Solving Network Security Challenges in Retail & Education with NAC

Retail chains and educational facilities operate in highly dynamic, open-access environments where network security must balance accessibility and control. Unlike traditional corporate networks that primarily secure employee devices within a controlled environment, large retailers and learning institutes must manage thousands of diverse users, transient connections, and unmanaged endpoints daily. 

HPE Aruba ClearPass delivers an industry-specific Network Access Control (NAC) solution to address the unique security risks in these environments, providing real-time visibility, automated enforcement, and Zero Trust security. 

Retail NAC Challenges: High-Traffic, Multi-Vendor Networks 

Retailers must secure POS terminals, IoT-enabled inventory systems, smart signage, and guest WiFi while ensuring compliance with PCI DSS and data protection laws. 

1. POS System Breaches & Compliance Failures 

Retailers handle high volumes of payment transactions across multiple stores, making them prime targets for card skimming malware and lateral network attacks. Without proper segmentation, POS terminals can be exploited to access sensitive customer data. 

ClearPass Solution: Dynamic segmentation ensures POS systems remain isolated from guest WiFi and supplier networks. Any unauthorised connection attempts trigger immediate access revocation and security alerts. 

2. Vendor & Supplier Network Security Gaps 

Retailers often allow third-party vendors and delivery partners to access store networks for inventory updates and system maintenance. Without strict identity-based access controls, these external connections can introduce backdoor vulnerabilities. 

ClearPass Solution: Granular access policies enforce time-limited and role-based authentication, ensuring vendors can only access specific resources for a defined period, eliminating the risk of persistent network exposure. 

3. IoT Security for Smart Retail Operations 

Large supermarkets deploy connected surveillance cameras, RFID inventory tracking, and self-checkout kiosks, many of which lack built-in security controls. These unmanaged endpoints create entry points for attackers. 

ClearPass Solution: AI-driven device profiling continuously monitors IoT endpoints, identifying anomalous behaviour and automatically quarantining suspicious devices before they become threats. 

University NAC Challenges: Managing Thousands of Uncontrolled Devices 

Unlike retail, where employees and systems are relatively structured, universities must secure thousands of personal laptops, smartphones, hall housing IoT devices, and research systems, many of which connect, disconnect, and reappear unpredictably. 

1. BYOD Risks from Student-Owned Laptops & Devices 

With open-campus policies, universities must allow students, faculty, and guests to connect personal devices, creating an environment where malware-infected endpoints can spread threats across the entire network. 

ClearPass Solution: Automated onboarding ensures only compliant devices can connect, enforcing security posture checks (e.g., updated OS, antivirus enabled) before granting network access. Non-compliant devices are redirected to remediation portals. 

2. Dorm Room/ Halls Network Vulnerabilities 

University housing functions like miniature ISPs, with students bringing gaming consoles, smart TVs, personal routers, and IoT assistants. Unauthorised personal hotspots can interfere with network security and introduce rogue access points. 

ClearPass Solution: Rogue AP detection automatically blocks unauthorised WiFi hotspots, ensuring housing networks are segmented from academic and administrative systems. 

3. Temporary & Guest Access Risks for Events and Conferences 

Universities frequently host visiting faculty, guest researchers, and public events, requiring short-term network access. Without proper controls, guests could unintentionally access confidential research or student records. 

ClearPass Solution: Temporary guest portals with self-registration allow visitors to connect securely, with time-restricted access that expires automatically, eliminating the risk of lingering credentials. 

Why Gentium Tech International for NAC in Retail & Universities? 

At Gentium Tech International, we design and deploy industry-specific NAC solutions tailored to the unique challenges of large retailers, such as supermarket chains and clothing stores, alongside education facilities, like university campuses and schools. 

Retailers: Secure POS systems, vendor access, and IoT retail tech 
Universities: Manage BYOD securely, prevent rogue devices, and control guest access 

Looking to strengthen network security in your retail stores or university campus? Contact Gentium Tech International today to see how Aruba ClearPass can help.