Best Software-Defined Perimeter (SDP) Software - Page 4

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Researched and written by Lauren Worth

Software-defined perimeter (SDP) products are a specific type of network security solution which focus on network segmentation and user authentication. SDP itself is an architecture designed to allow access on a need-to-know basis, meaning every device and user must be verified before accessing either the network as a whole or specific systems and applications within a network. Unlike traditional network access controllers that utilize a lock and key approach, SDP segments networks by application use and analyzes user access permissions at a granular level across the network. SDP administrators can also customize and automate highly specific network security policies while enforcing them continuously.

Companies adopt SDP solutions because traditional network protection ecosystems are insufficient. If a hacker or unauthorized user obtains access to a traditional network, it’s uncertain what they can access. SDP, on the other hand, analyzes each access request at the application level, compares it to the user’s privileges, then grants or denies access. This verification process occurs continuously, increasing visibility into user behaviors and privileges.

SDP solutions differ from virtual private networks (VPN) because VPNs simply provide a barrier to network entry: an easy target for hackers. SDP, on the other hand, provides continuous authentication functionality and visibility into traffic and network activity. There is some overlap between zero-trust security solutions and SDP products as some SDP solutions utilize the zero-trust approach to continuous verification, simply hiding services, applications, networks, and devices until requests are verified. Still, SDP solutions help build specific network architectures that can be used to leverage the technology and increase the efficacy of zero-trust security solutions.

To qualify for inclusion in the Software-Defined Perimeter (SDP) category, a product must: