The importance of integrating security in planning and implementing SD-WAN

Integrating security into SD-WAN

Security vulnerabilities can easily undermine SD-WAN’s benefits. As such, it is crucial to add security functions to it or integrate cyber defense capabilities such as end-to-end encryption and threat intelligence. Organizations can make SD-WAN secure through a layered security strategy that entails implementing multiple security features, including network segmentation, security policy development, continuous monitoring, and multi-factor authentication.

Additionally, various solutions such as Next-Generation Firewalls (NGFW), Secure Access Service Edge (SASE), Intrusion Detection/Prevention Systems (IDS/IPS), and Secure Web Gateways (SWG) can be integrated into SD-WAN. It is also advisable to implement the zero-trust security model, centralized security management, and mechanisms to securely onboard devices.

These may sound complex and something not many organizations would be proficient in. In most cases, though, integrating security into SD-WAN is a matter of choosing networking or edge devices that already combine SD-WAN and security capabilities. Organizations can integrate separate security solutions into their SD-WAN devices, but there is also the more convenient option of deploying devices that expertly bring together SD-WAN and security functions. It is worth mentioning that Check Point, a leading security vendor, offers a security-infused SD-WAN product.