SecureW2 Cloud NAC

Overview

SecureW2 Cloud NAC is a cloud network access control service built around certificates and identity-provider policies. It suits organizations that need to govern access across Wi-Fi, wired networks and VPNs while accommodating guests and devices that cannot use 802.1X. Its breadth is a strong fit for mixed device environments, but custom pricing means buyers must evaluate it through a quote.

Key features

Cloud RADIUS supports passwordless 802.1X authentication with EAP-TLS across Wi-Fi, wired and VPN connections. SecureW2’s PKI and RADIUS controls do not require an endpoint agent to stay active, which can simplify access control on devices where a persistent agent is undesirable.

Administrators can set role-, policy- and attribute-based rules, including runtime VLAN segmentation. This makes access decisions useful beyond simply allowing or denying a connection: users and devices can be placed into different network segments according to their attributes and policies.

For BYOD and visitors, certificate enrollment works alongside WebAuth captive portals and self-service or sponsored guest access. For IoT and legacy equipment that cannot use 802.1X, MAC-based authentication and filtering provide another route to access, with dynamic VLAN assignment available for segmentation. MAC-based controls broaden coverage, though they are a different mechanism from certificate-based authentication.

Certificate operations can be automated for enrollment, renewal and revocation through APIs and protocols including ACME, SCEP, JSON, WSTEP and EST. SecureW2 also supports certificate profiles and HSM integration; the vendor says private keys are protected with FIPS 140-2 Level 3+ hardware security modules.

Integrations span identity, security, network and device management tools, including Google, Okta, Microsoft Entra ID, CrowdStrike, Cisco, Jamf and Intune. That range is useful for organizations coordinating access with existing systems, while the integration list alone does not establish how any particular deployment will be configured.

Pricing

SecureW2 Cloud NAC

Cloud NAC has custom pricing, requested through a quote form that asks for solution type, organization type and number of devices. There is no published tier comparison or per-device price to use for budgeting, so organizations should expect to scope cost with SecureW2 before comparing total spend. The form caters to education, commercial, government, nonprofit and MSP/reseller organizations.

Platforms

The product lists Android, API, iOS, Linux, macOS, web and Windows. SecureW2 also lists unmanaged-device onboarding support for iOS, macOS, Windows, Android, Chrome, Linux and Kindle Fire. Its cloud deployment model covers wired, wireless and VPN access and supports 802.1X, ACME, SCEP, EST, HSM integration and certificate profiles.

Who it's for

SecureW2 is best suited to organizations that want certificate-based access control across multiple network types and need to handle managed endpoints, BYOD, guests and older or IoT devices in one access-control approach. The range of organization types in its quote form also makes it relevant to education, government, nonprofits, commercial organizations and service providers. Buyers seeking a self-service price or a simple, published plan comparison should look elsewhere.

Pros and cons

• Broad network coverage: 802.1X and EAP-TLS support spans Wi-Fi, wired and VPN access.
• Works across varied device populations: certificate enrollment and guest portals address BYOD and visitors, while MAC-based controls cover devices unable to use 802.1X.
• Automated certificate lifecycle: support for enrollment, renewal and revocation through several protocols can reduce manual certificate administration.
• Custom pricing requires a sales step: buyers must submit solution, organization and device information rather than compare a published price or tier.
• Access methods differ in strength: MAC-based authentication helps include legacy and IoT devices, but those devices do not receive the same 802.1X certificate-based path.

Alternatives

PacketFence is worth considering when open-source, self-hosted NAC with unlimited devices and full source code is the priority; its self-hosted edition is GPL v2+ and has a free plan and trial. SecureW2 is the more direct fit when cloud deployment and certificate-focused access across wired, wireless and VPN environments are central.

Arista NG Firewall offers a free plan with basic security and connectivity features, so it may suit readers seeking a no-cost starting point for those capabilities rather than a certificate-centered NAC service.

Ivanti Neurons for Zero Trust Access is a paid alternative with named-user licensing and SaaS. Consider it when named-user licensing is a better fit for evaluating access costs than SecureW2’s quote based on solution type, organization and device count.

Portnox NAC offers continuous risk assessment and remediation alongside passwordless authentication and certificate services, and has a free trial. It may be the better candidate when those stated capabilities are the deciding requirement.

ExtremeControl is another paid NAC option for buyers comparing alternatives; its price is not published.

Genian NAC offers cloud-managed service or an on-premises option, with its cloud service available on AWS. It is a useful comparison when the choice between cloud management and on-premises NAC matters.

HPE Aruba Networking Fabric Composer is worth reviewing when device management subscriptions priced per switch are relevant to the buying decision.

Belden NAC offers packages combining core NAC features, optional add-ons and special tiers for smaller companies, making it a comparison point for buyers looking at packaged options.

See the Network Access Control Software and Public Key Infrastructure Software directories for broader category comparisons.

Verdict

SecureW2 Cloud NAC is a strong choice for organizations that need certificate-based control across wired, wireless and VPN access without excluding guests, BYOD or devices that cannot use 802.1X. Its main advantage is that breadth, backed by certificate lifecycle automation and policy-based segmentation. Look elsewhere if you need transparent, self-service pricing or an open-source, self-hosted option.