Demystifying SASE: What is Secure Access Service Edge?

Secure Access Service Edge (SASE) is an innovative cloud architecture model. Gartner introduced the term SASE describing it as the future of network security in cloud. This forward-looking concept integrates network and security-as-a-service functionalities into a unified cloud service.

SASE Components

SASE is designed to empower enterprises with enhanced agility, robust network performance, in-depth visibility, and control across diverse IT environments, and more. It redefines the traditional boundaries of networking and security, enabling remote and work-from-anywhere employees to benefit from services such as Firewall as a Service (FWaaS), Secure Web Gateway (SWG), Zero-Trust Network Access (ZTNA), and a range of advanced threat detection capabilities.

SASE is a comprehensive framework comprising two key components: Security Service Edge (SSE) and Software-Defined Wide Area Networking (SD-WAN). SSE is a subset of SASE, focusing specifically on the security services delivered through a SASE cloud platform. This approach addresses the evolving customer demands for simplicity, scalability, flexibility, low latency, and pervasive security in a rapidly changing network security landscape. With its unique blend of network and security capabilities, SASE is poised to shape the future of network security by offering a holistic and adaptable solution that aligns with the demands of modern enterprises.

SASE is important because:

• Businesses now rely on cloud apps and remote work.
• Traditional networks have expanded beyond their limits.
• Security tools haven’t kept up with these changes.
• VPN-only solutions are no longer effective.
• To compete, all endpoints need consistent security and networking policies, no matter where they are.

How SASE works?

A SASE architecture is like a strong shield for your internet connection. It combines a special kind of network with various safety features, like protection from online threats and secure access to the internet. This keeps your internet traffic safe.

In the old way of checking internet traffic, data had to travel a long way to be checked and then come back to you. But now, with many people working from home, this takes too long and can make things slow and frustrating.

SASE is different and better because it’s quick and safe. Instead of sending your data all the way to a faraway place for checks, it gets checked nearby and then goes where it needs to go. This makes it faster to use apps and keeps your information safe, which is great for people working from different places and storing data online.

Read also: 10 Ways to Secure your Remote Workforce

SASE Components:

The SASE model comprises six essential components that define its capabilities and technologies:

• Software-Defined Wide Area Network (SD-WAN): SD-WAN is a technology that simplifies network management and enhances the user experience by choosing the most efficient route for internet, cloud application, and data center traffic. It also facilitates quick deployment of new apps and services while managing policies across multiple locations.
• Secure Web Gateway (SWG): SWGs protect your internal network by blocking unsecured internet traffic. They shield employees and users from harmful web content, vulnerable websites, internet-based threats like viruses and malware, and other cyberattacks.
• Cloud Access Security Broker (CASB):CASBs ensure safe use of cloud applications and services, preventing data leaks, malware infections, regulatory non-compliance, and providing visibility into cloud app usage. They secure cloud apps hosted in public clouds, private clouds, or delivered as SaaS.
• Firewall as a Service (FWaaS): FWaaS allows you to replace physical firewall appliances with cloud-based firewalls that offer advanced Layer 7/next-generation firewall features, such as identity & access management, URL filtering, advanced threat prevention, intrusion prevention systems, and DNS security.
• Zero Trust Network Access (ZTNA): ZTNA solutions enable secure access to internal applications for remote users. They operate on a zero-trust security model, meaning trust is never assumed, and access is granted based on granular policies. This approach ensures secure connectivity for remote users without exposing your network or applications to the internet.

Read also: Why do you need Zero Trust for your organization?

• Centralized Management: Managing all these components through a single console simplifies tasks like change control, patch management, coordination of outage windows, and policy management. It also ensures consistent policies are applied across your organization, regardless of where users are connecting from.

Benefits of SASE

• Cost and Complexity Reduction: SASE simplifies security by focusing on users rather than a secure perimeter. It lowers IT costs and management overhead by dynamically allowing or denying connections based on an organization’s security policies.
• Improved User Experience: SASE optimizes user experience by bringing security closer to users, avoiding the drawbacks of traditional VPNs. It manages connections efficiently and ensures low latency.
• Enhanced Security and Reduced Risk: SASE addresses modern security challenges with features like Zero Trust Network Access (ZTNA). It inspects and secures all connections, eliminating attack surfaces and reducing risks, regardless of location or application.
• Global Policy Enforcement in Real-time: SASE enables organizations to enforce security policies globally in real-time. This means that any changes to the policy are immediately applied across all users and locations, ensuring consistent security and compliance.
• Scalability and Flexibility for Dynamic Environments: The cloud-native architecture of SASE allows for seamless scalability and flexibility. As businesses grow or experience fluctuations in demand, SASE can adapt quickly without the need for physical infrastructure changes, making it ideal for dynamic business environments.
• Integrated Threat Protection Across All Edges: SASE combines comprehensive threat protection mechanisms, including sandboxing, anti-malware, and intrusion prevention systems (IPS), across all network edges. This integrated approach ensures that threats are identified and mitigated before they can reach the enterprise network or cloud environment.
• Enhanced Visibility and Analytics: SASE platforms offer advanced analytics and reporting capabilities, giving IT teams deep insights into network and security events. This enhanced visibility facilitates better decision-making and allows for proactive management of network and security postures.

Overall, SASE offers a comprehensive and adaptable approach to network and security that aligns with the evolving needs of modern businesses, particularly in an increasingly digital and remote work-focused world.

How Futurism Technologies Can Help?

Secure Access Service Edge (SASE) is a game-changer, and we’re here to show you how it can empower your business:

• Future-Proof Your Network Security: SASE combines multiple security functions into a unified platform. This future-proofs your network security, keeping you ahead of evolving threats.

• Digital Transformation Powered by Futurism: Digital transformation is our forte, and SASE complements it perfectly. It enables secure access to cloud-based solutions, essential for driving innovation and streamlining operations, just as we do.

• Support Your Remote Workforce: Remote work is the new norm, and we ensure that your remote employees have secure access to company resources. We make remote work efficient without compromising data protection.

• Simplify Network Management: As we streamline digital processes, SASE simplifies network and security management. It centralizes policy control and administration, reducing complexity, just as we simplify your digital journey.

• Enhance User Experience: We prioritize a seamless user experience, and SASE optimizes network performance and application delivery. Your users enjoy efficiency, just as our clients enjoy streamlined digital experiences.

• Adapt to Scalability Demands: Scalable solutions that adapt to your growing needs, ensuring your business stays agile and responsive.

• Stay Compliant and Protect Data: Compliance and data protection are paramount, and SASE helps meet those requirements. We ensure you adhere to regulations.

• Stay Ahead with Real-time Threat Intelligence: Real-time threat intelligence is vital, and SASE incorporates advanced analytics, just as we stay ahead of emerging technology trends.
• Geographical Flexibility: Like digital transformation, SASE offers secure connectivity for users, regardless of location. It empowers you to operate in a distributed global environment, just as we do.

Takeaway

Secure Access Service Edge (SASE) emerges as a game-changing solution in this era of digital transformation and remote work which are now driving the future of businesses. SASE combines network and security functions into a unified, cloud-based platform, making it a vital component of modern enterprises’ strategies. This innovative approach simplifies network management, enhances user experiences, reduces costs and complexities, and bolsters security, all while ensuring adaptability in an ever-evolving landscape.

Futurism Technologies stands at the forefront of digital transformation and technological innovation empowering businesses with SASE helping them future-proof their network security, streamline operations, support remote workforces, and simplify network management through world-class NOC services.

Embrace the future of cybersecurity with Futurism. Get in touch with our security expert today!