RE: Port Security on switches?

["Bob Emerson" <remerson () ec rr com>]

Port Security on switches is a good idea. Initial setup is a pain because
you have to keep in mind your own test equipment, ie Fluke meters, laptops,
etc that your own department uses on a daily basis. Each port needs to have
their MAC addresses in the list of approved devices. Then you need to ensure
that you have the MAC address of the device attached to that port. That in
itself is easy to get. Once you do that, then it is a matter of
"housekeeping" to maintain. The problem is notification of "illegal"
equipment. This does not notify you, it locks the port so they cannot access
anything. Then you must unlock it. But it does what it is supposed to do and
that is keep illegal equipment off of your network. I don't care who is
trying to get on, I only care about keeping them off. Bottom line - only
approved equipment is sniffing my network.

Bob Emerson, Network Administrator VA

-----Original Message-----
From: listbounce () securityfocus com [mailto:listbounce () securityfocus com] On
Behalf Of Albert R. Campa
Sent: Friday, March 14, 2008 2:22 PM
To: security-basics
Subject: Port Security on switches?

Do you use it? Is it a good idea network wide? Yes I guess it could be
an administrative pain but I want to see how it is used these days.

Is there an alternative?

My concern is people connecting non authorized laptops to the network
and getting an IP then access. What is a common/effective way to be
notified of any new device connected to the network?

Sure we have physical security(guards 24/7) in our main building,
badge access security in our other building, but visitors such as
vendors, contractors, etc come often and its basically left up to
their sponsors to ensure they dont connect anything to a free port on
the wall.

Comments are appreciated.

Albert