What is SD-WAN Security?

Have you experienced the feeling of being stuck in the middle of a business network ignited with overwhelming activities? Conventional Wide Area Networks (WANs) are characterized by their inefficiency and unreliability especially when it comes to businesses with various sites around the world or with a presence in the cloud. SD-WAN, which is analogous to having a smart motorway for your data, is a more flexible and effective solution. SD-WAN enhances the possible data exchange speed and network availability by performing the data transmission over the most suitable path whether it is a private MPLS line, the National Broadband Network (NBN) or even through a 4G network.

Nonetheless, as with every road, security comes into play. This articlel explores the broader area of SD-WAN security and outlines the what, why and how of the coping strategies of ensuring the protection of your organization or business’s information.

What is SD-WAN Security?

Understanding the security of an SD-WAN deployment is like considering the SD-WAN as a data highway protected by a fortress wall. It refers to the practice of safeguarding one’s SD-WAN network from outside attacks and access. Cyberspace, coupled with remote working, has seen companies handle vast amount of information, some of it very sensitive in nature. That’s why SD-WAN security is so important: it protects the sensitive information contained within such networks as well as ensures the uninterrupted carrying out of business activities (business continuity) and the healthy state of the network at all times – all of which concerns any organisation.

Why is SD-WAN Security Important?

The importance of security in SD-WAN cannot be overemphasized. Nowadays, there is an increased adoption of working remotely from home and the use of cloud services whereby businesses are exposed to even higher risks of data compromises and cyberattack. A good SD-WAN security solution protects sensitive information from being tapped or exfiltrated, reduces the impact of such attacks in order to continue business operations, and also maintains the normal operations of the network in cases where there are security incidents.

Key Security Features of SD-WAN

Encryption

Encryption is one of the most common ways in which SD-WAN provides security to data. This technology helps in safeguarding information that is being sent over the network by encoding it in such a way that only the intended recipients can read it. For instance, in SD-WAN implementations, data packets are often secured in transit by the use of IPsec protocols, which fortifies protection against hackers who may attempt to intercept and steal data in transit.

Segmentation

SD-WAN is capable of dividing the network into numerous security layers, segregating application and critical data from less secure regions of the network. Such segmentation reduces the extent of the damage due to any breaches; for example, if one segment is compromised, the attackers cannot simply move to other segments within the network. It also enables organizations to implement specific security policies that correspond with the levels of the information being processed in each layer.

Zero-Trust Security

The zero-trust security model functions under the ‘never trust anyone, always verify’ maxim. Within an SD-WAN environment, this translates to any device connecting to the network having to undergo both authentication and authorization processes before access is granted. Coupled with tight restrictions and measures preventing impersonation, organizations can greatly minimize the chances of their networks being accessed by unauthorized personnel.

Threat Detection and Prevention

Advanced security solutions, including firewalls, intrusion detection systems (IDS), and intrusion prevention systems (IPS), are commonly combined with SD-WAN services. This is because these security tools are designed to work in a coordinated manner in order to identify and suppress threats in a timely manner. To illustrate, when the system identifies a certain level of traffic that is higher than normal which could possibly indicate a cyber threat, it can take automated actions such as blocking the attack traffic or informing the relevant personnel.

Best Practices for SD-WAN Security

Having advanced capabilities is not everything that security entails. It also involves having the right strategies. Below are some of the SD-WAN network security best practices that you need to adopt:

Strong Password Policies

That is the basic prerequisite of effective security. Remember to apply the principle of strong and unique password creation for each account, and implement multi-factor access authentication wherever feasible. In other words, treat any secure area with double doors, which has an external lock, and an inner door without a lock.

Regular Security Audits and Updates

In the same way that your automobile calls for routine maintenance, your SD-WAN requires security routine maintenance as well. Make it a point to implement earlier security audit checks on a regular basis so that concerns can be resolved before they become problematic. Also, do on a regular basis limber up your SD-WAN software and firmware with the latest available security updates.

Secure Remote Access

However, with the increase in remote work, it has become paramount to ensure access for employees who work from home or on the go. Secure remote access solutions like Virtual Private Networks (VPNs) and secure web gateway must be acquired. These facilitate the tranmission of data between remote devices and the network by creating a tunnel that secures the data.

Monitoring and Logging

Monitoring the network traffic is like placing a set of CCTV cameras on the section of the highway which consists of data transmission. Always keep track of the on-going network activity and logs and look for the anomalies, if any, that would suggest a possibility of a security breach. The earlier the problem is identified the less extensive the damage will be.

With the current trend of increasing reliance on network connections by organizations, SD-WAN technology has become a significant means of improving the performance and flexibility of networks. However, with that advancement and development, comes the concern of security to a higher level. It is possible to safeguard organisation’s valuable information and protect the networks from infiltration by understanding the need for SD-WAN security, employing high-level security factors, and following the reasonable SD-WAN security practices.

Moreover, as you commence on your adventure with SD-WAN technology, as the case is with many technologies today it is very important to red-flag security concerns right from the inception of the implementation. This means you should choose an SD-WAN vendor that has proven track security compliance, ensure best security practices are adhered to while deploying your SD-WAN, and keep your self abreast with threats and weaknesses in the market. This way, you will shield your organization from risk exposing the operational network.

Have you run into a blockage somewhere along the way? The Anticlockwise team is versed in SD-WAN security and can assist with your network security concerns. Contact our team for details of offerings and how we can make your SD-WAN journey a smooth one.