Security used to be deployed in the data center, and a firewall kept the network safe within the confines of the enterprise. As companies transition to various cloud applications, each new connection to the cloud represents a point of potential breach, and a hole in the network security plan. Enterprises using a hybrid cloud approach to IT need a new strategy for keeping data and systems safe.

The changing security landscape. While organizations are increasing their security budgets and trying to solve problems with additional security tools and monitoring, as well as purchasing insurance in case of a breach, the spending is not correlating to decreased attacks. In fact, according to the Identity Theft Resource Center, 2016 broke all prior records for data breaches. It’s clear that throwing more money at the problem isn’t the way to solve network security in a hybrid cloud situation.

A new approach to security structuring is necessary. Attacks aren’t going away, but enterprises can change the way they handle threats by restructuring network security. There are a few key components that need to be addressed:

• Internet traffic from branches, vendors and other business partners and suppliers should come into regional hubs.
• The hubs are housed in data centers that are carrier neutral, providing connection with cloud service providers.
• Software-defined wide area networking (SD-WAN) technology is used to provide an overlay for underlying networks.

This approach offers a number of important benefits to a hybrid cloud setting:

• It reduces the distance that data needs to travel before connecting with the cloud service, offering fewer opportunities for the data to be compromised.
• Direct connection with cloud services reduces the attack surface of the data transmissions.
• When there is a problem or a suspected breach, IT personnel are able to isolate it more easily and identify the source of the problem, rather than sifting through their entire network configuration.

Keeping security distributed across the edge of the organization also prepares the enterprise for other trends that are impacting network security. The increasing popularity of Bring Your Own Device (BYOD) programs, and the widespread use of Internet of Things (IoT) devices increases the need for segmentation of the network to protect the overall security of the organization.

SD-WAN helps companies with multiple locations connect their workforces and offices, all while reducing costs and improving security. Integrating SD-WAN with a network ensures that the WAN stays flexible, functional, and ready for the years ahead. Contact eXemplify to find out how you can bring your customers the benefits of SD-WAN for a hybrid cloud environment.