As cyber threats continue to evolve, traditional perimeter-based security models no longer provide sufficient protection in a world where cloud services, remote work, and IoT devices dominate the network landscape. Enter Software-Defined Perimeter (SDP) solutions, which take a zero-trust approach to network security, ensuring that users and devices are authenticated and authorized before they can access network resources.
SDP solutions dynamically create a secure perimeter around users and devices, hiding sensitive resources and minimizing the attack surface. This article highlights the 9 best Software-Defined Perimeter solutions for 2024 that can help organizations enhance security and control access to their infrastructure.
1. Zscaler Private Access (ZPA)
Zscaler Private Access is a leading SDP solution that enables secure, zero-trust access to internal applications without exposing the network to external threats. ZPA uses a micro-segmentation approach to ensure users only access the applications they are explicitly authorized to use.
Key Features:
- Zero-Trust Network Access (ZTNA): Granular control over user access to applications.
- No Network Exposure: Users connect directly to apps without accessing the broader network.
- Seamless Integration: Works with cloud, on-premises, and hybrid environments.
Best For: Enterprises looking to replace traditional VPNs with a zero-trust model.
2. Perimeter 81
Perimeter 81 is an easy-to-use and scalable SDP platform that provides businesses with secure access to cloud and on-prem resources. It offers a unified network security solution that includes ZTNA, firewall-as-a-service (FWaaS), and secure web gateway (SWG) functionalities.
Key Features:
- Simple Management: Centralized cloud management of security policies.
- Network Segmentation: Divides network resources to reduce the attack surface.
- Multi-Cloud Support: Secures access across multiple cloud providers.
Best For: SMBs and mid-sized enterprises seeking an affordable, all-in-one SDP solution.
3. Cisco Duo Beyond
Cisco Duo Beyond combines the power of Duo’s strong multi-factor authentication (MFA) with a software-defined perimeter approach to secure application access. It ensures that only authorized users and secure devices can access applications, regardless of location.
Key Features:
- Device Trust: Only trusted devices can access company resources.
- Adaptive Access Policies: Dynamic access based on user behavior and context.
- Comprehensive MFA: Strong MFA built into every access attempt.
Best For: Organizations needing robust MFA along with SDP capabilities.
4. Appgate SDP
Appgate SDP is a zero-trust solution designed to simplify and secure network access. It dynamically creates secure, individualized network segments based on user identity and context, ensuring that users can only access the resources they are explicitly allowed to.
Key Features:
- Dynamic Access Control: Grants or denies access based on user identity and context.
- Invisible Infrastructure: Keeps the network invisible to unauthorized users.
- Micro-Segmentation: Reduces lateral movement in the event of a breach.
Best For: Enterprises looking for a comprehensive zero-trust security solution with a focus on identity.
5. Akamai Enterprise Application Access
Akamai Enterprise Application Access is an SDP solution that securely connects users to applications, both on-prem and in the cloud, without exposing the network. It uses a zero-trust model to authenticate users and devices, ensuring that only legitimate users access critical resources.
Key Features:
- Zero-Trust Approach: Ensures only authenticated users access applications.
- Global CDN: Leverages Akamai’s global CDN for fast, secure access.
- Cloud and On-Prem Support: Supports hybrid environments seamlessly.
Best For: Global enterprises needing secure, scalable access for distributed teams.
6. Google BeyondCorp Enterprise
Google BeyondCorp Enterprise offers an SDP approach built on Google’s zero-trust architecture. It provides context-aware access to applications without the need for a traditional VPN, using robust identity verification and device security checks.
Key Features:
- Context-Aware Access: Grants access based on user, device, and location context.
- No VPN Required: Securely access apps without the need for VPNs.
- Deep Integration: Works seamlessly with Google Cloud and Google Workspace.
Best For: Enterprises that already use Google Cloud or Google Workspace for their infrastructure.
7. NetFoundry
NetFoundry provides secure, zero-trust networking with its SDP solution that is optimized for cloud-native and edge applications. The platform allows organizations to create private, encrypted application networks without the need for traditional VPNs or hardware.
Key Features:
- Zero-Trust Network Fabric: Connects users to applications securely without exposing the network.
- High Performance: Optimized for fast, secure access to cloud and edge applications.
- Software-Only: No hardware dependencies for network deployment.
Best For: Cloud-first companies that need high-performance, zero-trust access to distributed applications.
8. Cato Networks
Cato Networks combines its global private backbone with an SDP approach to secure cloud and on-prem access. The solution offers a complete Secure Access Service Edge (SASE) platform that integrates ZTNA, SD-WAN, and other security features.
Key Features:
- Global Private Backbone: Ensures low latency and high performance for remote users.
- Integrated Security: Combines ZTNA, firewall, and SD-WAN capabilities.
- SASE Model: Provides comprehensive network security and access control in one solution.
Best For: Enterprises seeking a fully integrated network and security solution with global reach.
9. Okta Identity Cloud (with Advanced Server Access)
Okta is well-known for its identity management solutions, and its Advanced Server Access combines these capabilities with SDP functionality. Okta’s SDP solution provides seamless, secure access to servers without the need for VPNs or static credentials, focusing on zero-trust principles.
Key Features:
- Identity-Centric: Access control based on user identity and context.
- Dynamic Access: Automatically adjusts access privileges based on real-time context.
- No Static Credentials: Provides secure access without using static passwords or keys.
Best For: Organizations that prioritize identity management and want a zero-trust approach to server access.
Conclusion
As cyber threats grow more sophisticated, the need for secure, flexible, and scalable access solutions has never been greater. Software-Defined Perimeter (SDP) solutions represent a significant advancement in network security by adhering to zero-trust principles, ensuring that only authorized users and devices can access specific resources.
From comprehensive platforms like Zscaler and Cisco Duo Beyond to specialized solutions like NetFoundry and Google BeyondCorp, the nine SDP solutions listed here offer robust, scalable, and secure options for enterprises in 2024. Implementing an SDP solution can help protect your organization’s infrastructure, reduce the risk of breaches, and improve overall security.