Why WAN Transformation Starts With Security
Today’s modern enterprise leverages new digital tools and cloud-based applications, and more employees than ever before require remote access to the network. However, this setting also makes it challenging, if not impossible, for traditional WAN architectures to handle the increased traffic demand at the network edge. Traditional WANs employ expensive multi-protocol label switching (MPLS) connections as well as centralised security, which is performed by backhauling traffic through the corporate data centre. This dependent structure creates bottlenecks that degrade end-user performance. In short, it’s not an ideal environment for today’s thriving business.
One alternative is SD-WAN, which offers significant bandwidth and cost advantages over MPLS. However, the upgrade to SD-WAN comes with one clear warning: Security.
With SD-WAN, direct connections to cloud resources bypass the traditional hub-and-spoke security architecture. This wide-open exposure requires robust security—yet many of today’s SD-WAN solutions have little to no built-in security! A modern business must opt for an SD-WAN solution that provides consistent protection, operational efficiency, and advanced security features. In this post, we share three considerations to keep in mind as you invest in an SD-WAN networking solution.
Integrated and Consistent Protection
Today, you’ll see there are a number of secure SD-WAN solutions available, including Fortinet Secure SD-WAN. No longer do you have to make a trade-off between security and performance.
Consider a platform-based approach to SD-WAN and look for a solution that provides consistent protection and robust security capabilities. This includes SSL/TSL encrypted traffic inspection, because traffic that is not inspected could allow malware to slip through. A platform-based approach like Fortinet SD-WAN can also consolidate a range of point products (like routers, firewalls, and zero trust network architecture or ZTNA) into a single product, which will simplify your architecture and reduce your costs. For example, built-in ZTNA controls not only reduce risk and enhance your security posture, but also improve the overall user experience through simplified access, both off and on-network. For more, please see this blog post on choosing the right SD-WAN solution for your unique business.
Reduced Attack Surface
SD-WAN is a transformative technology to ensure fast and secure connections between your data centres, cloud services, and users, but it also exposes your business to security risks. A standalone SD-WAN device is a connectivity offering that provides an open conduit for nefarious actors to attack your network.
The solution to this is simple and effective: embed each SD-WAN device with advanced security. This allows home users, branch office workers, and the data centre to follow a common set of security policies and enforcement criteria. As a result, you’ll gain all the enterprise-shaping benefits of SD-WAN with none of the security implications. If you have the resources and expertise, you can take a do-it-yourself approach with SD-WAN, or you can partner with an expert third party partner like Optec to manage your multiple network applications and security.
Simplified, Comprehensive Analytics and Reporting
Today’s modern business has clear and constant visibility into network and application performance, as both a security measure and to improve the experience for your users. With SD-WAN, a single management console for both networking and security—with meaningful and actionable analytics—will enable you to continually fine-tune your business and security policies for security and user experience.
Another consideration to keep in mind is that your security configurations will change over time in response to business growth and the changing threat landscape. Look for an SD-WAN solution that enables you to seamlessly propagate new security configurations and policies through the extended WAN. This will greatly reduce the likelihood of error (versus adding each policy to individual devices) and save you time. In general, the right SD-WAN solution (and vendor) will help you reduce costs and achieve operational efficiencies through automation, deep analytics, and self-healing.
There’s a reason SD-WAN is ushering in a better way to work. The right solution—and partner—can enhance your security and regulatory compliance, improve performance for your applications and your people, simplify management, boost speed and security, and reduce your overall costs. As Fortinet Engage MSSP Partner with SD-WAN Specialisation, Optec is uniquely positioned to help you make the most of Secure SD-WAN, with our range of products and services. Learn more about our Secure SD-WAN solutions or get in touch with us today to learn more.
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