In today's cybersecurity landscape, businesses cannot afford to leave their network security and control in the hands of third-party operators. Using a device managed and locked down by an Internet Service Provider (ISP) or operator may seem convenient, but it leaves businesses vulnerable to a host of operational, security, and reliability issues. Here's why relying on operator-managed devices is a poor practice, and why businesses should consider deploying their own solutions, like Fusion's SD-WAN.
The Risks of Operator-Locked Devices
1. Lack of Visibility and Control
When an operator manages your network devices, you lose direct control over configurations, updates, and logs. This lack of transparency means:
No Validation of Security Practices: You cannot verify if the operator has implemented robust security measures or if vulnerabilities are being patched promptly.
Limited Troubleshooting Ability: Without access to logs or configurations, diagnosing network issues becomes difficult and entirely dependent on the operatorâs responsiveness.
2. Security Concerns
Operators often have a mixed track record when it comes to cybersecurity. For example:
Shared Responsibilities: Operators manage thousands of devices, increasing the likelihood of misconfigurations or overlooked vulnerabilities.
Target for Attackers: A breach in the operator's infrastructure could expose all connected client devices, including yours.
3. Vendor Lock-In
Using an operator's locked-down device ties your business to their ecosystem, limiting your flexibility to adapt to changing needs. For example:
Restricted Features: You may not be able to enable advanced analytics or custom configurations crucial for your business.
Higher Costs: Switching operators becomes costly and cumbersome if your network depends on proprietary devices.
The Advantages of Owning Your Solution
Deploying your own networking solution, such as Fusion's SD-WAN, empowers your business in several ways:
1. Full Control and Visibility
Owning your solution allows you to:
Monitor Traffic and Threats: Tools like Fusion's Illuminate analytics provide deep visibility into network activity, enabling proactive detection and mitigation of threats.
Customise Policies: Tailor your networkâs behaviour to meet your specific business needs, such as implementing strict access controls or optimising traffic flows.
2. Enhanced Security
Fusionâs SD-WAN solution includes built-in security features that you control:
End-to-End Encryption: All traffic is encrypted, ensuring data integrity and confidentiality.
Real-Time Updates: You can apply security patches immediately, independent of an operatorâs schedule.
3. Cost-Effective and Reliable
While owning your solution may require an initial investment, the long-term benefits far outweigh the costs:
Bundled Features: Fusionâs SD-WAN includes advanced traffic analytics and redundancy at a price lower than most standalone analytics solutions.
Resilience: With a robust and reliable platform, youâre not at the mercy of an operatorâs service-level agreements or network outages.
A Real-World Comparison
Scenario 1: Operator-Managed Device
A business using an ISP-provided router experiences a cybersecurity breach. Post-incident analysis reveals that:
The operator delayed applying a critical firmware update, leaving the device vulnerable.
The business was unable to monitor suspicious activity due to restricted access to logs.
Scenario 2: Fusionâs SD-WAN
A business deploys Fusionâs SD-WAN solution and uses the bundled Illuminate analytics to monitor traffic.
The solution detects unusual lateral movement within the network and sends an alert.
The administrator blocks the suspicious activity and investigates, preventing a breach before it occurs.
The Fusion Advantage
Fusionâs SD-WAN offers a complete package that combines advanced traffic analytics, robust security, and seamless connectivity. Unlike operator-locked devices, it provides:
Total Control: You decide how your network operates.
Integrated Visibility: The Illuminate analytics platform ensures you see everything happening within your network.
Exceptional Value: Fusionâs SD-WAN solution costs less than most standalone advanced analytics tools, making it an unbeatable proposition.
Wrap
Using operator-managed and locked-down devices is a risky gamble for any business. The lack of visibility, security, and flexibility can leave you exposed to vulnerabilities and at the mercy of an operator with no vested interest in your business's success. By investing in your own solution, like Fusionâs SD-WAN, you gain the control, security, and reliability needed to future-proof your network and protect your business.
Donât fight blindfoldedâchoose a solution that lets you see and secure your network every step of the way.
