In today’s connected world, securing internal networks is more important than ever—especially for industries like hospitality, where a revolving door of guests, vendors, and employees creates a high-risk environment. Unauthorized access to network equipment and sensitive data could result in service disruptions, data breaches, or even reputational damage. A Network Access Control (NAC) solution like HPE ClearPass provides robust, real-time protection by ensuring that only authorized devices and personnel gain access to the network.
This blog will explore how NAC solutions protect internal networks and why they are critical for the hospitality industry.
What Is Network Access Control (NAC)?
NAC solutions act as a gatekeeper for your internal network, managing which users and devices can connect and what resources they can access. With the increasing use of mobile devices, IoT systems, and third-party vendors in modern enterprises, NAC enforces role-based access and continuous monitoring to maintain security.
HPE ClearPass is a leading NAC platform that offers advanced device profiling, policy enforcement, and endpoint visibility, providing businesses with the ability to monitor, control, and protect their networks from internal threats.
The Unique Network Security Challenges in Hospitality
The hospitality industry faces some unique challenges, such as:
• High Foot Traffic: Hotels, resorts, and conference centers constantly welcome guests, contractors, and vendors, increasing the risk of unauthorized access to network devices or critical systems.
• Multiple User Groups: Guests, staff, and external service providers need varying levels of access to Wi-Fi and network resources, requiring segmented and controlled access policies.
• Critical IT Infrastructure: Network-connected devices, including reservation systems, IoT-enabled security cameras, and payment systems, are essential to daily operations and must remain protected from intrusions.
• Guest Wi-Fi Risks: Open Wi-Fi networks for guests can become entry points for attackers seeking to infiltrate the internal network.
Given these challenges, a NAC solution is essential to maintain control, ensure security, and prevent unauthorized access.
How HPE ClearPass Enhances Internal Network Security
HPE ClearPass offers a comprehensive set of tools that protect internal networks in dynamic environments like hospitality. Here’s how it addresses the critical risks:
1. Authentication and Device Profiling
ClearPass verifies every device trying to connect to the network, ensuring that only authorized users—whether employees, guests, or contractors—gain access. It performs device profiling to detect unmanaged or unauthorized devices, such as rogue IoT devices or personal laptops, and blocks them if necessary.
• Example: A guest accidentally connects a device infected with malware to the hotel’s Wi-Fi. ClearPass detects the anomalous behavior and isolates the device before it can spread malware to internal systems.
2. Role-Based Access Control (RBAC)
ClearPass enforces role-based access policies, assigning different levels of access to various user groups. Staff members may have access to internal systems like property management, while guests are restricted to isolated Wi-Fi networks.
• Example: A cleaning contractor’s device may only have access to specific IoT sensors, ensuring they cannot access guest data or payment systems.
3. Network Segmentation and Micro-Segmentation
ClearPass enables network segmentation, ensuring critical systems (such as payment terminals) are separated from less-secure devices (like guest Wi-Fi). It can also implement micro-segmentation, restricting lateral movement within the network in case of a security breach.
• Example: Even if a compromised device gains access to one part of the network, ClearPass ensures it cannot reach sensitive systems like customer databases or reservation platforms.
4. Guest Access Management
ClearPass provides secure guest Wi-Fi access, allowing hotels to offer convenience without compromising security. It offers self-service portals or sponsored access options, ensuring that guest devices remain on isolated networks.
• Example: Guests can log into Wi-Fi using personalized credentials that expire after their stay, preventing them from remaining connected indefinitely.
5. Automated Incident Response and Policy Enforcement
With real-time monitoring and automated policies, ClearPass can immediately respond to suspicious activities. If an unauthorized device is detected, the system can block, quarantine, or limit access without manual intervention.
• Example: If a vendor connects a non-compliant device, ClearPass can trigger a policy to restrict access until the device meets the security requirements.
The Benefits of NAC Solutions for the Hospitality Industry
Implementing a NAC solution like HPE ClearPass offers several key benefits to hospitality organizations:
1. Enhanced Security: Real-time monitoring and access controls ensure only authorized devices access the network.
2. Reduced Risk of Breaches: Segmentation limits the impact of compromised devices and prevents lateral movement across the network.
3. Compliance with Industry Regulations: ClearPass helps hotels maintain compliance with PCI-DSS and GDPR by ensuring guest and payment data remain protected.
4. Operational Continuity: Automated policies reduce downtime by quickly responding to security incidents and non-compliant devices.
5. Improved Guest Experience: Hotels can offer fast, secure, and reliable guest Wi-Fi without compromising internal network security.
Conclusion
With the constant presence of unauthorized personnel and the growing reliance on connected devices, the hospitality industry faces significant internal security risks. A Network Access Control (NAC) solution like HPE ClearPass is crucial to protect critical systems, secure guest networks, and prevent unauthorized access to network infrastructure. By enforcing role-based access, real-time monitoring, and automated incident responses, ClearPass ensures that only trusted devices and users can interact with your network, helping hospitality businesses maintain security, compliance, and operational continuity.
Hotels and resorts cannot afford to wait—implementing a robust NAC solution is essential for staying ahead of evolving security threats. With ClearPass, hospitality providers can strike the perfect balance between security and seamless guest experiences, safeguarding their networks from internal risks.
Now is the time to lock down your internal network and future-proof your operations with a powerful NAC solution!