Why software-defined perimeters (SDPs) are taking over where VPNs left off

Date:
Fri, 20 Dec 2024 11:31:23 +0000

Description:
Discover why Software-Defined Perimeters (SDP) are replacing outdated VPNs
for secure, flexible network access.

FULL STORY ======================================================================

VPNs (Virtual Private Networks) have been around for ages or at least
theyve been the go-to for secure remote access since the early days of the internet. The problem is however, the world has changed, and unfortunately, VPNs havent kept up not even a little. They are simply not built for the way we work today. With cloud computing , a distributed workforce, and cyber threats evolving more and more every day, VPNs have grown increasingly outdated.

Heres where Software-Defined Perimeters, or SDPs, come into play. Designed from the ground up for how we work and live today, SDPs bring a fresh
approach to network security thats more flexible, secure, and user-friendly than VPNs could ever be. VPNs are reliable but outdated

For years, VPNs were a solid choice. Connecting users to a network by
creating an encrypted tunnel to keep information safe. But the way they do it leaves something to be desired. With VPNs, once a user is in, theyre usually given access to the entire network even parts they dont need. In todays security landscape, thats a problem, and a rather serious one at that.

This is because, VPNs come in two main flavors: Remote Access VPNs Letting individuals connect from anywhere, often with third-party apps Site-to-Site VPNs Linking up entire offices or networks with dedicated hardware

So yes, these setups may work well in very simple situations. But as
companies adopt more mobile and cloud resources, VPNs are struggling to keep up. SDPs are the smarter alternative for modern needs

Instead of just verifying a users location, SDPs focus on who the user is. They make sure each person (and their device) has specific access to only the resources they need and nothing more. You could think of it like a need-to-know approach, where only precise access is granted thereby reducing the risks of overexposure to sensitive and/or confidential data.

SDPs operate by splitting up the control plane (where access rules live) from the data plane (where data actually flows). When a user tries to connect, the SDP checks who they are, verifies their device, and then and only then, connects them to specific resources. Why SDPs are outpacing VPNs

Theres a reason why more and more companies are turning to SDPs. Theyre
simply better suited for todays requirements. Lets look at some of the main advantages SDPs have over VPNs:

Security, the Zero Trust Way : SDPs are based on zero trust , which means everyone has to verify their identity and device before getting access no
one is automatically trusted. On top of that, SDPs hide resources behind an invisible layer (often called the black cloud) that blocks hackers from even seeing the network.

Pinpointed Access and Control : VPNs often give users more access than they need, but SDPs limit access strictly to whats necessary. This not only makes the network safer but also limits any damage if a users credentials are compromised.

Scale Without the Headaches : VPNs can become clunky and expensive as an organization grows, especially in cloud environments. SDPs, however, are cloud-native and scale easily across different environments. Whether your resources are in private data centers, public clouds, or both, SDPs can
handle it without requiring costly hardware or endless reconfigurations.

Easy Management with Fewer Hassles : VPNs are notorious for their ongoing maintenance. Youve got hardware to deal with, configurations to set up, and frequent updates. SDPs, being software-driven, eliminate much of that hassle.

More Affordable, Greater ROI : VPNs require dedicated appliances and continuous upkeep, making them a costly choice as the user base grows. SDPs, in contrast, dont need the same physical infrastructure, so they end up being more affordable especially for companies that are scaling fast. SDP in
action

Companies with remote teams can finally take control with SDPs. No more worrying about users accessing sensitive parts of the network they shouldnt touch. SDPs allow specific permissions for each user, letting them access
only their designated apps and files. In highly regulated industries like finance and healthcare, SDPs are proving essential to meeting strict data protection laws that VPNs alone cant satisfy.

Another plus? SDPs allow organizations to respond quickly to new security threats, without the need to reconfigure networks or hardware. They offer a faster, more flexible way to adapt to emerging risks something VPNs struggle to keep up with. SDPs lead the way for modern security

If theres one thing to remember, its this: SDP provides an efficient and secure approach -- letting organizations control access, based on identity
and device -- enhancing security in ways that VPNs just can't match.

By switching from VPNs to SDP, organizations can stay ahead of current challenges, not to mention, stay prepared for the future... with the utmost confidence.

We've featured the best business VPN.

This article was produced as part of TechRadarPro's Expert Insights channel where we feature the best and brightest minds in the technology industry today. The views expressed here are those of the author and are not necessarily those of TechRadarPro or Future plc. If you are interested in contributing find out more here: https://www.techradar.com/news/submit-your-story-to-techradar-pro



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