Secure networking between enterprises and 3rd parties has reached a pivotal tipping point.
Traditional site-to-site (S2S) VPNs, once the backbone of connecting an enterprise with supply chain partners, 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 partners to either deploy on-premises or not provide services and support remotely.
As businesses increasingly integrate their IT and OT systems with those of their partners, 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.
VPNs Are Failing
VPNs introduce vulnerabilities, performance issues, complex management, data breaches, unauthorized access, and inefficiencies.
NetFoundry’s Identity-First Connectivity™ makes applications invisible, secure, and efficient, eliminating VPN limitations.
Introduction to Identity-First Connectivity™
NetFoundry introduces a revolutionary Identity-First inter-enterprise networking solution, redefining secure connectivity for enterprises and their partners. This advanced approach allows solution providers can embed NetFoundry’s connectivity 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.
Alternatively, for solutions that can’t easily be updated with built-in connectivity, NetFoundry’s connectivity can be embedded into containers or deployed on hosts. Either way, access points are completely invisible to the broader internet, and can only be accessed by partners who have been approved by policy and identified with X.509 certificates.
Invisible on the Internet
NetFoundry implements an 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.
Identity-First Overlay Networks
NetFoundry Advantages
NetFoundry customers have secured their integrations with solution partners 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 providers to have network access, NetFoundry ensures a secure, straightforward setup that simplifies IT processes and accelerates approval for deployment.
Streamlined Network Management
No Inbound Access Required:
Organizations can enhance security by denying all inbound access, removing the burden of managing complex OT and IT firewall rules.
Complete Operational Oversight
Visibility and Control:
With NetFoundry, organizations gain comprehensive visibility into their networks through advanced telemetry, coupled with the ability to manage and control their networking environments effectively.
Rigorous Security Posture
Robust Identity-First Security Model:
Organizations 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
With NetFoundry, both organizations and their suppliers gain simplified management capabilities and see unprecedented control over their connectivity, including full visibility, telemetry, and manageability without the complex and risky inbound access requirements.
Operational Oversight, Cost-Effective & Resilient
How NetFoundry Works
Identity-First Connectivity™ with a secure Overlay Network and End-to-End Encryption
Partner connections with strong identity
- X.509-based strong identity for devices
- IDP integration for human identity
Least Privilege Authorization
- Default posture is DENY ALL
- No route or service visibility without policy
Granular Access — app, host, or site
- Outbound-only connections without VPN or firewall rule changes
- Stop any potential lateral movement
NetFoundry vs. Traditional VPN/Firewall
Feature | Traditional Site-to-Site VPN | 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 Site-to-Site 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 | Relies on point-to-point connections, potential failure points. | Multi-point network optimized, no single point failure. |
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 Identity-First overlay network.
Embed
Embed connectivity and build access policies.
Lock Down
Close inbound ports to secure the network.
The NetFoundry Advantage Summary
NetFoundry takes a comprehensive, holistic approach to providing secure between organizations and their providers. Whether it’s a smart connected product provider, software provider, service provider, or industrial solution provider, NetFoundry’s designed-in solution embodies an Identity-Firstmodel, mitigating risk across all IT and OT network infrastructure vectors compared to site-to-site VPNs.
NetFoundry delivers a secure, manageable, and efficient solution that aligns with modern cybersecurity best practices, representing a transformative approach to secure connectivity. For organizations and their providers, adopting NetFoundry means embracing a future where secure connectivity is no longer a bottleneck but a catalyst for growth and innovation.
