What is Zero Trust? Zero Trust is a framework and attitude towards IT security that centers on the idea that we in the IT field cannot trust anyone or any device on our network. Many systems administrators are well versed in this model. Every employee is assigned a domain joined laptop that is locked down via Group Policy. Those employees are tracked via a user identity using their AD profile that, through security groups, either allow or restrict access to various IT assets (servers, printers, wireless, and/or client VPN). Accounting is enabled to track what the users are accessing and used in the event of a malicious attack to see where the attack originated and who preformed the attack.

You are a great boss. You want to enable your team with the best tools to collaborate with so, in your infinite benevolence, you purchased a Cisco Webex Endpoint or maybe even a few of them. Your team is thrilled with the experience and ease of use.

Introduction

Recently, I have been working to upgrade Cisco network devices, mainly routers and switches, for a client.   A recent network audit identified fragmentation in the IOSes and also security advisories.  As a result, all the routers and switches required upgrades and it was a good opportunity for the client to standardize the IOSes for the different type of network devices in the environment.

As promised, in this entry to our ISE blog series we are going to begin our adventure into Cisco TrustSec, or CTS for short.  When I am approaching a new technology, I find it helpful to not only understand what it is, but also why it exists.  So, in this post, we’re going to attempt to cover just that; what is Cisco TrustSec and why do I care?

If you haven’t heard, Cisco is redesigning their certification programs. Starting February 24, 2020 this new design will be in place. Let’s take a look at the upcoming changes.

Well.. we did it. We started a podcast! LookingPoint is here to introduce our podcast:

IT in the Bay Podcast

That title is not true, but I just could not come up with a better one. I like rhyming phrases I guess.

Take one look at me and you’ll quickly identify me as someone who loves pi (and pie). Specifically, the Raspberry Pi, they are a permanent accoutrement to my workspaces. With the Pi 4 now officially out what better time to dust off those old Pis and put them to work in your network tool kit. Chances are you already have all the components laying around.

Cisco is and has been a leader in on-prem solutions for Contact Center and now is leading in Cloud solutions for CC as well.  Appropriate for solutions that range between 21 – 300 agents, Webex Contact Center enable Sales and Service departments in an enterprise find and fulfill customer needs.

Being in the IT world, we know how difficult it can be to track maintenance and support contracts on one’s network infrastructure. Pouring through endless lines of confusing spreadsheets trying to identify what you need to renew support on can make your eyes cross and want to throw your hands up in defeat.  Between asset tracking and the renewal process, too much time is consumed going through one’s entire environment to make sure all items are captured.