Back in the day, the Internet simply transferred data between a small team of researchers. This is why it was simple and rudimentary. Nowadays, the Internet is so pervasive that it affects each and every single aspect of modern life.
From AI to the IoT, there’s a very little gap between humans and the devices that rule our lives. Data is transferred across oceans at lightning speeds and the Internet is far from what it used to be.
Now, it’s important to note that the Internet wasn’t necessarily built for security and privacy. The security measures we have today were born out of necessity and in response to threats as they developed.
This means that online security is constantly evolving to meet the changing needs of the Internet landscape.
VPNs Are Old Technology
Virtual Private Networks, also known as VPNs, first came onto the scene about two decades ago. Their aim was to improve online security by providing safe point-to-point security.
They did this by developing a tunnel through which to send encrypted data. Unfortunately, VPNs work best for an earlier version of the Internet. They can’t handle the complexities of IoT and 5G, not to mention the emergence of threats like NotPetya.
The security breaches present in today’s online landscape are so severe that they can significantly disrupt entire organizations. That’s why it’s important for companies to constantly update the security protocols that they have in place. And also migrate to comprehensive coverage solutions. One such solution is Software Defined Perimeter or SDP.
SDP is New
What is SDP? SDPs address Internet use and the different types of technology involved in the process. It doesn’t incorporate any encrypted tunnels and instead uses vibrant and customized network connections. These are micro-segmented to secure connections and accessed resources. This type of security protects businesses from modern-day online threats.
SDPs operate according to a Zero Trust protocol so that every time a user tries to access a resource or network, they have to go through multiple checks in order to gain proper authorization and authentication. This goes for human users as well as AI programs and IoT devices. Unauthorized resources will remain inaccessible to the user.
Now, VPNs, on the other hand, allow users to see and access all aspects of a network so long as they have authorization to access one part of it. This is irrespective of what’s relevant to the user.
To help you understand what is SDP, let’s say that it’s a hotel. If that’s the case then it means the user or “visitor” can only gain access to a single room. But will have to choose from several keys in order to unlock that entrance.
In the context of a VPN, the user would be able to access all of the main doors and rooms of the hotel with no limits.
Improved Network Access Rules
In the next section of our exploration of what is SDP, we’re going to take a look at what it’s capable of. In addition to improving online security, SDPs can also streamline the rules involved in allowing users to access a particular network.
This is important for keeping track of the creators behind a business’ network access rules and it eliminates the problem of creating an overabundance of rules. After all, this often leads to a lot of confusion that leads to network management issues, vulnerabilities in cyber-security and other security gaps.
SDPs have the ability to create short-term access rules on the fly and get rid of them when they become redundant. This means fewer rules to deal with and lower network access restrictions. Conversely, these features actually improve network visibility and control. Not only that but SDPs can generate rules within minutes, which makes for easier auditing and network administration.
Conclusion
Now that you know what is SDP, it’s time to take action. There’s no denying that using the Internet comes with a vast array of risks and potential vulnerabilities. It’s becoming increasingly important to protect oneself from the ever-evolving Internet misuses.
VPNs like IPVanish still offer a great security solution in that they protect users from the more common online threats and attacks such as data theft, interference and most forms of cybercrimes.
But, SDPs come with the added advantage of a totally safe network access solution that’s easy to use and streamlines network administration.
Since you know what is SDP, will you make the transition?
Let us know in the comments below. We love hearing from you!
