WAN edge security

The challenge of WAN edge security

For a growing number of organizations, the IT environment is no longer limited to an on-premises data center or a controlled, secure perimeter. Developments like cloud computing, the Internet of Things and the work-from-anywhere workforce have created highly distributed environments with a need for high-speed connectivity and computing at the network’s edge.

Users today connect to wide area networks (WANs) from many locations on a multitude of devices, creating a host of new security and networking challenges. Organizations must enable secure remote access – often with personal devices and unsecured home networks or public WiFi hotspots – while not introducing latency in the connections to cloud applications that users rely on. IT teams must protect hybrid environments and edge WAN networks from a growing landscape of cyber threats while dealing with constrained budgets, skill shortages and limited visibility into activity within distributed environments.

Spectrum Enterprise can help. With managed security solutions that address demanding network requirements and advanced security challenges, Spectrum Enterprise enables IT teams to accomplish more with fewer resources and less complexity.

How SASE improves security at the WAN edge

To address the challenges of WAN edge security, many organizations have adopted a SASE approach to network security. In contrast to traditional network edge security, a SASE-based approach relies on cloud-based security technologies rather than firewalls installed on premises.

SASE solutions use a decentralized, cloud-delivery model that reduces latency by eliminating the need to backhaul traffic through an on-premises data center for inspection. This allows security technologies like web filtering, data loss prevention, DNS security and threat prevention to be applied at the edge of the network, using identity-centric security resources.

The SASE framework combines software-defined wide area networking (SD-WAN) with a handful of proven edge security solutions.

• A Secure Web Gateway (SWG) blocks unauthorized user activity, filters suspicious content from web traffic and helps enforce security policy.
• Firewall as a Service (FWaaS) delivers capabilities like URL filtering, intrusion prevention and security policy management.
• A Cloud Access Security Broker (CASB) prevents data loss, ensures compliance with regulations, uncovers shadow IT and defends against a wide array of threats and malware.
• Zero Trust Network Access (ZTNA) supports a Zero Trust approach to security by requiring users and devices to be continually authenticated before being granted access to network resources.

To simplify management for IT teams, these WAN edge security solutions should be managed from a central portal, enabling teams to apply cohesive security policies and to streamline management tasks.

WAN edge security with Spectrum Enterprise

For organizations seeking a SASE solution for improved WAN edge security, Spectrum Enterprise offers Cloud Security. This Spectrum Enterprise technology converges network and security services into a cloud-based platform centered on the identity of users, devices and apps. Along with SWG, FWaaS, CASB and ZTNA technologies, this cloud-based security solution also includes options for Multifactor Authentication (MFA) and Identity and Access Management (IAM). When combined with SD-WAN solutions like Enterprise Network Edge or Managed Network Edge from Spectrum Enterprise, Cloud Security comprises a complete solution that delivers all the benefits of the SASE framework.

With Cloud Security, IT teams have the tools they need to manage WAN edge security while enhancing network performance.

• Advanced threat protection. Cloud Security prevents cyber criminals from bypassing in-line defenses with attack vectors like malware, phishing attacks, valid certificates and trusted domains.
• Support for the hybrid workforce. Cloud Security enables mobile and remote users to access internal corporate and cloud applications from any location, on any device.
• Superior application performance. Spectrum Enterprise supports lower latency branch access to applications, allowing users at remote locations to securely access SaaS applications and the internet without backhauling traffic through a data center.
• Access to cloud applications. Regardless of location or device, employees can access cloud applications through direct-to-cloud and internet access.
• Secure VPNs. Cloud Security creates a secure network perimeter, allowing remote access to your network and applications regardless of geographical boundaries.
• Support for cloud migration. Cloud Security protects access to applications from any location, while delivering greater visibility and control to defend against sophisticated threats.

Additional solutions for WAN edge security

Spectrum Enterprise offers two fully managed solutions that help IT teams to achieve higher standards of performance in WAN edge security and networking.

Enterprise Network Edge, powered by Fortinet, provides large-scale organizations with the ability to transition to hybrid network architecture built around advanced SD-WAN technologies. This Spectrum Enterprise solution offers access to multiple cloud instances and advanced security with throughput speeds up to 100 Gbps. Enterprise Network Edge provides IT teams with complete visibility of security events and threats and enables teams to take an active role in managing and controlling policies of interest while leaving the rest to Spectrum Enterprise’s team of experts.

Managed Network Edge, delivered over the Cisco Meraki platform, offers a single solution for managing the complex challenges of providing security, scalability and flexibility at the edge of the network. Managed Network Edge integrates equipment, internet and networking services with WAN edge security solutions and a cloud-based management portal.

Both solutions enable IT teams to rely on Spectrum Enterprise experts to manage security updates and patching. With each solution, IT teams can enjoy a seamless experience with comprehensive support, simplified billing and faster solutions from a nationwide partner that delivers support 24/7/365.

Why choose Spectrum Enterprise?

Spectrum Enterprise delivers scalable, fiber technology solutions that benefit America’s largest businesses. Our wholly owned, national fiber network spans 245,000+ fiber-route miles and offers a 100% guarantee uptime SLA.¹ Our solutions include:

• Networking services for wide area networking, hybrid cloud networking, managed network services and managed WiFi, helping to streamline network modernization.
• Voice and unified communications technology that promotes collaboration and enables workers to connect from anywhere.
• HDTV solutions that impress customers, build loyalty and enhance the brand.

FAQs

What is the edge?

The edge of a computer network is the place where devices like desktops, laptops, servers, virtual machines, Internet of Things devices and tablets connect to the internet. The edge is the other end of the network from the centralized data centers and cloud computing environments that make up the core of the network. By moving data processing and storage to the edge, organizations can increase performance and reduce latency for certain workloads by keeping data closer to the users, devices and applications that need it.

What is WAN?

A wide area network, or WAN, is a geographically distributed network that connects multiple local area networks (LANs), such as a business’ headquarters, branch offices, cloud services and edge locations.

What is SASE?

SASE, or secure access service edge, is a model for enterprise networking and security. SASE converges software-defined wide area networking (SD-WAN) and a handful of security functions into a cloud-based service that improves management and security for highly distributed networks, users, data and applications.


¹100% uptime SLA guarantee applies only to Dedicated Fiber Internet, Secure Dedicated Fiber Internet, Ethernet Services, Cloud Connect and Enterprise Trunking.