One of the big benefits of a software-defined wide area network (SD-WAN) is that you can manage network command and control from a single interface, simplifying workflows and eliminating the need for separate controls for endpoints. The best SD-WAN solutions also work as a secure access service edge (SASE) tool that combines next-generation firewall (NGFW) capabilities, including antivirus and unified threat management.
Here are some ways that SD-WAN providers are helping organizations secure network traffic.
Secure Traffic Without the Need for Backhaul
For years, companies backhauled traffic from branches to hubs before sending it to the internet because of concerns about security. However, this proposition was expensive, introduced latency, and tied up bandwidth.
The best SASE SD-WAN solutions make internet connections secure by enabling a NGFW at every branch location.
Thus remote and branch users get secure direct connectivity to the internet and cloud providers without having to backhaul traffic to a central location.
Microsegmentation
SD-WAN solutions can provide fine-grained segmentation across the WAN to prevent lateral movement and employ a zero-trust strategy. Microsegmentation shrinks potential attack surfaces by isolating applications so that others are not at risk if one is compromised.
SD-WAN can apply security policies for groups of applications or individual applications to provide greater control. SD-WAN can also prioritize traffic at the application level. This is especially important for real-time applications such as voice, video or mission-critical traffic.
Automated Security Updates
Organizations have a constantly growing number of endpoints. For example, the average enterprise-level company now manages about 135,000 endpoint devices, yet 63% of companies say they have a lack of visibility into the endpoints connected to their network. This can make managing endpoint security extremely challenging.
When you use a SASE SD-WAN solution incorporating a NGFW, endpoint are always kept current with the latest security updates. A SASE SD-WAN solution will automatically push security policies to edge devices to make sure that every endpoint follows your current security protocols. In case of a suspected threat, you can drop all traffic to an endpoint and remove it from the network for inspection.
An Integrated NGFW
SD-WAN solutions like LOGIX SD-WAN Secure use an integrated NGFW that can filter incoming and outgoing traffic to look for potential threats using deep packet inspection.
An NGFW includes all of the benefits of a stateful firewall, but also enables advanced protocols for a secure network, including:
- Application visibility, including granular control of groups, filters and logging.
- URL filtering, including accept/block lists, categories and reputation.
- Antivirus and anti-malware, including automatic updates for emerging threats.
- Intrusion detection systems and intrusion prevention systems to actively monitor network security and identify and stop incidents.
- A robust policy engine to evaluate credentials at an application level for policy match triggers.
Consistent Security and Policy Administration
Managing cybersecurity efficiently and effectively remains a top priority for nearly every industry. In a recent survey, IT leaders overwhelmingly said that their top goal was mitigating risk. 87% of IT leaders surveyed listed risk mitigation as their No. 1 challenge.
SD-WAN with an integrated NGFW is key to mitigating risk. An integrated SD-WAN security solution combines your network traffic administration and security into one comprehensive platform to streamline your workflow and eliminate misconfigured security policies.
A SASE SD-WAN solution can set security policy for your entire network. You can enforce policies consistently and maintain them centrally. This helps you launch endpoints or applications and scale your business more quickly without sacrificing security for speed.
A More Secure Network with SD-WAN
SD-WAN and an integrated NFGW provide significant benefits, including:
- End-to-end traffic encryption.
- Network segmentation.
- A reduction in attack surfaces.
- Granular, deep packet inspection.
- Additional security layers.
- Customized accept/reject lists.
Even with enhanced security, deploying an SD-WAN architecture dramatically simplifies secure traffic management across distributed networks and large numbers of endpoints.
With the right SD-WAN provider, you can extend your SASE SD-WAN solution to mobile and remote employees, making them – and your organization – more secure. LOGIX Fiber Networks has partnered with Gartner Magic Quadrant leader Versa Networks to provide a comprehensive SD-WAN solution with integrated NGFW security.
LOGIX SD-WAN Secure can overlay any LOGIX or third-party carrier service, including LTE, to provide a flexible solution regardless of how you connect to the internet.
Contact LOGIX at 281-688-6283, or request a quote to see how LOGIX SD-WAN can create a more efficient and secure network.