Cisco Identity Services Engine (ISE) vs RSA SecurID comparison

Cisco Identity Services Engine offers robust authentication, posture profiling, guest and secure access, and dynamic policy management. Known for its seamless integration with Cisco tools and network access control features, it ensures secure device and user authentication across networks.

Cisco Identity Services Engine is renowned for its capabilities in managing authentication, guest access, and policy management through segmentation. Its TrustSec functionality, alongside RADIUS and TACACS+ support, provides enhanced security, further augmented by its ability to operate in diverse environments. Its scalability and integration with Cisco solutions aid in maintaining network visibility and access control. Challenges include the complexity of initial deployments, somewhat cumbersome documentation, and limited integration in multi-vendor environments. While encountering issues in stability and updates, the demand for better analytics and straightforward troubleshooting alongside cost-effective licensing is notable.

• Authentication: Secures user and device access to networks using robust authentication protocols.
• Posture Profiling: Provides in-depth analysis of device compliance with security policies.
• Guest Access Management: Allows controlled network access for guest users through streamlined processes.
• Dynamic Policy Management: Enables automatic adjustment of security policies based on real-time data.
• Segmentation via TrustSec: Enhances security levels by segmenting network traffic based on identity.

• Comprehensive Security: Ensures enforceable security policies across network access points.
• Enhanced Integration: Facilitates seamless collaboration with existing Cisco infrastructures.
• Improved Compliance: Helps meet industry security standards for network access and user rights.
• Increased Visibility: Provides detailed insights into network traffic and user activities.
• Device Management Efficiency: Streamlines the process of managing diverse devices within a single framework.

Industries implement Cisco Identity Services Engine primarily for network access control, ensuring secure authentication and segmentation in both wired and wireless environments. Supporting policies like bring-your-own-device and compliance standards, ISE manages identity-based access control, especially beneficial for entities that require detailed user rights management and integration within enterprise networks.

The RSA SecurID Suite combines the separate disciplines of access management and authentication with identity governance and user lifecycle management into one comprehensive suite. It goes way beyond the capabilities of traditional identity and access management systems by using risk analytics to provide identity and access assurance. This helps organizations solve two fundamental challenges:

• Verifying that their users are who they say they are.
• Providing their users with the right level of access.