Learn More About Software-Defined Perimeter (SDP) Software
What is Software-Defined Perimeter (SDP) Software?
A software-defined perimeter (SDP) software helps create a blanket of security around a company's assets by applying a security boundary at the network layer.
SDP helps secure network perimeter, services, routers, applications, and systems in hybrid cloud, multi-cloud, and public cloud environments by applying virtual controls on software instead of hardware.
SDP works on the least privilege principle. When a user tries to enter a company’s network, the user and device are authenticated, irrespective of their location. Once authenticated, they are not allowed access to the entire network but only to those routers, services, or SaaS applications they need and are approved to access. SDP provides granular application-level segmentation instead of more complex network segmentation.
The cloud security alliance first introduced SDP. Cloud security alliance is a not-for-profit organization that promotes best practices for security in the cloud.
SDP architecture consists of a receiving host, an initiating host, and a controller. Initiating host communicates with the controller to provide information on devices looking to connect with the network. Using an identification system, the SDP controller validates device and user identity based on pre-configured rules. Once it approves the device and user, it passes the approval to the SDP gateway. Once approved, it opens the virtual door for authorized users. The accepting host connects the devices to approved applications.
What does SDP stand for?
SDP stands for software-defined perimeter, a security solution that creates a perimeter around a company's IT assets.
What are the Common Features of Software-Defined Perimeter (SDP) Software?
The following are some core features of the software-defined perimeter solutions:
Application-level access: SDP allows access only to applications approved for a user and device, unlike virtual private network (VPN) software that provides remote access to the whole network once approved. So even if an intruder enters the system, their access is minimal, thus reducing the attack surface exposure and data breaches.
Granular access control: Once validated, the software provides a separate secure connection to each user.
Infrastructure agnostic: Software-defined perimeter is agnostic of infrastructure since it is software defined and not hardware defined. So they can be deployed anywhere—on-premises, private, or public cloud environments.
Location agnostic: Devices and remote users do not have to be in the physical perimeter to get a secure connection through SDP. This feature is extremely useful in the remote work scenario.
What are the Benefits of Software-Defined Perimeter (SDP) Software?
SDP provides a security blanket around the system infrastructure, shrouding it from unregulated external access.
Internet security: Software-defined perimeter provides a security cover around the software perimeter. This helps eliminate security risks when external users or devices connect to the network.
Multi-cloud security: Today, companies usually have multiple cloud environments from different vendors. SDP helps secure entry to all of them through one solution.
Zero trust network security access (ZTNA) across devices: SDP provides zero trust network security access (ZTNA) for each device and user, irrespective of location.
Restrict broad network access: Unlike VPN, SDP restricts access to broader networks. This way, even if a segment is compromised, other parts of the network are safe.
Support a wide variety of devices: SDP supports a wide range of devices such as laptops, desktops, mobiles, and even Internet of Things (IoT) devices. This wide range provides good security coverage to the network.
Who Uses Software-Defined Perimeter (SDP) Software?
Network administrators: SDP helps network admins ensure malicious devices and unauthorized users do not enter the system.
IT teams: SDP software helps IT administrators give a specific remote user access to third parties irrespective of their devices and locations.
What are the Alternatives to Software-Defined Perimeter (SDP) Software?
Alternative security solutions to SDP solutions include:
Virtual private network (VPN): Virtual private networks or VPNs provide company employees with secure access to the network. They create a barrier to the network to prevent hackers, malware, and unauthorized users from entering the network perimeter. But SDP is more powerful as it provides privileged access to very specific SaaS applications, unlike VPN.
Zero trust networking software: This software follows the zero trust security approach where a user, internal or external, is considered a threat until they are thoroughly verified. Zero trust network access (ZTNA) software provides privileged access control to the network connections.
Software Related to Software-Defined Perimeter (SDP) Software
Related solutions that can be used together with SDP include:
Multi-factor authentication (MFA): This software helps authenticate users in two or more ways to ensure that only authorized users and devices are logging on to the system. IT teams use push notifications, tokens, and one-time passwords ( OTPs) to authenticate users.
Firewall software: This software helps create a barrier between the network and the internet to prevent hackers and unauthorized users from entering the corporate network. It validates access based on pre-configured security policies to decide which remote users should be let into the network.
Challenges With Software-Defined Perimeter (SDP) Software
Software solutions can come with their own set of challenges.
Device compatibility: Although vendors generally ensure maximum compatibility, the software might not be able to connect some of the devices to the network.
Network and app reconfiguration: When SDP is deployed, all network connections and application settings must be reconfigured, causing disruptions during deployment.
SDP Controller uptime: One of the biggest challenges of SDP is that if the controller is down, users and devices cannot be connected to the network.
How to Buy Software-Defined Perimeter (SDP) Software?
Requirements Gathering (RFI/RFP) For Software-Defined Perimeter (SDP) Software
One important thing to consider while buying an SDP solution is the software’s ability to integrate with all devices. Buyers should be careful about the availability of the SDP controller and time for implementation, as implementation requires reconfiguration.
It is advantageous if the vendor offers a free trial so that the buyer can evaluate the product before making a long-term investment.
Compare Software-Defined Perimeter Software (SDP) Products
Create a long list
Buyers need to identify features that they need from their software-defined perimeter tools and start with a large pool of SDP vendors. Buyers must then evaluate the pros and cons of each product.
Create a short list
Short lists help cross-reference the results of initial SDP vendor evaluations with other buyer reviews on third-party review sites such as g2.com, which will help the buyer narrow in on a three to five-product list. From there, buyers can compare pricing and features to determine the best fit.
Conduct demos
Companies should demo all of the SDP products on their short list. During demos, buyers should ask specific questions about the functionalities they care about most; for example, one might ask for a demo of how the tool would behave when it detects a policy change.
Selection of Software-Defined Perimeter (SDP) Software
Choose a selection team
Regardless of a company’s size, involving the most relevant personnel is crucial during the software selection process. The team should include relevant company stakeholders who can use the security solution, scrutinize it, and check whether it will meet the organization’s requirements. The individuals responsible for the day-to-day use of SDP software must be a part of the selection team. IT admins, security teams, and decision makers could be the primary personas included in the group.
Negotiation
To get the best price, buyers looking to trim costs should try to negotiate the specific functions that matter to them. More often than not, the price and specifications mentioned on the vendor’s pricing page can be negotiated. Negotiation on SDP software implementation, support, and other professional services are also crucial. Buyers should ensure they receive adequate support to get the product up and running. The cost of SDP software typically depends on the number of users per month. Some even offer free trial periods to start with.
Final decision
Before deciding to purchase the software, testing it for a short period is advisable. The day-to-day users of the software are the best individuals to perform this test. They can use and analyze the software product's capabilities and offer valuable feedback.
In most cases, software service providers offer a short-term product trial. If the selection team is satisfied with what the software offers, buyers can proceed with the purchase or contracting process.
