Laserfiche WebLink
Information Technology Department <br />www.santa-ana.org/IT <br />Item # 14 <br />City of Santa Ana <br />20 Civic Center Plaza, Santa Ana, CA 92701 <br /> Staff Report <br />April 15, 2025 <br />TOPIC: Network Access Control System <br />AGENDA TITLE <br />Purchase Order to Advanced Personal Computing, Inc. DBA Liquid Networx for Network <br />Access Control (NAC) System (Specification No. 25-051) (Non-General Fund) <br />RECOMMENDED ACTION <br />Authorize a one-time purchase and payment of a Purchase Order to Advanced Personal <br />Computing, Inc., DBA Liquid Networx, for Network Access Control (NAC) System in an <br />amount not to exceed $110,674. <br />GOVERNMENT CODE §84308 APPLIES: No <br /> <br />DISCUSSION <br />The City of Santa Ana relies on an extensive network infrastructure to support municipal <br />operations, public services, and citywide connectivity. As the number of connected <br />devices continues to increase, the risk of unauthorized access, cybersecurity threats, <br />and data breaches grows. Without a centralized security solution, the City’s network is <br />vulnerable to rogue devices, unmonitored access points, and potential cyberattacks that <br />could compromise sensitive data and disrupt essential services. <br />A Network Access Control (NAC) system, in alignment with a Zero Trust security model <br />– a framework that mandates stringent identity verification for every user and device <br />attempting to access resources, regardless of whether they are inside or outside the <br />organization's network – will enhance the City's cybersecurity posture by providing real- <br />time visibility into all devices connected to the network. This system will ensure that only <br />authorized users and devices can access City systems, automatically enforce security <br />policies, and identify potential threats before they impact operations. The NAC system <br />will secure both wired and wireless networks, reducing the risk of cyber threats such as <br />malware infections, phishing attacks, and unauthorized data access. <br />Implementing a NAC system with Zero Trust principles will also streamline IT operations <br />by automating network monitoring and security enforcement. This will reduce manual <br />oversight requirements, improve response times to security incidents, and enhance the <br />efficiency of City staff managing network infrastructure. Additionally, as the City <br />continues to expand its digital services and adopt emerging technologies, a NAC