Secure networking between enterprises and 3rd parties has reached a pivotal tipping point.
Traditional site-to-site (S2S) VPNs, once the backbone of solution and service providers’ access to customers’ private enterprise networks, are increasingly falling short due to their inherent security vulnerabilities and performance bottlenecks. As a result, many companies no longer accept 3rd party enterprise access using VPNs, forcing solution providers to either deploy on-premises or not provide services and support remotely.
VPNs Are Failing
They introduce vulnerabilities, performance issues, complex management, data breaches, unauthorized access, and inefficiencies.
As businesses increasingly integrate their IT and OT systems with those of their solution providers, relying on traditional VPNs and perimeter security infrastructure for network connectivity is becoming problematic, leading to significant security and performance challenges.
Furthermore, rapid advancements in AI and the growing implementation of the Industrial Internet of Things (IIoT) add layers of complexity to an already intricate multi-network environment.
Highlight
NetFoundry’s Zero Trust network makes applications invisible, secure, and efficient, eliminating VPN limitations.
How It Works
Introduction to Zero Trust Connectivity
NetFoundry introduces a revolutionary Zero Trust inter-enterprise networking solution, redefining secure connectivity for solution providers and their enterprise customers. This advanced approach allows solution providers to embed Zero Trust principles directly into their offerings. By employing a “design-in” and “secure-by-default” strategy, NetFoundry eliminates the limitations of conventional VPNs, providing a secure, flexible, and efficient alternative.
Invisible on the Internet
NetFoundry uses a Zero Trust Internet-overlay network to enhance security by eliminating listening ports, thereby protecting against port scanning. Only clients (applications or machines) authenticated with a strong identity can connect to the NetFoundry overlay network. This architecture relies solely on outbound connections, removing the need for any inbound firewall openings. Consequently, applications secured by NetFoundry become virtually “invisible”—undetectable and impervious to direct attacks.
Zero Trust Overlay SDNs
Zero Trust Connectivity with End-to-End Encryption & AppNets
NetFoundry's “Designed-In” Security: A Paradigm Shift
Driving Customer Adoption and Revenue Growth
NetFoundry enables providers to extend their market reach by offering SaaS models to enterprises traditionally constrained to on-premises solutions. Providers can now remotely access and manage their on-premise solutions. This adaptability not only accelerates customer adoption but also opens new revenue streams by facilitating remote support across diverse use cases.
Elevating Profit Margins Through Operational Efficiency
Mitigating Risks with Comprehensive Compliance
Accelerating Deployment and Feature Implementation
Through operational automation, NetFoundry facilitates faster deployments and the seamless integration of new features without the typical infrastructure constraints, thus speeding up go-to-market strategies.
NetFoundry Success Stories in Diverse Industries
NetFoundry Advantages
NetFoundry customers have accelerated sales and adoption of their smart connected products because of the advantages NetFoundry has over traditional connectivity approaches including the following:
Enhanced Network Security and Simplified Compliance
Rapid Deployment with Minimal Risk:
By eliminating the need for network access from customers, NetFoundry ensures a secure, straightforward setup that simplifies IT processes and accelerates approval for deployment.
Streamlined Network Management
No Inbound Access Required:
Customers can enhance security by denying all inbound access,
removing the burden of managing complex OT and IT firewall rules.
Complete Operational Oversight
Rigorous Security Posture
Robust Zero Trust Security Model:
Customers benefit from reduced risk, as NetFoundry obliges providers to adhere to a strict zero trust security framework, ensuring end-to-end
protection.
Access and Exposure
NetFoundry ensures secure application-specific access without the need for network-level exposure, eliminating the risk of external and lateral movement attacks inherent in traditional VPN/firewall setups.
Simplified Management and Enhanced Control
Operational Oversight, Cost-Effective & Resilient
How NetFoundry Works
Zero Trust Connectivity with End-to-End Encryption & AppNets
NetFoundry vs. Traditional VPN/Firewall Comparison
Feature
Traditional S2S VPN/Firewall
NetFoundry
Access
Requires network access, public IPs, inbound ports.
Zero Trust; no network-level access is required.
Exposure
Exposed to external network and lateral attacks.
Protected against external network and lateral movements.
Management
Complex management of OT/IT rules, VLANs, etc.
Simplified management; outbound ports/IP/DNS only.
Visibility & Control
Limited control; providers manage access, infrastructure.
Enhanced control, visibility with customer-managed solutions.
Cost
High cost due to complex network equipment.
Lower operational and capital expenditures overall.
Resiliency
Relies on point-to-point connections with potential failure.
Multi-point optimized network; no single point failure.
NetFoundry vs. VPN Technical Comparison
Feature
Traditional S2S VPN
NetFoundry
Inbound Port Exposure
Must open firewall holes for IPs, UDP ports.
No inbound ports are required at all.
Outbound Port Exposure
Requires opening multiple TCP and UDP ports.
Uses port 443 for secure network access.
Identity Management
Requires complex firewall & NAT management.
Managed via web console using X.509 certificates.
Authentication and PKI
Options: IKE with certificates or own PKI.
Continuous authentication with session-specific certificates used.
Authorization and Access
Internet-based with static routes, no latency optimization.
Performance-optimized, multipoint overlay with dynamic routing.
Networking
Multi-point network optimized, no single point failure.
Relies on point-to-point connections, potential failure points.
Control and Telemetry
Configured separately for tunnels, firewalls, IP addresses.
Centralized control with end-to-end visibility ensured.
Seamless Implementation Process
Set Up
Set up the zero trust overlay network.
Embed
Embed connectivity and build access policies.
Lock Down
Close inbound ports to secure the network.
Seamless Implementation Process
Identity-Based Networking
Continuous Authentication and Authorization
Encryption and Secure Networks
Secure Overlay Networks
Secure Overlay Network Advantages
Security
The model allows only authorized endpoints to start sessions, with all traffic flowing out to the overlay network. This configuration enables bidirectional communication while permitting the closure of inbound firewall ports, enhancing security.Telemetry
It offers detailed insights into data usage per endpoint and service, providing a clear picture of network activity.Resiliency
Deployed as a software-defined mesh, the routers support automatic load balancing and failover, offering high availability without compromising security as they don’t store sensitive keys or data.Low Latency
Sessions are routed individually to the quickest path available, with routers dynamically adapting to changes in network conditions, ensuring low-latency connectivity.
Data Exfiltration Protection
Enabling only the least privileged sessions blocks unauthorized data transfer attempts by compromised endpoints, safeguarding against data leaks.
Temporary Access
Routers like active support tickets can be dynamically and rapidly deployed or decommissioned, aligning with just-in-time access needs based on real-time conditions.
The NetFoundry Advantage Summary
NetFoundry takes a comprehensive, holistic approach to providing secure connectivity for solution providers. Whether it’s a smart connected product provider, software provider, service provider, or industrial solution provider, NetFoundry’s designed-in solution embodies a full Zero Trust model, mitigating risk across all IT and OT network infrastructure vectors compared to S2S VPNs.
NetFoundry delivers a secure, manageable, and efficient solution that aligns with modern cybersecurity best practices, representing a transformative approach to secure connectivity. For providers and their customers, adopting NetFoundry means embracing a future where secure connectivity is no longer a bottleneck but a catalyst for growth and innovation.
