Traditional standalone Secure Web Gateway (SWG) solutions often struggle to provide a consistent security approach for all devices on the network, including unmanaged devices. Many organizations cannot control access to websites and are not able to enforce any policy, leading to increased vulnerability due to unmanaged devices connecting to the enterprise network. Some regulations such as HIPAA or PCI DSS require organizations to monitor and control web content accessed by users and devices. However, organizations donโt have visibility on web usage, security incidents and policy violations and need to implement a security approach founded on a comprehensive approach that includes SD-WAN and SWG as part of their overall security strategy.
This blog explores the benefits of integrating SWG capabilities into a secure SD-WAN for a unified, efficient, and comprehensive approach to network security.
1. Comprehensive Zero Trust Security
One of the primary challenges in network security is ensuring a consistent and robust defense against web-based threats for all users and devices, regardless of their managed or unmanaged status. The integrated SWG with secure SD-WAN addresses this challenge by extending comprehensive protection to the entire enterprise network.
With a unified security strategy, the integrated solution ensures that both managed and unmanaged devices receive the same level of protection. Whether it's guest devices, third-party contractors, or IoT devices generating web traffic, the network is fortified against potential vulnerabilities. This comprehensive approach is particularly crucial with the growing number of IoT, BYOD, and diverse guest devices accessing enterprise networks.
The secure SD-WAN's built-in next-generation firewall takes the security posture a step further. With features such as IDS/IPS, DDoS defense, and role-based segmentation, every user or device connecting to the enterprise network benefits from advanced threat detection and prevention capabilities. This multi-layered defense ensures a comprehensive Zero Trust Security model in branch locations.
2. Simplified operations and cost reduction
Integrated SWG with secure SD-WAN streamlines operations and reduces costs, offering a more efficient and manageable solution compared to traditional standalone deployments.
The integration process is simplified through a single site license, eliminating the need to install an SSE agent on each device and the complexity associated with individual SWG user licenses. This simple deployment approach streamlines the management of the integrated solution, providing comprehensive protection for all devices connected to the enterprise network.
Investing in an integrated SWG and secure SD-WAN solution is also more cost effective than managing separate security components. The consolidation of SWG functionalities into a secure SD-WAN reduces license costs, lowers maintenance overhead, and optimizes resource utilization.
3. Faster journey to unified SASE
The integrated SWG and secure SD-WAN pave the way for organizations to embark on a faster journey toward unified SASE (Secure Access Service Edge) by adding other SSE capabilities such as ZTNA (Zero Trust Network Access) and CASB (Cloud Access Security Broker). This not only protects the organization against cyber threats but also positions it for future scalability and adaptability in the dynamic landscape of cybersecurity.
ZTNA (Zero Trust Network Access) is based on the principle to โnever trust, always verifyโ, so that a device connecting to the network is not trusted by default. Unlike a VPN that gives connected users broad access to the corporate network, ZTNA limits user access to only specific applications or microsegments that have been approved for the user, enforcing least privilege access.
CASB (Cloud Access Security Broker) ensures sensitive data hosted in SaaS applications remains protected. It plays a vital role in identifying and detecting sensitive data, discovering shadow IT, monitoring user activity, and preventing data loss.
The integration of SWG features into a secure SD-WAN offers a holistic solution to modern network security challenges. From comprehensive Zero Trust security to simplified operations and cost reduction, the benefits are multiple. Embracing this integrated approach not only strengthens the organization against cyber threats but also provides a foundation for a faster transition to a unified SASE architecture. As organizations continue to navigate the complexities of the cybersecurity landscape, the synergy between SWG and secure SD-WAN stands as a beacon of enhanced security, efficiency, and future scalability.
The HPE Aruba Networking EdgeConnect SD-WAN familyโEdgeConnect SD-WAN, EdgeConnect SD-Branch, and EdgeConnect Microbranchโseamlessly integrates HPE Aruba Networking SWG through a single site license, providing a turnkey solution that is easy to deploy and eliminates the need to install an agent on each device. This approach ensures comprehensive protection for all users and devices on the network, regardless of their managed or unmanaged status, presenting a cohesive response to the dynamic threat landscape. Third-party SD-WANs can also benefit from this approach through the creation of an IPsec tunnel from the third-party SD-WAN solution to HPE Aruba Networking SWG.
Additionally, EdgeConnect SD-WANโs built-in next-generation firewall provides IDS/IPS, DDoS defense and role-based segmentation capabilities, strengthening threat defense in branch locations and across the WAN.
By implementing EdgeConnect SD-WAN with SWG, organizations can expand towards HPE Aruba Networking unified SASE, combining HPE Aruba Networking SSE with EdgeConnect SD-WAN. With capabilities extending to Zero Trust Network Access (ZTNA) and Cloud Access Security Broker (CASB), the solution ensures a future-proofed approach to enterprise security, adapting to the evolving digital landscape and cyber threats.
HPE Aruba Networking unified SASE not only accelerates deployment by streamlining the complexity associated with managing multiple security components, but also ensures unified security policies, centralized management, consistent Zero Trust access, and the ability to adapt to the evolving threat landscape.
To learn more, please read our solution overview on integrating SWG with EdgeConnect SD-WAN.
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Gabriel_Gomane
Gabriel Gomane has more than 15 years of experience in product marketing and product management, focusing primarily on networking, security and digital transformation. He has broad international experience, having held marketing positions based in Europe and in the US. Before joining HPE Aruba Networking, Gabriel worked for various high tech companies including Meru Networks and MEGA International. Gabriel holds a BS in engineering from Grenoble INP and an MBA from HEC Paris.
