Partner Spotlight: Securing the Edge with Zededa

OpenVPN has partnered with ZEDEDA to make this a possibility. In this post, we’re going to break down what this partnership means and how OpenVPN and ZEDEDA technology work together to make it happen. 

Protecting the EDGE 

First, let’s break down what we mean when we refer to the Edge, as well as an Edge Device. 

According to Tech Target, "Edge computing is a distributed information technology (IT) architecture in which client data is processed at the periphery of the network, as close to the originating source as possible…An edge device is any piece of hardware that controls data flow at the boundary between two networks.”

The number of edge devices is constantly growing, especially when factoring in IoT devices — which presents an easier target and entry point for threat actors. Simultaneously, IT managers and security leaders are tasked with protecting this complex network of devices. It requires centralized control, strong security policies, and a security ecosystem that not only understands but supports these challenges. 

However, the security challenges don’t stop there.

IoT devices have become part of OT environments. Things like autonomous controls can be major targets that can have real-world impacts. Yet OT is still often ignored as a major threat in cybersecurity.

This is why OpenVPN and ZEDEDA have joined forces. 

What is the joint OpenVPN and ZEDEDA solution?

OpenVPN and ZEDEDA created a technology partnership to integrate content filtering, intrusion detection, and intrusion prevention — all with the Edge in mind. The goal is to help companies deploy a Zero Trust secure overlay network in distributed edge environments and devices. This also allows remote management of Edge devices and applications — even if you’re operating at a large scale with thousands of devices. 

This joint solution is particularly valuable for companies managing IoT ecosystems, where managing thousands of devices across distributed locations demands centralized control and strong security policies. You can implement Zero Trust measures on thousands of devices without needing hundreds of man-hours. 

Diving a little bit deeper, this joint solution uses CloudConnexa’s tunneling protocol for robust network access alongside a powerful policy engine and incorporates content filtering and IDS/IPS to establish a secure, easily managed overlay network. At the same time, it leverages ZEDEDA's purpose-built orchestration solution for the distributed edge. 

What does this mean for you? Simplified onboarding, visibility, and control across thousands of devices.

Benefits of the joint OpenVPN and ZEDEDA solution

We’ve mentioned a few of the goals of the joint solution, such as stopping bad actors from successfully infiltrating Edge network devices. However, there are a few key benefits that take this solution a step further:  

• Secure networking/ZTNA: Create a dedicated worldwide private overlay network from the edge to the cloud. Use it for remote access, site-to-site, or inter-device communications.
• CyberShield: Protect remote access with an easy-to-use, customizable IDS/IPS and content filtering feature.
• Application-based domain routing: Domain name awareness combined with sophisticated routing logic helps you define routes to connected networks using domain names.
• Full-mesh topology: Gain immediate access to one direct and multiple indirect routes to your applications and devices connected to any of the other PoPs, with worldwide PoPs fully mesh-connected to each other.
• Device identity and access control: Digital certificates identify devices and provide them with persistent IP addresses. Identity-based access control determines who can access what.
• Point-and-click configuration: Use web-based administration and configuration wizards to quickly, easily, and economically connect private networks, devices, and servers.
• Location context: Allow or block connections based on the IP address of the connecting device.
• Device posture: Configure a device posture policy that uses device attributes to evaluate the level of security — and decide if it is safe to connect.
• Simplified edge management and orchestration: ZEDEDA provides centralized management and orchestration of edge devices, enabling administrators to remotely configure, monitor, and update hardware and applications.

Use cases for the joint OpenVPN and ZEDEDA solution

It’s important to note that the CloudConnexa Connector installs on edge nodes via the ZEDEDA Marketplace in just minutes. You read that right — minutes. Not hours.

This edge networking solution is ideal for scenarios like:

• Industrial IoT Deployments: Securely connect edge devices, private data centers, and control systems without the risk of unauthorized access.
• Multiple Networks: Simplify the connection of devices across networks, even when dealing with overlapping IP addresses. This is particularly beneficial for complex network setups or multi-site organizations.
• Persistent IP Addressing for IoT Devices: Enjoy the ability to remotely access and manage your devices using fixed IP addresses, streamlining device management.

Where to get the OpenVPN ZEDEDA partner solution

If you’re thinking “this sounds amazing, I can’t wait to sign up!” then we have good news for you: the OpenVPN and ZEDEDA partner solution is now available in the ZEDEDA marketplace. To learn more about how the joint solution from ZEDEDA and OpenVPN can solve your edge infrastructure security challenges, visit ZEDEDA’s site. 

Interested in learning more about OpenVPN’s partners, or becoming a partner yourself? Visit our partners page. You can also reach out to our partner team for an even deeper discussion.

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