SD-WAN is a transformative technology that enhances traditional WAN by optimizing the network infrastructure of modern enterprises. However, as organizations adopt SD-WAN, they expand their cyber-attack surfaces due to the use of multiple connections. This means hackers have more potential attack points.
SD-WAN has management plane vulnerabilities that can enable unauthorized access, data theft, and configuration manipulation. Hackers can also use SD-WAN to escalate privileges, bypass security controls, and orchestrate supply chain attacks.
Integrating security into SD-WAN is crucial. A layered security strategy includes implementing network segmentation, security policy development, continuous monitoring, and multi-factor authentication. 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.
Organizations should factor in security when planning and implementing SD-WAN. This includes examining the threats, developing clear and comprehensive security policies, choosing a good secure SD-WAN solution, configuring security, integrating with existing security systems, and managing vulnerabilities carefully.