forescout-platform-vs-hid-digitalpersona

HID DigitalPersona and Forescout CounterACT are both security devices, but they perform very distinct functions in organizations’ authorization processes. HID DigitalPersona is a user authentication tool, with specialization in multifactor authentication techniques. Forescout CounterACT is a network access control tool, with an emphasis on device visibility and control, including IoT devices. Both are scaled to enterprises and also used by midsize and large businesses.

Features

While both products are security and access control software, they perform different kinds of access control for businesses.

Forescout CounterACT’s access control focuses on giving businesses visibility into the devices connecting to and using their network. It differentiates by providing agentless visibility and identification of network connected devices. The platform allows for policy-based access controls to devices based on their classification on the network. 

HID DigitalPersona focuses on user-based access control via a range of authentication methods. Some of its most popular features include fingerprint authentication, password management, and its integration with Microsoft’s Active Directory. These features are designed to effectively authenticate users on a personal identity basis, rather than a device basis. 

Limitations

While both products have strong specializations, they are also limited in other areas. 

Forescout CounterACT’s focus on device identification and management trades off with user-based authentication mechanisms. Network access is granted, mitigated, or blocked based entirely on the identity of the device, rather than the user.

In contrast, HID DigitalPersona under-indexes on device-based authentication. Its authentication methods are agnostic to the device being used. Some users have also had issues with HID’s backend support for DigitalPersona. 

Pricing

Forescout CounterACT is priced per-appliance, which can be either physical or a virtual machine. Specific pricing information is available by quote from the vendor. 

HID DigitalPersona is priced separately for the software and the hardware for biometric authentication. The hardware can range from $50-100 per reader, and the software’s pricing is available by quote from the vendor.