SD-WAN is reshaping enterprise connectivity by delivering greater agility, performance and control. As organizations embrace this transformation, security remains a critical focus, especially when leveraging public internet as part of the underlay.
In this blog, we’ll explore SD-WAN’s unique security landscape, key considerations for a seamless deployment and best practices for ensuring your network remains protected.
Discover how SD-WAN can secure your network and learn actionable strategies to minimize risks while maximizing performance.
Understanding the Security Landscape of SD-WAN
Traditional WAN solutions rely on private, dedicated circuits that offer predictable performance and built-in security through centralized networks. In contrast, if SD-WAN uses the public internet as its underlay to connect branch locations, remote users and cloud applications.
While this delivers greater agility and cost-efficiency, it also expands the attack surface, creating more entry points for cyber threats.
Key Security Risks in SD-WAN
- Increased Attack Surface: Direct internet connections at multiple locations can increase exposure to cyberattacks.
- Public Network Reliance: Without proper security measures, data traveling over the internet is at risk of interception or manipulation.
- Configuration Errors: Misconfigured SD-WAN devices can lead to vulnerabilities and network instability.
The good news is that by understanding these risks and prioritizing integrated security measures, businesses can deploy SD-WAN securely while maintaining optimal performance.
Top 5 Security Considerations for SD-WAN Deployment
Having a secure network is as vital as safeguarding personal assets. According to a threat intelligence report, cyberattacks worldwide increase by 30% yearly, with organizations experiencing more than 1,500 attacks every week. Hence, protecting your network when deploying SD-WAN technologies is essential.
The security risks of implementing SD-WAN may perplex enterprises, but you can enjoy a secure deployment with some consideration. Here are important security aspects to consider when deploying SD-WAN:
1. Integration of Advanced Security Features
Modern SD-WAN solutions should combine networking and security capabilities into a single platform. Integrated security delivers seamless protection across all network endpoints without gaps.
Key Features to Prioritize:
- Next-Generation Firewalls (NGFWs): Block malicious traffic and inspect network activity.
- Intrusion Detection and Prevention Systems (IDS/IPS): Identify and mitigate unauthorized access attempts.
- Anti-Malware Protection: Safeguard against malware at all layers of the network.
- URL Filtering: Restrict access to harmful or malicious websites.
Why It Matters: Integrated security provides consistent, real-time protection, improving visibility and simplifying management.
2. Secure Connectivity and Data Encryption
SD-WAN builds encrypted tunnels based on customer needs, ensuring end-to-end data protection across the network.
Core Encryption Tools:
- IPsec VPN: Creates secure tunnels between endpoints, ensuring data confidentiality and integrity.
- End-to-End Encryption: Protects data from interception or tampering.
Encrypting data ensures that it remains unreadable to unauthorized users even if intercepted, helping businesses meet compliance requirements like HIPAA or GDPR.
3. Centralized Security Policy Management
A centralized security management platform ensures consistent protection across all SD-WAN connections, including branch offices, remote users, and cloud environments.
Benefits of Centralized Management:
- Uniform Policies: Apply consistent security rules across the network to reduce vulnerabilities.
- Simplified Monitoring: IT teams can manage policies, detect threat, and respond quickly from a single interface.
The result? Simplified operations and a reduced risk of security gaps.
4. Secure Access Service Edge (SASE)
Secure Access Service Edge (SASE) combines SD-WAN with cloud-native security tools to create a unified framework. Zero Trust Network Access (ZTNA) works alongside the SASE framework to ensure secure access by enforcing strict identity verification policies.
Core SASE Capabilities:
- Firewall as a Service (FWaaS): Inspect and secure traffic at the network edge in real-time.
- Secure Web Gateways (SWGs): Monitor and filter web traffic to block malicious content.
- Cloud Access Security Broker (CASB): A security policy enforcement point positioned between enterprise users and cloud service providers, offering visibility, data control, and analytics to identify and combat threats across cloud applications and devices
- Data Loss Prevention (DLP): Protect sensitive information from unauthorized transfer or access.
- Zero Trust Network Access (ZTNA): combines the strengths of both frameworks to provide a comprehensive security solution. Together, they enhance security by verifying every user and device, protecting against threats, and supporting the needs of remote work and cloud services. This combination ensures organizations can manage and secure their networks more effectively and efficiently.
Why SASE Matters: Integrating SD-WAN with SSE services for a SASE framework simplifies security, improves performance and secures remote access for users wherever they are.
5. Continuous Monitoring and Threat Detection
Continuous monitoring is essential for identifying and mitigating security threats before they escalate.
Key Practices for Threat Detection:
- Real-Time Monitoring: Track network activity to detect anomalies or unauthorized access attempts.
- Advanced Analytics: Use AI-driven tools to identify suspicious behavior and automate responses.
- Incident Response Plans: Outline steps to contain and resolve security incidents efficiently.
Proactive monitoring ensures network uptime, protects data integrity, and minimizes disruption.
Best Practices for Securing SD-WAN Deployments
The above security considerations should ensure safe SD-WAN deployment, but you can take additional measures to make the strategies stick. SD-WAN should perform optimally using the best practices below.
- Regular Software Updates and Patching: Most breaches come from outdated software. Regularly update and patch SD-WAN devices and software to address vulnerabilities. Outdated systems are easy targets for attackers, so maintain an up-to-date security posture.
- Network Segmentation: Network segmentation improves performance and security. Segment your network to create isolated virtual networks within the SD-WAN architecture to contain potential threats and restrict malware from spreading.
- Employee Training: Well-trained employees help safeguard your network by avoiding human errors, which contribute to the majority of breaches. Equip your employees to recognize and respond to suspicious activities. According to employees ‘ specific roles and responsibilities, comprehensive training programs should cover password management, safe internet practices, and proper handling of sensitive information.
- Compliance and Regulations: As you deploy SD-WAN and ensure safe network connections, remember to comply with regulations relevant to your industry, such as HIPAA for health organizations. By aligning SD-WAN deployments with these regulatory standards, you can enhance your organization’s security posture while demonstrating a commitment to data privacy and protection.
Implementing these best practices will help strengthen your SD-WAN deployments, ensuring robust security and seamless network performance.
Prioritizing Security in Your SD-WAN Deployment
SD-WAN delivers unmatched flexibility, scalability and cloud connectivity, but its expanded attack surface demands a proactive security approach. By integrating advanced security features, adopting Zero Trust principles, and leveraging SASE, businesses can ensure their SD-WAN deployment is both secure and efficient.
Why Choose GTT for Secure SD-WAN Solutions? At GTT, we combine SD-WAN technology with advanced security services to protect your network, data and users. Our comprehensive solutions include:
- Managed SD-WAN: Optimized, secure connectivity for global enterprises.
- Secure Connect: a SASE solution for Integrated networking and cloud-native security.
- DDoS Protection and Mitigation: Protection against large-scale attacks to ensure uptime.
- Managed Detection and Response (MDR) 24/7 Threat Monitoring: Proactive detection and response to security incidents.
Don’t leave your network security to chance. Partner with GTT to deploy SD-WAN solutions that deliver reliability, security, and performance. Contact us today to learn how GTT can transform your network with secure, managed SD-WAN services.
