Why software-defined perimeters (SDPs) are taking over where VPNs left off
VPNs (Virtual Private Networks) have been around for centuries – or at least… they’ve been the go-to place for secure remote access since the early days of the Internet. The problem, however, is that the world has changed and unfortunately VPNs have failed to do that – not even a little bit. They simply aren’t built for the way we work today. With cloud computing, a distributed workforce, and cyber threats evolving every day, VPNs are becoming increasingly outdated.
This is where Software-Defined Perimeters, or SDPs, come into play. Designed from the ground up for the way we work and live today, SDPs offer a fresh approach to network security that is more flexible, secure and easy to use than VPNs ever could be.
CEO and co-founder of DH2i.
VPNs are reliable but outdated
For years, VPNs were a solid choice. Users connect to a network by creating an encrypted ‘tunnel’ to keep information safe. But the way they do that leaves much to be desired. With VPNs, once a user signs up, they usually gain access to the entire network, even parts they don’t need. In the current security landscape this is a problem, and a rather serious one at that.
This is because VPNs come in two main varieties:
- Remote Access VPNs – These allow individuals to connect from anywhere, often using third-party apps
- Site-to-Site VPNs – Connecting entire offices or networks with dedicated hardware
So yes, these setups can work well in very simple situations. But as companies increasingly deploy mobile and cloud resources, VPNs are struggling to keep up.
SDPs are the smarter alternative for modern needs
Instead of just verifying a user’s location, SDPs focus on who the user is. They ensure that each person (and their device) has specific access to only the resources they need – and nothing more. You could think of it as a need-to-know approach, granting only granular access, reducing the risks of overexposure to sensitive and/or confidential data.
SDPs work by splitting the control plane (where access rules apply) from the data plane (where the data actually flows). When a user tries to connect, the SDP checks who he/she is, authenticates his/her device, and then connects him/her to specific resources.
Why SDPs Outperform VPNs
There’s a reason why more and more companies are turning to SDPs. They are simply better suited to today’s demands. Let’s take a look at some of the key advantages that SDPs have over VPNs:
Security, the ‘Zero Trust’ way: SDPs are based on ‘zero trust’, which means everyone must verify their identity and device before being granted access – no one is automatically trusted. Additionally, SDPs “hide” resources behind an invisible layer (often called the “black cloud”) that prevents hackers from even seeing the network.
Localized access and control: VPNs often give users more access than they need, but SDPs strictly limit access to what is necessary. This not only makes the network more secure, but also limits the damage if a user’s credentials are compromised.
Scaling without headaches: VPNs can become cumbersome and expensive as an organization grows, especially in cloud environments. However, SDPs are cloud-native and can easily scale across environments. Whether your resources are in private data centers, public clouds, or both, SDPs can handle it without the need for expensive hardware or endless reconfigurations.
Easy management with less hassle: VPNs are notorious for their constant maintenance. You need to handle hardware, set up configurations, and perform regular updates. Because SDPs are software-driven, much of that hassle is eliminated.
More affordable, greater ROI: VPNs require special equipment and ongoing maintenance, making them an expensive choice as the user base grows. SDPs, on the other hand, don’t require the same physical infrastructure, making them ultimately more affordable – especially for companies that scale quickly.
SDP in action
Companies with remote teams can finally take control with SDPs. You no longer have to worry about users gaining access to sensitive parts of the network that they should not touch. SDPs provide specific permissions for each user, allowing them to access only designated apps and files. In highly regulated industries such as finance and healthcare, SDPs prove essential to comply with strict data protection laws that VPNs alone cannot meet.
Another plus? SDPs allow organizations to quickly respond to new security threats without having to reconfigure networks or hardware. They provide a faster, more flexible way to adapt to emerging risks – something VPNs struggle to do.
SDPs are leading the way for modern security
If there’s one thing to remember, it’s this: SDP offers an efficient and secure approach – allowing organizations to control access, based on identity and device – improving security in ways that VPNs simply can’t match.
By switching from VPNs to SDP, organizations can stay ahead of today’s challenges and stay prepared for the future… with complete confidence.
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This article was produced as part of Ny BreakingPro’s Expert Insights channel, where we profile the best and brightest minds in today’s technology industry. The views expressed here are those of the author and are not necessarily those of Ny BreakingPro or Future plc. If you are interested in contributing, you can read more here: https://www.techradar.com/news/submit-your-story-to-techradar-pro