insights, download the Cisco Identity Services Engine (ISE) report

Deploying CyberArk Endpoint Privilege Manager has secured the infrastructure, which saves money, time, and resources.

Sumit Chavan

Lead Consultant at a tech vendor with 501-1,000 employees

I consider CyberArk Endpoint Privilege Manager's return on investment to be good since it effectively accomplishes the goals expected from privilege access management solutions.

Diego Rivera

Commercial and Technical Professional Manager at Evolution Technologies Group

For more quotes and insights, download the CyberArk Endpoint Privilege Manager report

Customer Service

Sentiment score

6.7

Cisco ISE support is highly rated for knowledge and responsiveness but struggles with response times and communication challenges.

Sentiment score

6.2

CyberArk Endpoint Privilege Manager support is knowledgeable but needs improvements in response times, accessibility, and first-level assistance.

I rate the technical support as one out of ten.

SunilkumarNaganuri

Service Line Manager (Service Operations Expert) - Network Access Control at a pharma/biotech company with 10,001+ employees

Cisco support has pretty good teams for support and every time we had good answers and we could somehow solve the issues we had.

NicolasFigaro

Network and Technology Information Manager at Akkodis

TAC support from Cisco is a notable feature; it provides very professional support.

Mohamed Fouad

Cybersecurity Team Leader at EMAK For Integrated Solutions

For more quotes and insights, download the Cisco Identity Services Engine (ISE) report

They respond immediately to our inquiries, resolve issues promptly, and provide valuable guidance, especially in critical situations.

Jayasree Sriram

Security Delivery Analyst at Accenture

We engage them when needed and receive prompt responses that typically resolve our issues.

reviewer2600361

Global Security Systems Consultant at a insurance company with 10,001+ employees

Earlier, we received support for normal tickets within a day, but now it takes one or two days to resolve issues.

Sumit Chavan

Lead Consultant at a tech vendor with 501-1,000 employees

For more quotes and insights, download the CyberArk Endpoint Privilege Manager report

Scalability Issues

Sentiment score

7.3

Cisco ISE supports smooth scalability for diverse enterprises, but virtualization and hardware challenges may require strategic solutions.

Sentiment score

7.7

CyberArk Endpoint Privilege Manager efficiently scales for large deployments, praised for growth-centered architecture despite integration complexities.

You can run an all-in-one deployment and switch to distributed mode as your company grows, relying on Cisco Identity Services Engine (ISE) to support your scalability needs.

Mohamed Fouad

Cybersecurity Team Leader at EMAK For Integrated Solutions

Factors like architecture, business nature, and legal limitations such as GDPR affect it.

SunilkumarNaganuri

Service Line Manager (Service Operations Expert) - Network Access Control at a pharma/biotech company with 10,001+ employees

However, you can have some latency issues depending on where your devices are.

NicolasFigaro

Network and Technology Information Manager at Akkodis

For more quotes and insights, download the Cisco Identity Services Engine (ISE) report

We can set permissions per team or department, allowing some teams to elevate specific applications while others have different permissions.

reviewer2600361

Global Security Systems Consultant at a insurance company with 10,001+ employees

CyberArk Endpoint Privilege Manager is quite scalable.

Jayasree Sriram

Security Delivery Analyst at Accenture

The available reports and other security tools assist in scaling it according to my organization's needs.

Gani Habib

Cybersecurity Manager at a consultancy with 10,001+ employees

For more quotes and insights, download the CyberArk Endpoint Privilege Manager report

Stability Issues

Sentiment score

7.7

Cisco ISE is stable and reliable, but large deployments may face challenges, requiring proper configuration and effective support.

Sentiment score

8.2

CyberArk Endpoint Privilege Manager is stable, with 99.99% uptime, reliable on Windows, needing console improvements and minimal memory.

Cisco Identity Services Engine (ISE) is considered very reliable and stable.

reviewer2590572

Solution Architect, Presales Engineer at a computer software company with 51-200 employees

The stability of Cisco Identity Services Engine (ISE) is poor for certain use cases, like authentication.

SunilkumarNaganuri

Service Line Manager (Service Operations Expert) - Network Access Control at a pharma/biotech company with 10,001+ employees

Sometimes when we have upgrades or failovers with Cisco Identity Services Engine (ISE), we had some minor issues.

NicolasFigaro

Network and Technology Information Manager at Akkodis

For more quotes and insights, download the Cisco Identity Services Engine (ISE) report

It is a robust solution that has effectively supported our environment without major issues.

Jayasree Sriram

Security Delivery Analyst at Accenture

Since implementing it, we have not experienced any outages or stability issues.

reviewer2600361

Global Security Systems Consultant at a insurance company with 10,001+ employees

CyberArk Endpoint Privilege Manager offers multiple options for creating and stopping policies.

Sumit Chavan

Lead Consultant at a tech vendor with 501-1,000 employees

For more quotes and insights, download the CyberArk Endpoint Privilege Manager report

Room For Improvement

Cisco ISE is hindered by complexity, compatibility issues, costly licensing, and needs improvements in usability, support, and performance.

CyberArk Endpoint Privilege Manager needs improved integration, user interface, and pricing, along with enhanced compatibility and functionality.

The whole setup works well with Cisco access points and Cisco switches, but when you have multiple vendors in the environment, such as HP switches or access points like Aruba, you'll find they will not work well with Cisco Identity Services Engine (ISE).

Jeremiah Ngure

Technical Services Lead at Telenet Solutions

Pricing can be more expensive compared to other vendors, and there is a significant price gap observed, which doesn't seem justified by some specific features.

reviewer2590572

Solution Architect, Presales Engineer at a computer software company with 51-200 employees

They are very poor in asset classification and should focus on improving the preauthentication profiling, especially for NAC use cases.

SunilkumarNaganuri

Service Line Manager (Service Operations Expert) - Network Access Control at a pharma/biotech company with 10,001+ employees

For more quotes and insights, download the Cisco Identity Services Engine (ISE) report

CyberArk Endpoint Privilege Manager could be improved by simplifying the administration process, specifically when setting up policies and applications.

reviewer2600361

Global Security Systems Consultant at a insurance company with 10,001+ employees

Currently, no user-based policy option is available inside the EPM console.

Sumit Chavan

Lead Consultant at a tech vendor with 501-1,000 employees

Some features provided in the self-hosted version of EPM are not supported in the software as a service version, like connection to some analysis applied by Palo Alto.

Marek Neumann

Solution Architect at a consultancy with 10,001+ employees

For more quotes and insights, download the CyberArk Endpoint Privilege Manager report

Setup Cost

Cisco ISE pricing is complex and costly, with strong vendor partnerships needed for discounts, favoring large enterprises over smaller businesses.

CyberArk Endpoint Privilege Manager's high pricing is justified by its quality, features, and appeal to large enterprises in finance.

Compared to other solutions like HPE ClearPass, Cisco is more costly, and the conversation suggests a possible forty percent price gap compared to competitors.

reviewer2590572

Solution Architect, Presales Engineer at a computer software company with 51-200 employees

The license costs can range between $50,000 to $100,000 per year for enterprises.

Jeremiah Ngure

Technical Services Lead at Telenet Solutions

Cloud solutions are expensive, while on-prem setups with shared environments are cheaper but not effective.

SunilkumarNaganuri

Service Line Manager (Service Operations Expert) - Network Access Control at a pharma/biotech company with 10,001+ employees

For more quotes and insights, download the Cisco Identity Services Engine (ISE) report

CyberArk Endpoint Privilege Manager is slightly expensive, but costs can be negotiated to become more competitive.

Gani Habib

Cybersecurity Manager at a consultancy with 10,001+ employees

CyberArk Endpoint Privilege Manager is costly compared to other solutions.

Sumit Chavan

Lead Consultant at a tech vendor with 501-1,000 employees

I've received feedback that the pricing is high, however, for me, the value it brings is worth the cost.

Padmanabha Hegde

Manager at a computer software company with 1,001-5,000 employees

For more quotes and insights, download the CyberArk Endpoint Privilege Manager report

Valuable Features

Cisco ISE excels in security, network access control, and integration, offering adaptability, scalability, and centralized management for organizations.

CyberArk Endpoint Privilege Manager enhances security by managing privileges, integrating seamlessly, and preventing ransomware while ensuring regulatory compliance.

Cisco Identity Services Engine (ISE) offers authentication using RADIUS, enhancing network security by separating and segregating networks.

Jeremiah Ngure

Technical Services Lead at Telenet Solutions

There is value because it helps us secure the network and prevents certain things from happening which could cause financial loss.

John Ntambi

Ag Systems & Networks Head at UNBS

The adaptability of Cisco Identity Services Engine (ISE) policy enforcement can fit to the site we have depending on which kind of devices we have on site and then the needs for authentication, granting access and then assigning each device into its correct network for segmentation.

NicolasFigaro

Network and Technology Information Manager at Akkodis

For more quotes and insights, download the Cisco Identity Services Engine (ISE) report

CyberArk Endpoint Privilege Manager effectively reduces malicious content in applications by allowing us to identify and block dangerous applications.

Jayasree Sriram

Security Delivery Analyst at Accenture

It allows them to granularly manage controls to prevent some malicious activities on the endpoint machine.

reviewer1247523

Head of Sales Services Department at a comms service provider with 51-200 employees

CyberArk Endpoint Privilege Manager enhances computer security by providing minimal access, effectively preventing ransomware attacks.

Gani Habib

Cybersecurity Manager at a consultancy with 10,001+ employees

For more quotes and insights, download the CyberArk Endpoint Privilege Manager report

Categories and Ranking

Cisco Identity Services Eng...

Average Rating

8.2

Reviews Sentiment

6.6

Number of Reviews

145

Ranking in other categories

Network Access Control (NAC) (2nd), Cisco Security Portfolio (4th)

CyberArk Endpoint Privilege...

Average Rating

8.2

Reviews Sentiment

6.8

Number of Reviews

Ranking in other categories

Endpoint Compliance (4th), Privileged Access Management (PAM) (4th), Anti-Malware Tools (5th), Application Control (3rd), Ransomware Protection (5th)

Mindshare comparison

Cisco Identity Services Engine (ISE) and CyberArk Endpoint Privilege Manager aren’t in the same category and serve different purposes. Cisco Identity Services Engine (ISE) is designed for Network Access Control (NAC) and holds a mindshare of 22.4%, down 28.3% compared to last year.
CyberArk Endpoint Privilege Manager, on the other hand, focuses on Privileged Access Management (PAM), holds 2.6% mindshare, down 3.6% since last year.

Network Access Control (NAC) Market Share Distribution
Product	Market Share (%)
Cisco Identity Services Engine (ISE)	22.4%
Aruba ClearPass	21.6%
Fortinet FortiNAC	16.1%
Other	39.9%

Network Access Control (NAC)

Privileged Access Management (PAM) Market Share Distribution
Product	Market Share (%)
CyberArk Endpoint Privilege Manager	2.6%
CyberArk Privileged Access Manager	11.6%
WALLIX Bastion	5.1%
Other	80.7%

Privileged Access Management (PAM)

Featured Reviews

NicolasFigaro

Network and Technology Information Manager at Akkodis

Has improved authentication management and simplified visitor network access

The log capacity in Cisco Identity Services Engine (ISE) could be enhanced because today natively on the ISE can only have a look at the logs from the day before. You cannot search into the oldest logs; you have to use another tool for that. This can be blocking if you don't have any log consolidation solution. To do a search for an issue or something that happened two days ago, you cannot search directly in there. The capacity of Cisco Identity Services Engine (ISE) could be enhanced. Something between one week and one month for the log capacity would be nice.

Read full review

Sumit Chavan

Lead Consultant at a tech vendor with 501-1,000 employees

Helps secure the infrastructure and control users with admin rights

There are many features that are currently missing. A customization option is required for certain policies. For instance, if we need to stop PowerShell scripting, we have to create a different policy for that. Being able to create a sub-level policy within a top-level policy would be good. Currently, no user-based policy option is available inside the EPM console. We can only create computer-based policies. The database is available, but there is a drawback in not being able to create local groups on the EPM console. We only have to depend on Active Directory. This limits infrastructure security as we depend on the Active Directory team to manage user groups. If they remove any users, we lose control. If we could create groups locally and block them or set specific policies, we would have more control. Local endpoint management is missing from the EPM site. Moreover, there is an issue with policies not running as expected when we make enhancements. We have to find multiple ways to whitelist applications or enhance policies.

Read full review

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Top Industries

By visitors reading reviews

Computer Software Company

12%

Manufacturing Company

11%

Financial Services Firm

Government

Financial Services Firm

13%

Manufacturing Company

12%

Computer Software Company

11%

Government

Company Size

By reviewers

Large Enterprise

Midsize Enterprise

Small Business

By reviewers
Company Size	Count
Small Business	44
Midsize Enterprise	32
Large Enterprise	91

By reviewers
Company Size	Count
Small Business	17
Midsize Enterprise	9
Large Enterprise	18

Questions from the Community

Which is better - Aruba Clearpass or Cisco ISE?

Aruba ClearPass is a Network Access Control tool that gives secure network access to multiple device types. You can adapt the policies to VPN access, wired, or wireless access. You can securely ...

See all answers

What are the main differences between Cisco ISE and Forescout Platform?

OK, so Cisco ISE uses 802.1X to secure switchports against unauthorized access. The drawback of this is that ISE cannot secure the port if a device does not support 802.1x. Cameras, badge readers, ...

See all answers

How does Cisco ISE compare with Fortinet FortiNAC?

Cisco ISE uses AI endpoint analytics to identify new devices based on their behavior. It will also notify you if someone plugs in with a device that is not allowed and will block it. The user exper...

See all answers

Looking for recommendations and a pros/cons template for software to detect insider threats

This is an inside-out --- outside-in --- inside-in question, as an insider can be an outsider as well. There is no short answer other than a blend of a PAM tool with Behavioral Analytics and Endpo...

See all answers

What do you like most about CyberArk Endpoint Privilege Manager?

The most valuable feature of the solution is its performance.

See all answers

What is your experience regarding pricing and costs for CyberArk Endpoint Privilege Manager?

I believe it's quite a reasonably priced solution. It's not very common to use CyberArk because it's a niche solution, but customers who are willing to control administrative accounts are willing t...

See all answers

Comparisons

Aruba ClearPass vs Cisco Identity Services Engine (ISE)

Compared 23% of the time

Fortinet FortiNAC vs Cisco Identity Services Engine (ISE)

Compared 20% of the time

Forescout Platform vs Cisco Identity Services Engine (ISE)

Compared 8% of the time

CyberArk Privileged Access Manager vs Cisco Identity Services Engine (ISE)

Compared 3% of the time

Portnox vs Cisco Identity Services Engine (ISE)

Compared 3% of the time

More Cisco Identity Services Engine (ISE) Competitors

CrowdStrike Falcon vs CyberArk Endpoint Privilege Manager

Compared 11% of the time

BeyondTrust Endpoint Privilege Management vs CyberArk Endpoint Privilege Manager

Compared 9% of the time

CyberArk Privileged Access Manager vs CyberArk Endpoint Privilege Manager

Compared 9% of the time

Microsoft Defender for Endpoint vs CyberArk Endpoint Privilege Manager

Compared 8% of the time

Comodo Advanced Endpoint Protection vs CyberArk Endpoint Privilege Manager

Compared 2% of the time

More CyberArk Endpoint Privilege Manager Competitors

Product Reports

Buyer's Guide

Cisco Identity Services Engine (ISE)

January 2026

Cisco Identity Services Engine (ISE) report

Download Cisco Identity Services Engine (ISE) product report

Buyer's Guide

CyberArk Endpoint Privilege Manager

January 2026

CyberArk Endpoint Privilege Manager report

Download CyberArk Endpoint Privilege Manager product report

Also Known As

Cisco ISE

Viewfinity

Overview

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.

What are the key features of Cisco ISE?

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.

What benefits and ROI should be considered?

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.

Cisco

CyberArk Endpoint Privilege Manager, a critical and foundational endpoint control addresses the underlying weaknesses of endpoint defenses against a privileged attacker and helps enterprises defend against these attacks through removing local admin rights, enforcing least privilege, and implementing foundational endpoint security controls across all Windows, macOS and Linux endpoints from hybrid to cloud environments.

Click here for a free 30 day trial: CyberArk Endpoint Privilege Manager free trial

CyberArk

Sample Customers

Aegean Motorway, BC Hydro, Beachbody, Bucks County Intermediate Unit , Cisco IT, Derby City Council, Global Banking Customer, Gobierno de Castilla-La Mancha, Houston Methodist, Linz AG, London Hydro, Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Molina Healthcare, MST Systems, New South Wales Rural Fire Service, Reykjavik University, Wildau University

Information Not Available

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Network Access Control (NAC)

December 2025

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