The present disclosure pertains to systems and methods for improving security and simplifying authentication in a software defined network (“SDN”). In various embodiments, the systems and methods disclosed herein may be applied in operational technology networks, such as those used in electrical power systems. In one embodiment, a device to be authenticated may be in communication with a network device. The network device may receive authentication credentials from the device to be authenticated and may communicate the authentication credentials to an authenticator. The authenticator may assess and approve the authentication credentials and communicate approval of the authentication credentials to the network device. The network device may implement a plurality of communication flows associated with the device to be authenticated.