Security Support in FS Industrial Switch

In this article, we'll cover the Authentication, Authorization, and Accounting (AAA) framework for cybersecurity, the meaning of each AAA component, and the benefits of using it for granular access control. You'll learn about different AAA protocols and how they relate to Identity and Access Management. By the end of this article, you'll fully understand AAA networking and how the model assists with network security and monitoring.

What is Authentication, Authorization, and Accounting (AAA)?

AAA (Authentication, Authorization, Accounting) protocols such as RADIUS (RFC 2865) and TACACS+, were created to address these issues. The AAA architecture gives legitimate users the ability to access networked assets while limiting unauthorized access. Secure ACS application, for example, enables AAA protection for network access using the TACACS+ protocol in many large corporate enterprises today. Let us examine the elements in an AAA security scheme.

Authentication

User ID / password schemes on network gear provide a primitive level of security. A limited number of account IDs are configured and managed on each piece of hardware. Anytime an account is added, deleted, or changed, each system must be accessed individually which is costly and creates opportunities for error. In addition, each user has to remember their own ID and password to gain access. With users being overwhelmed with various IDs and passwords in their lives, this can pose a problem. And, since IDs and passwords are sent across the network in the clear, simple tracing equipment will easily capture this information and expose the network to a security risk.

By utilizing a AAA system these problems are eliminated. IDs and passwords are all centralized and existing accounts can be used to access new equipment as the network changes or grows. Processes for updating accounts that already exist eliminates errors and frustration for users. IDs and passwords are encrypted using a proven hashing algorithm. Therefore, your accounts are protected from prying eyes.

Authorization

After authenticating the user, authorization dictates which resources the user is allowed to access and which operations the user is allowed to perform. Full read/write level “Adminstration” user, as well as a read only “Operator” user, profiles can be configured and controlled from the authentication server. This centralized process eliminates the hassle associated with editing on a “per box” basis.

Accounting

The accounting aspect with AAA servers provides an audit trail of how each user made a connection, which IP address they came from, and how long they stayed connected. This enables administrators to easily review past security and operational access issues.

AAA Benefits

Using the AAA in information technology and computer security operations provides numerous advantages to an enterprise:

• Improves Network Security: The framework requires all users and devices to undergo credential-based authentication before receiving network access and enforces the principle of least privilege, preventing malicious or negligent-based behavior that could cause data theft, deletion, or compromise.

• Centralizes Protocol Management: The security model gives system administrators a single source of truth and helps standardize protocols for AAA access control across the whole organization.

• Allows Granular Control and Flexibility: Deploying an AAA system lets network-security teams and administrators enforce detailed rules about network resources users can access along with their functional limitations.

• Provides Scalable Access Management: Standardizing network access protocols using AAA functionality gives IT teams the capacity to manage new devices, users, and resources added to a network—even as they quickly grow.

• Enables Information-Based Decision Making: Logging activity and session information allow administrators to make user-resource authorization, capacity planning, and resource adjustments based on collected data rather than gut feelings.

Conclusion

Distributed security systems that protect networks and network services against unauthorized access are commonly deployed in large enterprises. This ensures control over who can connect to the network and what those users are authorized to do. It also maintains an audit trail of user activity.