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The Benefits of an Integrated IT Network Security Solution

Today's connected network infrastructures are complex and diverse. With the addition of remote devices, third-party providers, and Software as a Service (SaaS), managing security enterprise-wide has become a significant challenge.

According to the Ponemon Institute, the average enterprise-level organization manages about 135,000 endpoint devices. Despite organizations spending millions of dollars, nearly half of all devices have inadequate security. With the number of connected devices your organization has, managing them manually is no longer an option.  

The continually growing infrastructure, the number of required updates and patches, and the lack of staffing resources make it tough to keep everything protected. Out of those thousands — or hundreds of thousands — of endpoints, all it takes is one unsecured laptop to provide an entry point for cybercriminals.

Fortunately, there is a solution. An integrated IT network security system featuring SASE SD-WAN solutions can help protect all your endpoints and your network.

SD-WAN Benefits

Software-defined wide area networking (SD-WAN) security provides a secure overlay across your entire network. It can connect branches, data centers, cloud computing resources, and endpoints.

The best SD-WAN solutions integrate security functionality encrypt traffic at the endpoint and require authentication and authorization as users move across your network. One critical aspect of an integrated SD-WAN security solution is the micro-segmentation of network traffic. This prevents lateral movement from within your network without reauthentication. Even if threat actors somehow get past your defenses, this can severely limit their access to critical resources.

You should carefully evaluate the type of firewall an SD-WAN solution provides. Most SD-WAN solutions provide basic firewall and VPN functions but often lack the advanced tools you need in an integrated solution. Look for an integrated next-gen firewall (NGFW) that provides its own set of benefits, including:

  • Deep packet inspection.
  • Application identity-based policy rules.
  • Application group and filters.
  • Internet Protocol filtering  (accept and reject lists)
  • Secure Sockets Layer certificate protection.
  • Policies triggered by URL category.
  • Antivirus with auto-signature updates.

Security for Remote Workforce

A SASE SD-WAN solution with integrated security features can also extend security to remote employees, mobile users, and distributed workplaces. Since it manages the security of every device connected to your network, you can be confident you are getting optimal protection regardless of where your employees are working or how they are connected.

Zero Trust Network Access (ZTNA)

An integrated SASE SD-WAN security solution also includes ZTNA. Rather than allowing unrestricted access to a network, such as with a virtual private network (VPN),  ZTNA provides secure access on a per-user, per-session, and per-application basis.

ZTNA allows IT teams to restrict access to critical applications only to those authorized to access them. Those who are not authorized will not see these resources on the network. ZTNA provides continuous monitoring and alerts you when connections are compromised or there is suspicious activity that requires further review.

Network Optimization

Besides securing your wide area network, SD-WAN helps optimize connectivity and performance. Dynamic traffic steering automatically routes traffic efficiently and can reroute traffic when it finds roadblocks or congestion.

SD-WAN can also prioritize traffic from business-critical or real-time applications such as video calls or VoIP that require low latency for optimal performance.

LOGIX SD-WAN Secure

LOGIX SD-WAN Secure is powered by Versa Networks and the Versa Titan solution. A Gartner Magic Quadrant Leader, Versa employs a comprehensive approach to optimizing and securing wide area networks. LOGIX is certified as a Versa Titan Specialized partner.

Do you want to learn how an SD-WAN solution can protect your network? Contact LOGIX Fiber Networks at 281.688.6283 or request a quote.