Introduction
With the demand for cloud-based technologies on the rise, security measures have become a vital aspect of cloud computing. When it comes to securing data in the cloud, traditional perimeter security has become obsolete. In its place, software-defined perimeters (SDP) have become more common. However, as cloud technology continues to evolve, so do the ways that organizations secure their cloud environments. This post aims to compare the traditional software-defined perimeter to a cloud-based software-defined perimeter.
Traditional Software-Defined Perimeter (T-SDP)
The traditional software-defined perimeter (T-SDP) was first introduced in 2013 as a way to replace the perimeter-based security model. The T-SDP, as the name suggests, centers around a software-defined network that creates a secure perimeter around enterprise applications, protecting them against external threats. The T-SDP operates through the use of identity, context, and device-based access controls.
Cloud-Based Software-Defined Perimeter (C-SDP)
The Cloud-Based Software-Defined Perimeter (C-SDP) is a more recent addition to the world of software-defined perimeters, and it’s quickly becoming a popular replacement for traditional perimeter-based security. The C-SDP allows cloud users to authenticate themselves before accessing the cloud, creating a secure and private network. By configuring granular policies and using software to mediate network access, organizations can easily control who is allowed to access their cloud resources.
Comparison
The T-SDP has been a reliable solution for many organizations for years, but the C-SDP is quickly surpassing it in popularity. Here are a few reasons why the C-SDP has become a preferable alternative:
-
Ease of Deployment: Since the C-SDP is cloud-based, it’s much easier to deploy, configure, and scale than the T-SDP.
-
Cost-Effective: Cloud-based solutions are often less expensive than their traditional counterparts, making the C-SDP a more cost-effective solution for most organizations.
-
Better Access Control: The C-SDP allows for more granular control over users and devices, giving organizations better access control to their cloud-based resources.
-
Improved User Experience: The C-SDP provides users with a more seamless experience by allowing them to easily access their cloud resources while keeping them secure.
Conclusion
As cloud technology continues to advance, so do the ways that organizations secure their cloud environments. While the T-SDP has been a reliable solution in the past, the newer cloud-based software-defined perimeter (C-SDP) has become a preferable alternative. With its ease of deployment, cost-effectiveness, better access control, and improved user experience, the C-SDP is quickly becoming the go-to choice for securing the cloud.
References
- Cloud Security Alliance. (2017). Software-Defined Perimeter.
- Tao, Z. (2018). The Difference Between Traditional VPN and SDP: Use Cases and Benefits of SDP.
- Fandango, A. (2020). How to Improve Your Security with a Software-Defined Perimeter.