More than half of the world’s businesses have migrated to the use of cloud services for many procedures. This makes the need for us to guard our data to secure our future a priority. While the popular mode of connection- the wide area network (WAN) has been overrun by a better alternative-the software defined wide area network (SD-WAN), there are still a number of security threats attached to it which makes branch locations more vulnerable to cyberattacks. As a consequence, organizations are therefore making moves to secure their SD-WAN networks. This post is solely curated for this purpose. Read along as we unravel how to best secure your SD-WAN networks.
Understanding SD-WAN Security
SD-WAN security is based largely on the confinement of danger by increasing network security, network tunnels, IP security and next-generation firewalls. It makes use of a multi-tiered approach to fight various types of security threats. The advancement of SD-WAN as well as its security capabilities enables organizations to enforce consistency in all their branches and reduce device footprint.
SD-WAN security helps the functioning of Secure Access Service Edge (SASE), which securely connects users, no matter their location, to the nearest network where it can get adequate security and networking. SASE which is a cloud-native technology that delivers WAN and native security functions directly to the source of connection rather than a data center is built on the principles of virtualization with SD-WAN to use multiple connection types.
Common Security Threats in SD-WAN
- If SD-WAN is inadequately protected, hackers may capture sensitive data sent through the network. This is similar to when your mail is intercepted and read by another person.
- Malicious software has the ability to corrupt devices and propagate through the SD-WAN, resulting in harm or ransom of data.
- Hackers commonly deceive users by pretending to be a legitimate entity in order to obtain sensitive information or to trick them into downloading harmful software.
- Poorly configured SD-WAN settings may lead to vulnerabilities that can be taken advantage of by hackers.
Essential SD-WAN Security Features
Next-generation firewall (NGFW): A next-generation firewall (NGFW) is an advanced security appliance of the firewall that refines network traffic through the firewall and controls the network to stop potentially dangerous traffic. NGFWs build on the excesses of the traditional firewall and they break information transmitted from any network through a system down into smaller portions. A next-generation firewall filters based on packet headers, application specifics, encrypted traffic analysis and so on. It also prevents probable network intrusion and has a user aware filtering. It tests unknown files for malicious behavior in isolation.
Intrusion detection and prevention systems (IDPS): An Intrusion Detection and Prevention System ( IDPS) is a network that monitors traffic effectively to prevent any threat that can be detected and alert the organization. It works as an extra security to detect any unauthorized user and report the activity to the administrator. It not only detects and reports but also works further by preventing any future possible security threats that might want to attack the network.
Data Encryption: Data encryption is one of the adopted features of SD-WAN security. It converts data from its simple and plain text into another form or code to deny access to unauthorized users. It is a way of preserving an organization’s data and content by turning it into ciphertext. The only way to decode an encrypted message is through decryption which is mostly used by organizations where access is given only to recognized users.
Zero-Trust Networks Access (ZTNA): Zero Trust Network Access (ZTNA) is an information technology (IT) security solution that makes it possible to function and achieve an effective Zero Trust security model. Zero Trust makes it possible to detect possible threats that are inside and out of an organization’s network, therefore there has to be serious sensitization for all users before using the network. Zero Trust Network Access lays out the criteria of service for zero trust and works with next-gen firewall, SD-WAN, and other services as a component of secure access service edge (SASE). It grants access to only specific applications to secure remote technologies and methods.
Conclusion
The best and dependable SD-WAN feature is its ability to fight a lot of difficult cyber security services issues that businesses face when using public networks for sensitive workloads. More than any type of networking solution in the past, the SD-WAN network was created with security in mind. Organizations can achieve the right security layout settings and control security by using constant dynamic best practices including division of traffic and many more. Also, investing in the right tools to set up and maintain SD-WAN security is important for a long-term protection of business data. The experienced security team can adopt methods like data encryption, threat intelligence, micro-segmentation, and other tested methods that are always efficiently used.
