Cisco ISE (Identity Services Engine) vs SailPoint Identity Security Cloud comparison

Cisco ISE is an all-in-one solution that streamlines security policy management and reduces operating costs. Cisco ISE delivers visibility and access control over users and devices across wired, wireless, and VPN connections.

Identity Services Engine enables enterprises to deliver secure network access to users and devices. It shares contextual data, such as threats and vulnerabilities, with integrated solutions from Cisco technology partners. You can see what is happening in your network, which applications are running, and more.

Features of Cisco ISE

• Centralized management helps administrators configure and manage user profile characteristics - a single pane of glass for integrated management services.
• Contextual identity and business policy: The rule-based attribute is a driven policy model. The goal is to provide flexible access control policies.
• Wide range of access control options, including Virtual LAN (VLAN) URL redirections, and access control lists.
• Supplicant-less network access: You can roll out secure network access by deriving authentication from login information across application layers.
• Guest lifecycle management streamlines the experience for implementing and customizing network access for guests.
• Built-in AAA services: The platform uses standard RADIUS protocol for authentication, authorization, and accounting.
• Device auditing, administration, and access control provide users with access on a need-to-know and need-to-act basis. It keeps audit trails for every change in the network.
• Device profiling: ISE features predefined device templates for different types of endpoints.
• Internal certificate authority: Qn easy-to-deploy single console to manage endpoints and certificates.

Benefits of Cisco ISE

Cisco’s holistic approach to network access security has several advantages:

• Context-based access based on your company policies. ISE creates a complete contextual identity, including attributes such as user, time, location, threat, access type, and vulnerability. This contextual identity is used to enforce a secure access policy. Administrators can apply strict control over how and when endpoints are allowed in the network.
• Better network visibility via an easy-to-use, simple console. In addition, visibility is improved by storing a detailed attribute history of all endpoints connected to the network.
• Comprehensive policy enforcement. ISE sets easy and flexible access rules. These rules are controlled from a central console that enforces them across the network and security infrastructure. You can define policies that differentiate between registered users and guests. The system uses group tags that enable access control on business rules instead of IP addresses.
• Self-service device onboarding enables the enterprise to implement a Bring-Your-Own-Device (BYOD) policy securely. Users can manage their devices according to the policies defined by IT administrators. (IT remains in charge of provisioning and posturing to comply with security policies.)
• Consistent guest experiences: You can provide guests with different levels of access from different connections. You can customize guest portals via a cloud-delivered portal editor with dynamic visual tools.

Support

You can get ISE as a physical or virtual appliance. Both deployments can create ISE clusters that create scale, redundancy, and requirements.

Licensing

Cisco ISE has four primary licences. Evaluation for up to 100 endpoints with full platform functionality. The higher tiers are Partner, Advantage and Essential.

Reviews from Real Users

"The user experience of the solution is great. It's a very transparent system. according to a PeerSpot user in Cyber Security at a manufacturing company.

Omar Z., Network & Security Engineer at an engineering company, feels that "The RADIUS Server holds the most value."

“Whether I deploy in China, the US, South Africa, or wherever, I can get all the capabilities. It allows me to directly integrate with 365, and from a communications point of view, that is a good capability," says Rammohan M., Senior Consultant at a tech services company.

Hassan A.,Technology Manager at Advanced Integrated Systems, says that "The most valuable feature is the integration with StealthWatch and DNA as one fabric."

SailPoint Identity Security Cloud is a comprehensive identity security solution designed to manage and govern user access in cloud, hybrid, and on-premises environments. It enables organizations to automate identity processes and enforce access policies, ensuring compliance and mitigating risks associated with unauthorized access.

The SailPoint Identity Security Cloud solution offers robust identity governance capabilities, including user provisioning, access request management, and access certification. It provides advanced analytics and AI-driven insights to help organizations detect and respond to potential security threats. The solution integrates seamlessly with various applications and platforms, supporting a wide range of IT environments and enabling organizations to streamline identity management processes. SailPoint IdentityIQ, a key product within this suite, focuses on on-premises identity governance, offering similar capabilities tailored for complex enterprise environments. IdentityIQ provides extensive configurability and customization, making it suitable for organizations with intricate identity management needs.

What are the valuable features of SailPoint Identity Security Cloud?

• User Provisioning and Lifecycle Management: Automates the process of creating, managing, and disabling user accounts across various systems.
• Access Request Management: Simplifies how users request and obtain access to resources, ensuring that access approvals are in line with compliance policies.
• Access Certification: Periodically reviews and certifies user access to ensure compliance and security.
• Advanced Analytics and AI: Uses machine learning to identify risky behaviors and automate responses to potential security threats.
• Integration Capabilities: Seamlessly connects with a wide range of applications and IT systems, enhancing the flexibility and scalability of identity management.

What benefits should users look for in reviews when evaluating SailPoint Identity Security Cloud?

• Enhanced Security: Reviews often highlight how the solution improves overall security by automating identity processes and enforcing stringent access controls.
• Regulatory Compliance: Users frequently note the ease of meeting compliance requirements through automated access certifications and audits.
• Operational Efficiency: Many users appreciate the reduction in manual tasks and errors, thanks to automated provisioning and access management.

In specific industries like healthcare, financial services, and government, SailPoint Identity Security Cloud is implemented to ensure strict compliance with industry regulations, protect sensitive data, and streamline identity management processes. For example, in healthcare, the solution helps manage access to patient records while complying with HIPAA regulations.

SailPoint Identity Security Cloud and IdentityIQ offer powerful identity governance solutions that enhance security, ensure compliance, and improve operational efficiency across various IT environments.