Network Authentication

Keep the riff-raff off your corporate network – no matter the access layer.

User authentication is the cornerstone of network security – at a bare minimum, you need to be able to identify and authenticate the users you actually want to join your network and deny the ones you don’t. But there are so many options for this across different protocols and services, how do you choose the best method?

New Report

CISOs agree that passwordless is the most secure method

When CISOs hear about a high-profile breach, they are likely to believe that it was the result of a compromised password of authentication. This understanding of organizational vulnerabilities is likely driving interest in Passwordless Authentication: nearly a third (32%) have already begun implementing this approach, and another 38% plan to.

Portnox brings passwordless authentication to the cloud.

Portnox supports SCEP (Simple Certificate Enrollment Protocol)…so deploying certificates is – well – simple. We can act as your Certificate Authority or you can bring your own. And did we mention?…Portnox integrates with MDM solutions like InTune and Jamf so all your users can join the network with their own devices without IT having to set up and provision everything. Give your IT security team the gift of no more password lock-out tickets with Portnox!

Passwordless Authentication with Portnox - YouTube

Explore trends in zero trust for 2025 and beyond

Staying ahead in IT means strengthening cybersecurity—and zero trust architectures now lead the charge. But let’s face it: embracing zero trust can feel daunting. With so many tools and complexities, it’s easy to lose your way.

To understand how organizations navigate zero trust, Portnox teamed up with TechTarget. We surveyed hundreds of IT and cybersecurity professionals across North America. Discover the insights we uncovered in our Trends in Zero Trust report.

FAQs

What is network authentication?

Network authentication is the process of verifying the identity of users and devices before granting access to a network. With Portnox Cloud, network authentication is enforced using identity-based and device-based policies that ensure only authorized, compliant endpoints can connect. This approach eliminates shared credentials and implicit trust while improving visibility and control across wired and wireless networks.

How does Portnox Cloud secure network authentication?

Portnox Cloud secures network authentication by validating both who is connecting and what is connecting. It integrates with identity providers and evaluates device posture in real time before granting access. Authentication decisions are enforced centrally through the cloud, allowing organizations to apply consistent zero trust policies without maintaining on-prem authentication servers or complex infrastructure.

Why is network authentication critical to zero trust security?

Network authentication is foundational to zero trust because it ensures access is never granted by default. Portnox Cloud continuously verifies identity and device posture at the point of connection, preventing unauthorized or non-compliant endpoints from accessing the network. This reduces attack surface, limits lateral movement, and ensures access decisions remain aligned with real-time risk.

Can Portnox Cloud replace legacy network authentication methods?

Yes, Portnox Cloud can replace legacy network authentication methods such as shared passwords, PSKs, and on-prem RADIUS servers. As a cloud-native solution, Portnox simplifies deployment and management while providing stronger security controls. Organizations gain modern, scalable network authentication without the operational burden and limitations of traditional infrastructure-based systems.

How does Portnox Cloud handle network authentication for guest and contractor access?

Portnox Cloud manages network authentication for guests and contractors using policy-driven workflows and captive portals. Access is authenticated, time-bound, and restricted based on defined policies, ensuring non-employees only receive the access they need. This approach improves security while reducing manual IT involvement and maintaining full visibility into guest network activity.

Does Portnox Cloud support certificate-based network authentication?

Yes, Portnox Cloud supports certificate-based network authentication to provide strong, passwordless access for managed devices. Certificates ensure devices are uniquely identified and trusted before connecting, reducing credential theft risks. Combined with device posture checks, this enables secure, frictionless authentication across enterprise networks while aligning with zero trust best practices.

How does Portnox Cloud simplify network authentication management?

Portnox Cloud simplifies network authentication management by centralizing policy creation, enforcement, and monitoring in a single cloud platform. IT teams gain real-time visibility into authentication activity without managing hardware, upgrades, or complex configurations. Automated enforcement and reporting reduce operational overhead while strengthening security across all access points.