A method and apparatus for deploying configuration instructions to security devices in order to implement a security policy on a network are disclosed. An address translation alteration performed on packets communicated between a management source and a plurality of security devices, resulting from implementation of a proposed new network security policy, is detected. One or more sets of security devices are identified that would each have one or more configuration dependencies as a result of the address translation alteration. Configuration instructions are sent from the management source to each of the one or more sets of security devices using an order determined by the identified configuration dependencies. The configuration instructions are used to implement the security policy on the network. As a result, firewalls and similar devices are properly configured for a new policy without inadvertently causing traffic blockages arising from configuration dependencies.