Check Point Software Technologies expanded its CloudGuard portfolio with the launch of two new security suites aimed at locking down enterprise SD-WAN deployments.

The company claims its latest security offerings, CloudGuard Connect and CloudGuard Edge, can be deployed from the cloud or on-premises in a matter of minutes and feature a unified threat and access platform, real-time threat prevention courtesy of ThreatCloud, and integration with leading SD-WAN vendors.

Check Point goes so far as to make the claim that its threat prevention technology achieves a "100% catch rate," by utilizing CPU-level inspections and OS-level sandboxing to prevent infection from zero-day and Gen-V.

CloudGuard Connect works to secure enterprise SD-WAN connections from the cloud, while CloudGuard Edge can be deployed using a virtual security gateway running on existing equipment including dedicated SD-WAN appliances and universal customer premise equipment (uCPE) devices.

As enterprises continue to move their branch offices to software-as-a-service (SaaS) applications, they are increasingly looking to SD-WAN to route traffic and cloud services. However, as enterprises begin to connect their branch offices directly to the cloud they also introduce new security risks.

“The movement to SD-WAN requires integrated security to protect enterprises from Gen V security threats,” said Itai Greenberg, VP of product marketing and management at Check Point, in a statement. “Enterprises expect top-rated security even at the branch office,” and Check Point's product can provide this, he continued.

The two new security suites are designed to work alongside customers' existing SD-WAN products. With the launch, Check Point unveiled partnerships with two of the largest SD-WAN vendors: VMware's VeloCloud and Silver Peak.

“Securing SD-WAN connections to the cloud is essential given today’s advanced cyber threats,” says Sanjay Uppal, VP and general manager of VMware VeloCloud, in a statement. “We’re excited to partner with Check Point to help drive the transformation in connecting branches to the cloud.”

Check Point's latest release and partnerships build on the company's existing CloudGuard portfolio unveiled in February 2018 with the release of CloudGuard SaaS.

The company's portfolio expanded once again with the acquisition of Dome9 for $175 million in October 2018. The integration of Dome9's technology meant the introduction of capabilities including cloud management and policy enforcement to CloudGuard portfolio.

Check Point's move into the highly competitive SD-WAN space comes as little surprise as security becomes an important differentiator.

Recent reports from Aryaka and IDG ( contracted by SD-WAN vendor Masergy) found that security remains a top factor when selecting SD-WAN platforms.