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Businesses are expanding into new geographical boundaries, increasing the need for a hybrid IT environment. The traditional network infrastructure is choking under pressure, unable to match the growing demands. The need for multiple sources has resulted in the growth of Software Defined Wide Area Network (SD-WAN) technology.

Can SD-WAN transform network security? SD-WAN promotes secure vendor and agnostic data transport across WAN or internet connectivity increasing hybrid cloud adoption. SD-WAN can aggregate multiple network technologies like MPLS, broadband, LTE, and 5G to connect to branches and remote offices. Compared with MPLS, SD-WAN is 2½ times cost effective due to secure edges, limited staff and router service costs.

Security is the top priority in SD-WAN. Organisations are keen on understanding the security impacts of installing SD-WAN as it should not expose the network to vulnerabilities while connecting to the cloud or embracing new endpoints. In an Enterprise Management Associates (EMA) report, respondents placed security on the top in SD-WAN.

Zero Trust Model in SD-WAN The security of SD-WAN increases with Zero Trust Model. So, what is Zero Trust Model? It is the security feature that stops trusting applications, networks, users or devices by default and introduces a host of verifications. In this model, authentication is given priority, followed by network security.

A secure SD-WAN architecture promotes agility and performance of your WAN network by establishing security-rich features that can be embraced with your present infrastructure. For on-premises to cloud end-to-end circuit encryption, the model uses IPSec 256-bit protection. The model assists IT managers to monitor and control the access points on the application and network. Firewalls and edge devices must be deployed for foolproof security.

How can the zero trust model replace traditional WAN? SMOAD SD-WAN enabled security and performance, helping save money. It encompasses all security SD-WAN solutions an organisation seeks. Zero trust principles are brought to every connectivity and not just users. All IoT/OT devices and servers are brought under the ambit of the model. It eliminates any threats and surface attacks using a router WAN network. Now you can convert your branch offices into modern branches using SaaS and cloud app deployments. Automated and integrated connectivity can reduce internet outbreaks and provides smarter and faster service.

New architecture needs new security with transactions moving to the cloud and internet; there is a need for a highly secure environment to protect distributed users from the vulnerabilities of attack. Today, applications, data and devices are moving out of the perimeter of security as they breach the traditional line of control. As the trusting enterprise perimeter is violated, there is a need for modern defence strategies for distributed workforces. It is here that the Zero Trust Model comes into play. Some of the tenets of this model include:

Securing resources and accesses irrespective of hosting model or location

Adopting default deny strategy while establishing application access

Traffic logging and inspection for applications you control and don’t in order to monitor any malicious activity.

Zero Trust Security components The Zero Trust Security components include:

Secure Internet Gateway (SIG): The ultimate idea of Zero Trust security is to protect the user while accessing applications beyond your control. A simple click can unleash cyber threats on your connectivity. With remote offices set in, the devices are unmanaged, and the internet is the choice of the corporate network. SIG is simple, quick and cheap while securing Direct Internet Access (DIA) traffic. SIG is safe, as it proactively protects users irrespective of location. Every DNS request is inspected, and malicious domains are blocked.

Identity Aware Proxy (IAP): The architecture provides application access through a cloud-based proxy. In this architecture, identity and authorisation happen at the edge and are only on a need-to-know basis. It uses standard HTTPS protocol at Layer 7 or the application layer. IAP identifies the source and verifies the user and device trust. It checks the security criteria like certification, password protection, endpoint direction, response solutions and installation of the latest OS. The user traffic is inspected, and any application request can be examined, authorised and terminated. After terminating the transaction on the proxy, additional features are integrated for better user experience and protection of the application.

Transform your business into a modern network model by protecting the line of defence. SMOAD believes SD-WAN with Zero Trust Security is the initial step to moving to a safe and threat-free internet.

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There’s no denying that SD-WAN has indeed enhanced the quality of connectivity and the business application experience. The continued evolution of SD-WAN has also enabled enterprises to take advantage of new customised IoT devices. The health industry greatly benefits from remote monitoring systems that report a patient’s vital signs to medical care providers within seconds. Retail stores can now automatically alert their warehouses with the list of products that need replenishment. The magnitude of IoT has constantly been on the rise since its creation, and it is estimated that the size of IoT gadgets may reach 500 billion by the end of 2030. Thanks to SD-WAN-enabled IoT! Flexibility, centralised management, and high security offered by SD-WAN solutions have enabled IoT devices to perform better and be more productive.

Networking Challenges Faced by IoT Low-latency connectivity, high cost, and poor management of IoT applications spread across multiple locations are the major challenges faced by IoT applications. Let’s take the surveillance camera, for example – the considerable quantity of data that public surveillance cameras transfer can overwhelm the traditional WAN network connections.

You need a solution that prioritises traffic and chooses the right WAN path according to the quantity of traffic transferred. Software-defined WAN (SD-WAN) does the same and streamlines connectivity effortlessly and cost-effectively.

Security is another great challenge faced by IoT applications. Developers usually leave backdoor access open for further development purposes. This makes IoT devices vulnerable to hacks and cyber-attacks. SD-WAN offers advanced security functionalities, and since it can be easily integrated with new devices, security-related challenges can be overcome with ease.

Why is SD-WAN considered the Key Enabler of IoT By now, you might be aware that SD-WAN offers flexibility which is much needed for the smooth running of numerous IoT devices connected over a wide range of networks. Besides that, it also makes the management of distant IoT applications easy. This is possible because SD-WAN can adapt to devise necessity and application requirements. Here’s how SD-WAN plays an essential role in simplifying IoT management:

1) Reduces Complexity IoT devices rely on a range of connections, including wireless, mobile, wired, static, and even cellular. Each connection has its speed, protocol, and agility. While some IoT devices may run on a specific type of connection, most others rely on a combination of one or more connectivity options. This can complicate the connectivity process and pose challenges when it comes to troubleshooting or ensuring a consistent performance from the IoT device.

SD-WAN does away with this complexity by enabling the combination of a range of connections into one hybrid network. SD-WAN allows management of the network from one interface and also makes routing decisions while trying to prioritise traffic.

2) Enhances Security As mentioned earlier, IoT devices are subject to hacks and attacks. The developer may leave endpoints open for further developmental processes, and these endpoints ultimately serve as vulnerable loopholes for hackers. Improper penetration testing of IoT applications can be another reason IoT devices suffer security issues.

SD-WAN offers high-quality security features through fine-grain segmentation of WAN. Through fine-grain segmentation of WAN, IoT devices are isolated or detached from the rest of the network, thus preventing hackers from accessing extremely secure and sensitive information. Moreover, SD-WAN also enables the virtualisation of security services so that they are deployed across a range of networks in a software format.

3) Enhances Network Visibility Real-time visibility is another challenge faced by IoT devices dependent on a spectrum of connections. Poor visibility results in the inability to identify the performance attributes of the IoT devices. This could prevent an information officer from gaining access to important metrics and ultimately result in poor device performance.

Most service providers offer SD-WAN solutions embedded with real-time visibility functionality that allows capturing the application and network performance in real-time. Even data such as the total bandwidth consumed by the IoT device can be captured using this functionality. This data can further be used to troubleshoot existing application issues or eventually enhance the device’s performance.

Adopting SD-WAN for your business can provide uninterrupted connectivity keeping your IoT devices on the toe round the clock. For more information on SD-WAN for your IoT devices, contact SMOAD.

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The 5G is a complex technology making its security overwhelming. Enterprises are faced with the immense challenge of resolving security concerns of 5G; if you don’t, you are risking the growth of your organisation. The increased urgency to deploy new services adds to the risk. 5G network manufacturers and service providers are responsible for integrating security while deploying 5G. They must assess security effectiveness and focus on innovation rather than worrying about risks.

5G and SD-WAN The rise in user expectations has increased the complexity of WAN. SD-WAN monitors the performance of mixed connections like MPLS, internet, dedicated circuits, and satellite, selecting the most appropriate connection according to the traffic type. The SD-WAN makes decisions based on link performance, connection cost, and application needs. Traffic can be prioritised based on time-sensitive applications like VoIP over less urgent email.

SD-WAN built-in security The advantage of SD-WAN security is that it is built from the ground up. It is not an addition after the organisation is exposed to threats. A secure SD-WAN connection supports 5G speed without hampering business critical communication or breaching security gaps.

Security should match 5G Active traffic inspection at 5G speeds slows down the performance of next-generation firewalls (NGFW). Depending on native security functions of 5G networking solutions alone may not be sufficient, and organisations should adopt integrated, end-to-end security solutions to protect from threats. A secure SD-WAN solution can prepare the 5G to combat new world risks.

The security should be robust, integrated, and multilayered regarding internet branching. While combining SD-WAN and 5G solutions includes an integrated group of multilayered security controls and native controls for a secure solution. If you are experiencing local breakouts in your wired and wireless connections, integrate NGFW, DNS, SWG, IPS, and others for automated protection.

While bringing 5G into SD-WAN, the security concerns only increase. 5G means speed, and security bottlenecks must be addressed while keeping up with speed. SD-WAN security must be fast enough for 5G. With the volume of encrypted traffic increasing, the TLS adoption rate is faster. It is always important to support 5G without disturbing business-critical communications.

It is not easy to achieve this security standard as it is perceived. The NGFW performance takes a huge toll while inspecting encrypted traffic. Monitoring high volumes of encrypted traffic using TLS 1.3 encryption protocol to protect 5G connections from threats will harm SD-WAN and firewalls, putting both speed and security at risk.

So, how do we tackle this situation? Organisations must adopt Secure SD-WAN solutions from the ground up to improve performance. The answer is to use purpose-built security architecture instead of commercial processors. Ensuring the SD-WAN solutions are designed to manage critical security functions without compromising performance rates.

It is important to integrate security into the network seamlessly. With a unified management interface, changes in the SD-WAN environment are visible and managed from one interface. So, both can respond as one consolidated system when a connection requires a change.

The role of secure SD-WAN in 5G must be supported. SD-WAN integrating security and networking, along with hardware created for maximum performance and scalability to power 5G network, is perfect for organisations transitioning to 5G to look for advanced functions to avoid security concerns. Transcend into 5G smoothly with secure SD-WAN solutions for uninterrupted connectivity at an affordable cost.