Security Benefits of SD-WAN Technology
Software-defined WAN (SD-WAN) is a type of networking technology that allows companies to connect their networks over a wide area using software-defined networking (SDN) principles. SD-WAN uses software to abstract the underlying network hardware and protocols, enabling companies to easily and dynamically control the way that data is transmitted over their wide area network (WAN).
One of the main benefits of SD-WAN is that it allows companies to more easily manage their WAN infrastructure and optimize the flow of data between locations. It enables them to prioritize certain types of traffic, such as voice and video, and to route it over the most appropriate links in order to ensure the best possible performance.
SD-WAN can also help companies reduce the cost of their WAN infrastructure by allowing them to use a variety of connectivity options, such as broadband, cellular, and satellite, and to dynamically switch between these options based on factors such as cost and performance.
How Does SD-WAN Work?
SD-WAN works by abstracting the underlying network hardware and protocols and using software to control the way that data is transmitted over a wide area network (WAN). It typically involves the use of specialized devices, called SD-WAN appliances or controllers, which are installed at each location in the WAN. These appliances are connected to the network via various types of links such as broadband, cellular or satellite.
The SD-WAN appliances are equipped with software that enables them to monitor the performance and availability of the different links and to dynamically route traffic over the most appropriate links based on factors such as cost, performance and reliability. The appliances also use encryption and other security measures to protect the data being transmitted over the WAN.
In addition to routing traffic, the SD-WAN appliances can also provide other services, such as network optimization, traffic shaping and quality of service (QoS) controls. These features enable companies to prioritize certain types of traffic, such as voice and video, and to ensure that they are delivered with the best possible performance.
Security Benefits of SD-WAN
The SD-WAN architecture has many benefits, but one of them is helping organizations prevent and contain cybersecurity threats. Here are a few ways SD-WAN can improve an organization’s security posture.
Security is Centralized and Scalable
One of the main advantages of centralized security in an SD-WAN environment is that it enables companies to manage and enforce security policies from a single, centralized location. This can make it easier to ensure that all locations in the WAN are compliant with security policies and to quickly identify and respond to security threats.
In addition to making security management more efficient, centralized security can also make it easier to scale security as the network grows. This is because the security policies and controls are managed centrally, rather than being configured individually at each location. This can help reduce the risk of misconfigurations and make it easier to add new locations to the WAN.
Protect Against Malware and APT Attacks
SD-WAN can help to protect against malware and APT attacks in several ways. First, SD-WAN can help to improve network visibility and control, which can make it easier to detect and respond to potential malware and APT attacks.
Additionally, because SD-WAN allows an organization to prioritize different types of traffic, it can help to ensure that critical security protocols and updates are given priority over less important data. This can help to reduce the likelihood of security breaches and make it more difficult for attackers to gain a foothold in an organization’s network.
Permissive Connectivity
In an SD-WAN environment, permissive connectivity refers to the ability to connect different locations in the network using a variety of different links, such as broadband, cellular or satellite. This can help companies ensure that their WANs are always connected, even if one or more links fail.
Permissive connectivity can also help companies improve the performance and reliability of their WANs by allowing them to dynamically switch between different links based on factors such as cost, performance and reliability. This can help ensure that critical applications and services are always available and that data is transmitted efficiently.
From a security perspective, permissive connectivity is beneficial because it allows companies to use multiple links to transmit data, rather than relying on a single link. This can help reduce the risk of a single point of failure and make it more difficult for attackers to disrupt the network.
Monitoring Invalid Connection Attempts
In an SD-WAN environment, the SD-WAN appliances or controllers that are installed at each location in the network are equipped with software that enables them to monitor the traffic flowing over the WAN. This includes monitoring for invalid connection attempts, which are attempts to connect to the network by unauthorized devices or users.
By monitoring for invalid connection attempts, the SD-WAN appliances can identify and block attempts to access the network that do not meet the security policies of the company. This can help prevent unauthorized access to the network and reduce the risk of cyber threats, such as malware infections or data breaches.
In addition to blocking invalid connection attempts, the SD-WAN appliances can also log these attempts and provide alerts to network administrators, enabling them to quickly identify and respond to potential security threats.
Conclusion
In conclusion, SD-WAN technology offers a range of security benefits that can help companies protect their wide area networks (WANs) from cyber threats and ensure the integrity of their data. Some of the key security benefits of SD-WAN include centralized and scalable security, permissive connectivity, monitoring invalid connection attempts, and protection against malware and APT attacks.
By leveraging these and other security features, companies can more easily and effectively manage and secure their WANs, improving the performance, reliability and security of their networks. As such, SD-WAN technology can be a valuable asset for any organization looking to protect its networks and data in an increasingly connected and complex world.
