What does NAC (Network Access Control) do?

Network Access Control (NAC) is primarily designed to protect network resources by enforcing policies that determine which devices are allowed to connect to the network. It restricts unauthorized access to a network by requiring devices to meet specific security requirements before being granted access. This may involve verifying the security posture of devices, such as ensuring they have up-to-date antivirus software, patches installed, or proper configurations.

NAC plays a crucial role in safeguarding sensitive information and maintaining the integrity of a network by ensuring that only authorized users and compliant devices can connect. This is critical in environments where the risk of data breaches is high and where security policies must be strictly enforced.

While options related to increasing network speed and efficiency, backing up data, and identifying potential network threats are important aspects of network management and security, they do not directly align with the core function of NAC, which is centered around controlling and restricting access to the network.