CISCO ISE vs. ForeScout: Know the Difference
By Shumaila Saeed || Published on February 16, 2024
CISCO ISE is a network access control and policy management tool, while ForeScout offers device visibility and control across heterogeneous networks.
Key Differences
CISCO ISE (Identity Services Engine) is a security policy management platform that enables enterprises to automate and enforce security policies. It offers features like access control, identity management, and profiling. On the other hand, ForeScout focuses on providing visibility and control of devices connected to a network, regardless of their type or whether they're on wired or wireless networks.
Shumaila Saeed
Feb 16, 2024
While CISCO ISE specializes in integrating with Cisco's network infrastructure for enhanced security and policy enforcement, ForeScout offers a more vendor-neutral approach. This means ForeScout can work seamlessly with various network devices and IT infrastructures, not just those from Cisco.
Shumaila Saeed
Feb 16, 2024
CISCO ISE allows for the creation of detailed access control policies based on user identity, device type, and other factors, ensuring that only authorized users and devices can access network resources. In contrast, ForeScout emphasizes the identification and classification of devices as soon as they connect to the network, enabling immediate compliance checks and policy enforcement.
Shumaila Saeed
Feb 16, 2024
In terms of deployment, CISCO ISE can be more complex, requiring a deeper integration with Cisco's ecosystem. ForeScout, meanwhile, boasts a more straightforward implementation, especially in environments with a diverse array of network equipment brands.
Shumaila Saeed
Feb 16, 2024
Finally, CISCO ISE offers robust integration with other Cisco security products, allowing for a unified security posture. ForeScout, while it offers integrations with various security tools, places a stronger emphasis on interoperability and flexibility in heterogeneous environments.
Shumaila Saeed
Feb 16, 2024
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Comparison Chart
Primary Function
Network access control and policy management
Device visibility and control
Shumaila Saeed
Feb 16, 2024
Network Integration
Optimized for Cisco networks
Vendor-neutral, works with various networks
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Feb 16, 2024
Deployment Complexity
Can be complex, deeply integrated with Cisco
Generally straightforward, flexible integration
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Feb 16, 2024
Security Focus
Access control and identity management
Immediate device compliance and policy enforcement
Shumaila Saeed
Feb 16, 2024
Ecosystem Compatibility
Strong with Cisco products
High with diverse security tools and networks
Shumaila Saeed
Feb 16, 2024
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CISCO ISE and ForeScout Definitions
CISCO ISE
CISCO ISE provides identity management capabilities.
CISCO ISE helps us manage user identities across our network.
Shumaila Saeed
Jan 13, 2024
ForeScout
ForeScout offers network device visibility.
With ForeScout, we can see every device connected to our network.
Shumaila Saeed
Jan 13, 2024
CISCO ISE
CISCO ISE integrates with Cisco network solutions.
CISCO ISE seamlessly integrates with our existing Cisco infrastructure.
Shumaila Saeed
Jan 13, 2024
ForeScout
ForeScout ensures compliance of connected devices.
ForeScout helps maintain compliance with our network security policies.
Shumaila Saeed
Jan 13, 2024
CISCO ISE
CISCO ISE serves as a policy management tool.
We use CISCO ISE to enforce compliance with our corporate security policies.
Shumaila Saeed
Jan 13, 2024
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ForeScout
ForeScout works across heterogeneous networks.
ForeScout's strength lies in its ability to function in diverse network environments.
Shumaila Saeed
Jan 13, 2024
CISCO ISE
CISCO ISE offers automated security enforcement.
CISCO ISE automates the process of enforcing network access policies.
Shumaila Saeed
Jan 13, 2024
ForeScout
ForeScout provides control over devices in a network.
ForeScout enables us to control access for unmanaged devices.
Shumaila Saeed
Jan 13, 2024
CISCO ISE
CISCO ISE is a network access control product.
After deploying CISCO ISE, our network's security posture significantly improved.
Shumaila Saeed
Jan 13, 2024
ForeScout
ForeScout focuses on real-time monitoring.
ForeScout gives us real-time insights into network activity.
Shumaila Saeed
Jan 13, 2024
Repeatedly Asked Queries
Is ForeScout compatible with Cisco networks?
Yes, ForeScout can work within Cisco networks and is designed to be vendor-neutral.
Shumaila Saeed
Feb 16, 2024
What is CISCO ISE?
CISCO ISE is a security policy management and control platform for network access and identity management.
Shumaila Saeed
Feb 16, 2024
What is the primary benefit of CISCO ISE?
The primary benefit is its comprehensive access control and security policy enforcement within Cisco ecosystems.
Shumaila Saeed
Feb 16, 2024
How does ForeScout ensure network security?
ForeScout ensures security by providing real-time visibility and control of all devices connected to the network.
Shumaila Saeed
Feb 16, 2024
Is ForeScout easy to deploy?
ForeScout is known for its straightforward deployment, especially in diverse network environments.
Shumaila Saeed
Feb 16, 2024
What does ForeScout specialize in?
ForeScout specializes in providing visibility and control of devices on networks, ensuring compliance and security.
Shumaila Saeed
Feb 16, 2024
Can CISCO ISE work with non-Cisco devices?
CISCO ISE can integrate with non-Cisco devices, but it's optimized for Cisco environments.
Shumaila Saeed
Feb 16, 2024
Can CISCO ISE manage guest access?
Yes, CISCO ISE efficiently manages guest access, applying specific policies and controls.
Shumaila Saeed
Feb 16, 2024
Does CISCO ISE offer identity management?
Yes, identity management is a key feature of CISCO ISE, allowing for user and device identification and control.
Shumaila Saeed
Feb 16, 2024
Is CISCO ISE suitable for large enterprises?
CISCO ISE is ideal for large enterprises, especially those with extensive Cisco network infrastructure.
Shumaila Saeed
Feb 16, 2024
What sets ForeScout apart in terms of network visibility?
ForeScout's ability to provide comprehensive visibility into every type of device on the network sets it apart.
Shumaila Saeed
Feb 16, 2024
Is ForeScout scalable for growing networks?
Absolutely, ForeScout is designed to be scalable, catering to growing and evolving network needs.
Shumaila Saeed
Feb 16, 2024
Can ForeScout detect non-compliant devices?
Yes, ForeScout can quickly identify and take action on non-compliant devices on the network.
Shumaila Saeed
Feb 16, 2024
What industries commonly use CISCO ISE?
Industries like healthcare, finance, and government, where security and compliance are crucial, commonly use CISCO ISE.
Shumaila Saeed
Feb 16, 2024
How does ForeScout handle BYOD (Bring Your Own Device) scenarios?
ForeScout effectively manages BYOD scenarios by providing thorough visibility and control over personal devices.
Shumaila Saeed
Feb 16, 2024
Can CISCO ISE integrate with other security tools?
Yes, CISCO ISE can integrate with a range of security tools, enhancing overall network security posture.
Shumaila Saeed
Feb 16, 2024
Can ForeScout control access based on device compliance?
Yes, ForeScout can restrict network access for devices that don't meet compliance standards.
Shumaila Saeed
Feb 16, 2024
How does CISCO ISE handle policy management?
CISCO ISE allows for the creation and enforcement of detailed access and security policies across the network.
Shumaila Saeed
Feb 16, 2024
Does CISCO ISE support wireless networks?
Yes, CISCO ISE supports and manages access for both wired and wireless networks.
Shumaila Saeed
Feb 16, 2024
What are the benefits of using ForeScout in a mixed-device environment?
The major benefit is its ability to seamlessly monitor and control a variety of devices, ensuring security in mixed-device environments.
Shumaila Saeed
Feb 16, 2024
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About Author
Written by
Shumaila SaeedShumaila Saeed, an expert content creator with 6 years of experience, specializes in distilling complex topics into easily digestible comparisons, shining a light on the nuances that both inform and educate readers with clarity and accuracy.
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