Software-Defined Networking (SDN) is a network architecture that separates the control plane-the logic that decides how traffic should flow-from the data plane, which forwards packets. A centralized controller can manage forwarding rules across multiple network devices, rather than requiring each device to be configured independently.
In cybersecurity, SDN can improve visibility and make it easier to segment networks or apply consistent policies. In industrial environments, monitoring tools may use SDN information to understand traffic and detect anomalies. If a connected system can also change network rules, however, the controller and its integrations become sensitive trust boundaries: unauthorized or mistaken changes could disrupt operations. Defenders should restrict controller access, separate monitoring from enforcement where practical, and test changes and recovery procedures before applying them to operational networks.