Which method allows Cisco ISE to apply policies based on the context of the endpoint?

The method that allows Cisco Identity Services Engine (ISE) to apply policies based on the context of the endpoint is contextual information. This involves leveraging various attributes and conditions surrounding an endpoint, such as its identity, role, location, device type, and security posture, to make informed decisions regarding policy enforcement.

Contextual information enables ISE to understand the specific circumstances related to a device connecting to the network. For instance, if a device is recognized as a corporate-owned laptop versus a personal smartphone, ISE can enforce different access policies based on that context. This dynamic approach is essential for implementing security measures that are both effective and adaptable to varying network conditions.

User authentication, while crucial for confirming the identity of users, does not inherently provide the broader situational awareness that contextual information does. Similarly, MAC address filtering and static IP assignment are more rigid filtering methods that do not take into account the changing nature of environments or the specific details of an endpoint’s context. Thus, the strength of using contextual information lies in its ability to offer a nuanced and dynamic policy application that responds to the specifics of each situation.