Introduction

As businesses become increasingly reliant on digital technology, the demand for secure and reliable networks has never been greater. SD-WAN (Software-Defined Wide Area Network) is a popular technology that provides a more flexible and cost-effective alternative to traditional WANs.

Ways to keep your SD-WAN network safe

SD-WAN is a powerful technology that allows organizations to connect their various locations and devices through a secure and reliable network. However, like any technology, SD-WAN can also be vulnerable to security threats if not properly implemented and managed. In this blog, we will explore some of the ways you can keep your SD-WAN network safe.

Implement strong access control: One of the most important things you can do to secure your SD-WAN network is to implement strong access controls. This includes ensuring that only authorized personnel have access to your network and that all devices are authenticated before being allowed to connect. It is essential to have a comprehensive access control policy that covers both internal and external users. This can include measures such as two-factor authentication, strong password policies, and role-based access control.

Encrypt all traffic: Encryption is an essential part of any secure network, and SD-WAN is no exception. By encrypting all traffic that flows over your SD-WAN network, you can ensure that data remains confidential and protected from prying eyes. Encryption also protects your network from Man-in-the-middle attacks and other cyber threats. This can be achieved by using protocols such as SSL/TLS, IPSec, or VPN.

Use a next-generation firewall: A next-generation firewall can provide an additional layer of security to your SD-WAN network. This type of firewall can inspect traffic at a granular level and detect and block threats that traditional firewalls may miss. Next-generation firewalls can also integrate with SD-WAN solutions, providing enhanced security and visibility across your network.

Segment your network: Segmenting your network into smaller, more manageable sections can help prevent security threats from spreading across your entire network. This can be achieved by creating VLANs (Virtual Local Area Networks) or by using software-defined segmentation techniques. It will help in easy monitoring of your network 

Monitor your network: Regular monitoring of your SD-WAN network can help you detect and respond to security threats quickly. This includes monitoring for unusual activity, such as an increase in traffic from a specific location or device, which could indicate a potential security breach. Monitoring can be automated using tools like SIEM (Security Information and Event Management) to detect security incidents in real-time.

Use SD-WAN edge devices with built-in security features: When choosing SD-WAN edge devices, look for ones that have built-in security features such as stateful firewalls, intrusion detection and prevention, and secure boot. These features help protect against a wide range of security threats and reduce the attack surface of your network.

Deploy SD-WAN in a hybrid or multi-cloud environment: Deploying SD-WAN in a hybrid or multi-cloud environment can help improve security by reducing the reliance on a single point of failure. This also allows for better redundancy and failover, which can help keep your network operational in the event of a security breach.

Implement a zero-trust security model: A zero-trust security model assumes that every device and user on the network is a potential threat. By implementing this model, you can ensure that all traffic is thoroughly authenticated and authorized before being allowed to connect to your network. Zero-trust security models can help protect your network from insider threats, as well as external attacks.

Keep your software up-to-date: Regularly updating your SD-WAN software can help ensure that it remains secure and protected from the latest security threats. This includes keeping your firewall and antivirus software up-to-date, as well as any other security solutions you have implemented. Keeping your software up-to-date also helps you stay compliant with industry regulations.

Conduct regular security assessments: Regular security assessments can help identify potential vulnerabilities in your SD-WAN network before they can be exploited by attackers. These assessments can be performed by a third-party security provider or in-house security team and should include penetration testing, vulnerability scanning, and risk assessments.

Educate your employees: Your employees are often the weakest link in your security chain, so it’s essential to educate them on best practices for network security. This can include things like password hygiene, phishing awareness, and how to identify and report security incidents.

By following these ways to keep your SD-WAN network safe, you can help protect your business from security threats and ensure that your network remains secure and operational.

Conclusion

In conclusion, securing your SD-WAN network requires a combination of technical solutions and best practices. By implementing strong access controls, encrypting all traffic, using a next-generation firewall, monitoring your network, implementing a zero-trust security model, and keeping your software up-to-date, you can help ensure that your network remains safe and secure from security threats.

Table Of Content

• Introduction
• Ways to keep your SD-WAN network safe
  • Implement strong access controls
  • Encrypt all traffic
  • Use a next-generation firewall
  • Segment your network
  • Monitor your network
  • Use SD-WAN edge devices with built-in security features
  • Deploy SD-WAN in a hybrid or multi-cloud environment
  • Implement a zero-trust security model
  • Keep your software up-to-date
  • Conduct regular security assessments
  • Educate your employees
• Conclusion