Advanced cyber attacks have become far too commonplace, with over 40 billion records being stolen in 2022 so far. As you evaluate how to protect your distributed and dynamic workforce, legacy VPNs no longer make the cut. This is why over 60% of enterprises are adopting software-defined perimeter (SDP) solutions for identity-aware secure access.
In this comprehensive guide, we will start by understanding:
- The shortcomings of VPNs in today‘s cloud environments
- How modern SDP solutions provide logically air-gapped access
- An analysis of 9 leading options for companies of all sizes
- Key decision factors around deployment, integrations and controls
- Powerful real-world examples of SDP cyber resilience
By the end, you will be equipped to make the right SDP choice to meet your security imperatives and digital transformation needs. Let‘s get started!
Why Enterprises Are Abandoning VPNs
For decades, VPNs have been the go-to for remote access by encrypting connections to corporate networks. However, these legacy approaches have struggled to keep pace with cloud adoption and distributed workforces.
Several factors contribute to the growing VPN security gap:
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Surge in endpoints: Unmanaged BYOD devices represent over 60% of corporate endpoint fleets. VPNs cannot adequately assess risks from personal devices.
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Explosion of web apps: There has been 50X increase in sanctioned SaaS apps since 2019, far too many for VPNs to intermediary. Direct-to-cloud access poses risks.
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Work from anywhere: With employees working globally, routing all access via centralized VPN concentrators impacts performance, reliability and user experience.
Gartner predicts that 60% of companies will face one or more VPN-related data breaches by 2023 if they don‘t adapt to this rapidly evolving environment.
The SDP Revolution Powering Secure Access
Software-defined perimeters (SDPs) address these modern access challenges through logical isolation and policy orchestration.
Rather than placing everything behind a hard network barrier, SDPs use identity and context to cloak infrastructure. This means only verified users get temporary access tokens to specific applications and resources they need. Access happens directly without traversing the corporate network, reducing contagion risks.
Forrester research shows that SDPs can provide over 50% faster access to business apps compared to VPN-routed access. More importantly, they are better aligned to the principles of Zero Trust security.
So how exactly does this next-gen approach work?
Unveiling the Magic of Software-Defined Perimeters
SDPs leverage three key concepts to enable logical isolation and least-privilege access controls:
Controller: Policy engine that governs access based on identity, context like device posture, and application sensitivity
Gateway: Brokers authenticated connectivity to apps and infrastructure using secure microtunnels
Client: Lightweight agent on endpoints that checks health state and enables zero trust access
Together, they mask infrastructure from discovery while giving verified users direct access to only the apps and resources permitted based on dynamic assessments. This process is transparent providing frictionless user experience.
Now that you understand the foundations of SDPs, let‘s look at 9 leading solutions in this rapidly evolving market.
9 Notable SDP Vendors To Consider
While still an emerging technology, there are excellent options across startups and established players. Here is an evaluation of 9 noteworthy SDP solutions:
1. Zscaler – Part of Zscaler Zero Trust Exchange, a proven leader in cloud security. Recommended for large enterprises.
2. Perimeter 81 – Fast-growing innovator offering easy SaaS delivery. Ideal for mid-size firms replacing VPN access.
3. Appgate SDP – On-prem and SaaS offerings catering to complex business needs. Integrates with leading identity partners.
4. Symantec Web Isolation – Purpose-built product to secure web access across industries. Generous free tiers to get started.
5. NordLayer – Combining SDP with firewall, SWG and other ZT tools. Unique strengths in obscuring infrastructure.
6. Cloudflare Access – Harnesses global edge to power SDP in tandem with email and browser isolation.
7. Twingate – Agent-based, lightweight SDP popular with startups and modern tech firms.
8. Thales Trusted Access – Long-time access management vendor now with SDP for existing clients.
9. Netskope Security Cloud – Augments leading CASB platform with integrated SDP and private app access.
This shows the diversity of offerings available. From network security giants to born-in-the-cloud innovators, they span a wide range of capabilities, integration readiness and deployment options.
Let‘s now dive deeper on what to consider when making your buying choice.
Key Buying Criteria for Enterprise SDP Solutions
As you evaluate options to find the best fit, here are 6 aspects to factor:
1. Available deployment modes – Public cloud, private cloud or on-premises gateways
2. Integration support – Identity providers, endpoints, cloud platforms etc.
3. Granularity of segmentation – App, environment, data isolation groups
4. Client flexibility – Agent, agentless, air-gapped modes
5. Performance impact – Latency, throughput, global points of presence
6. Platform consolidations – Unified view with CASB, FWaaS, ZTNA etc
Let‘s analyze these elements across a few representative vendors:
| Dimension | Symantec | Perimeter 81 | Zscaler | Twingate |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Deployments | Multiple | Cloud-native | Cloud proxy | Agent-based |
| Integrations | Robust | Okta, Azure AD | Leading IDPs | Top IDPs |
| Segmentation | Strong | App, data | App, lateral control | App, server |
| Client types | Agent, agentless | Agentless | Clientless | Agent |
| Performance | Optimized | Low latency | Carrier-grade | Lightweight |
| Consolidation | Integrated | Available via partner | Integrated ZT stack | Focused SDP |
This shows that while all meet core requirements, they excel in different areas based on technical foundations and business strategies.
Let‘s now look at real-world examples of SDP use cases and benefits.
SDPs in Action: Transformation Stories
Many leading companies have adopted SDPs to enhance security and reimagine connectivity in innovative ways:
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Fortune 500 bank – Deployed SDP with access policy tuning to decommission 30% of VPN infrastructure and reclaimed costs. Critical apps observed 60% drop in unauthorized access attempts.
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Technology unicorn – Built global innovation hub spanning public clouds powered by Zero Trust architecture with SDP enforcing least privilege. Yielded 40% savings in security licensing.
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eCommerce leader – Embraced SDP as a pilot use case for zero trust adoption. Integrated with identity system for native app access controls. Achieved goal of sub-10 minute privileged access approvals.
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Industrial manufacturer – Drove Zero Trust for OT modernization using SDP segmentation to isolate plant networks. Improved employee experience accessing inventory and workflow systems. Significantly reduced breach risks.
These examples showcase innovative ways SDPs provide contextual access with reduced risks. The technology serves as an enabler of transformation rather than just another tool.
Ready to get started exploring SDP solutions? Most vendors offer free trials or proof of concepts. Take one out for a spin today!
Key Takeaways from This SDP Guide
We‘ve covered a lot of ground discussing the growing cyber risks of legacy VPNs, modern SDP capabilities, leading solutions and customer wins. Here are the 4 key conclusions:
1. SDPs beat VPNs – They eclipse VPN security through cloud-friendly, identity-centric access with far lower business risk.
2. Range of choice – From incumbents to disruptors, excellent SDP offerings for needs of every size business.
3. Critical enabler – SDPs serve as a pivotal launch point for step-wise Zero Trust realizations.
4. Drive transformation – SDPs help reimagine secure connectivity to unlock innovation and efficiency.
The future of enterprise access is SDP-powered – policy-driven, least privilege connections from any user, any device to any app. As cyber threats proliferate in complexity, SDPs provide the versatility, visibility and trust organizations need to stay resilient.
Now over to you – does your access security strategy have SDP readiness? I welcome your perspectives and questions in the comments section below!
