SD-WAN Security: Are You Making These Mistakes?
SD-WAN adoption accelerates, driven by cost savings, performance improvements, and cloud connectivity requirements. However, security implementation frequently lags behind deployment timelines, creating significant vulnerabilities.
Mistake 1: Insufficient Encryption
Organizations sometimes assume all SD-WAN traffic is automatically encrypted. In reality, encryption configuration varies by vendor and deployment model. Verify encryption for all transport types, especially internet connections.
Mistake 2: Inadequate Segmentation
SD-WAN simplifies creating virtual networks, but many deployments underutilize segmentation capabilities. Properly implemented segmentation contains breaches and limits lateral movement.
- Segment by application sensitivity level
- Isolate OT/IoT devices from corporate networks
- Create separate segments for guest/contractor access
- Use micro-segmentation for critical applications
Mistake 3: Direct Internet Breakout Without Protection
SD-WAN enables direct internet access from branch locations, bypassing central security infrastructure. This improves performance but requires branch-level security controls matching centralized protection.
Mistake 4: Neglecting Cloud Integration Security
SD-WAN cloud connectivity simplifies access to AWS, Azure, and GCP but requires careful security architecture. Organizations must address cloud security posture, identity management, and data protection.
Conclusion
SD-WAN security requires deliberate design and implementation. Organizations that carefully architect security from the beginning achieve both performance benefits and strong security posture. Retrofitting security after deployment proves significantly more difficult and expensive.
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