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Web research company Gartner recently produced a report entitled “Introducing the Identity-Aware Network.” In this report Gartner's researcher discusses the risks of today’s “anonymous” networks.

“... because networks are blind to a user's identity, the risk is that users "see” applications that they are not authorised to access. For example, a contractor who has been granted network access could 'go exploring' (undetected) and attempt to access sensitive information.”

Gartner recommends that businesses of all types must make their networks identity aware:

“Network managers can add identity-aware networking solutions to the network infrastructure. If they are deploying a new network infrastructure, then they should consider newer infrastructure solutions that embed identity-aware technology.”

So why do organisations need identity awareness in their networks? Gartner suggests there are four key reasons:

• Guest networking
• Protecting intellectual property
• Regulatory compliance
• Xenophobia threat

It is very likely that your organisation has an issue with at least one of these examples. Read Gartner's analysis to see how building identity awareness into your local area network could help you meet and resolve these issues.