Cisco ISE Profiling

Use Cases of Cisco ISE Profiling

1. Device Identification and Classification

Cisco ISE automatically detects and classifies endpoints such as PCs, printers, IoT devices, and mobile phones.

This enables administrators to create policies specific to different device types, ensuring secure network access.

2. Dynamic Network Access Control

Based on profiling results, Cisco ISE can dynamically assign endpoints to VLANs, apply access control lists (ACLs), or enforce security policies.

For example, a corporate laptop may get full access, while a guest smartphone is restricted to the internet only.

3. IoT Device Security

Identifies IoT devices like cameras, sensors, and smart devices based on their behavior, MAC addresses, DHCP attributes, and protocols.

Ensures that only authorized IoT devices are connected to the network.

4. Compliance and Risk Mitigation

Ensures that endpoints meet security posture requirements before granting access.

Non-compliant devices (e.g., outdated OS, missing patches) can be quarantined or redirected for remediation.

5. Guest and BYOD (Bring Your Own Device) Management

Differentiates between corporate-owned and personal devices.

Automatically assigns appropriate network access to guest and employee-owned devices without manual intervention.

6. Threat Detection and Response

Uses profiling data to detect anomalies in endpoint behavior.

If a device suddenly starts acting like a different type (e.g., a printer behaving like a laptop), ISE can trigger alerts or enforce security controls.

7. Integration with Other Security Solutions

Cisco ISE profiling integrates with Cisco Secure Network Analytics (Stealthwatch), Firepower, and third-party SIEM solutions to enhance security operations.