In modern networking today, the emergence of Software-Defined Wide Area Network (SD-WAN) technology has sparked a paradigm shift, redefining how businesses connect and communicate. This transformation is particularly crucial in Australia, where reliable connectivity is vital due to its vast geographical expanse.
As organizations strive to enhance operational efficiency and security, the concept of “Zero Trust Everywhere” has gained momentum. This approach advocates continuous verification and strict access controls, countering evolving cyber threats. To understand the significance of this duo—SD-WAN and Zero Trust—in an Australian context, we delve into compelling statistics that underscore their role in revolutionizing network architecture and safeguarding digital assets.
Synergising SD-WAN and Zero Trust: A Perfect Partnership
Networking has witnessed a transformation propelled by two powerful concepts – SD-WAN and Zero Trust. SD-WAN has become an essential tool for organisations seeking secure and efficient connections among their branch offices, data centres and cloud resources. Through dynamic traffic routing and software-based management, it optimises network performance while streamlining operations.
Contrastingly, Zero Trust introduces a robust security framework, shattering the notion of inherent trust within networks. Regardless of device or location, Zero Trust promotes perpetual verification, stringent access controls, and a least privilege approach. This fortified security stance is designed to thwart data breaches and cyber threats.
Statistics reveal the escalating frequency and sophistication of cyberattacks – making this partnership more important than ever. As per reports, Australia encountered a staggering 59% increase in data breaches during 2020 alone. Such alarming figures emphasise the critical necessity for a proactive and dynamic network security approach, positioning the alliance of SD-WAN and Zero Trust as a formidable defence against the evolving landscape of cyber threats.
While SD-WAN doesn’t directly enforce Zero Trust, their coexistence is not conflicting. Rather, Zero Trust principles can seamlessly complement SD-WAN, bolstering security through micro-segmentation, identity and access management, continuous verification, and encryption. This harmonious fusion empowers organizations to establish an agile, secure, and resilient network infrastructure, effectively mitigating cyber risks.
Re-evaluating Legacy LAN Infrastructure: Embracing Zero Trust
The challenge doesn’t lie within SD-WAN (as many would say); it’s rooted in our outdated LAN infrastructure. It’s evident that our LANs persist in operating within the confines of a traditional ‘trusted network’ framework, offering users expansive network access instead of adopting a Zero Trust approach. However, the proposed solution misses the mark.
To safeguard on-site employees effectively, a comprehensive LAN transformation integrating Zero Trust principles is imperative. This domain might lack clarity for certain network operators who predominantly function within a cloud-oriented security context, focusing solely on Zero Trust for remote staff.
At IDS, we embrace Versa’s vision of ‘Zero Trust Everywhere.’ This approach extends Zero Trust Network Access to ALL personnel, whether stationed remotely or on-site. This mandates a profound reconfiguration of LAN operations. The LAN must transition to a Zero Trust model, ceaselessly verifying all entities and devices, irrespective of their network placement.
Forging the Path to a Secure Network Future
We’ve seen that customers span a wide spectrum when it comes to this matter. While some organisations adopt SD-WAN and Zero Trust solutions from distinct vendors, others embrace unified offerings from a sole provider, such as Versa. A significant number of these entities experience substantial advantages by leveraging an integrated networking and security framework that encompasses SD-WAN, Zero Trust Network Access (ZTNA), and an extensive array of security functionalities. Moreover, a progressive subset of enterprises is venturing into extending Zero Trust principles to their LAN environment.
As this approach is still growing, we look forward to its growth. If you’re exploring the Zero Trust concept for the first time, get in touch with our team. Together, let’s reshape and redefine our approach to securing networks, ultimately benefiting the entire landscape.
