The Secure Access Service Edge (SASE) network architecture framework combines wide area network (WAN) capabilities with cloud-native security technologies like SWG, CASB, ZTNA, and FWaaS. It aims to securely connect people, systems, and endpoints to applications and services. These are offered as a service from the cloud and can be managed centrally to support today’s dynamic operations.
A SASE architecture establishes the foundation for faster access speeds and performance while allowing for more precise control of users and data moving through networks, regardless of when, where, or how they do so.
Contents
Why Does SASE Exist?
The SASE framework is a cloud-based cybersecurity solution. SASE refers to the overall framework rather than a particular technology. SASE enables businesses to deliver security across all of their applications, dramatically lowering the risk of data loss and theft. SASE secures data in motion and at rest across managed and unmanaged cloud apps using cloud-based DLP, making it a solution that is ideal for remote workers.
How SASE Operates?
SASE offers network-to-cloud connectivity that is incredibly quick with data protection, traffic and security prioritization, and global threat management. The SASE framework enables enterprise security professionals to specify the precise performance, reliability, security, and cost desired for each network session using identity and context. Businesses can improve cloud scalability and speed by utilizing the SASE architecture while addressing brand-new security issues specific to these cloud environments.
Utilizing SASE’s Cloud Native Architecture
The SASE platform combines networking capabilities with suitable software architecture. Linking networking and security capabilities shouldn’t just involve using integration tools. The top cloud-native SASE vendors offer the greatest degree of flexibility, the smallest amount of latency, and the fewest resource demands.
Considerations for SASE Vendor Selection
The most important considerations while selecting an appropriate SASE vendor are:
- The ZTNA, an important element of SASE, aids companies in adjusting application-specific access based on users and resources located on-site, in the cloud, and on mobile devices.
- The SASE Vendor provides a service combining networking and security. The solution should be a cloud-native platform with business-class networking capabilities like SD-WAN and WAN acceleration and security services like FWaaS, IPS, SWG, and others.
A global private backbone with SLA support is a key component of the best SASE system. The complexity will be reduced by utilizing a user-friendly, clear-cut, dependable management platform.
Primary Characteristics of SASE
SASE, a neologism from Gartner, has developed into a marketing buzzword and a new product category. Despite implementation differences, manufacturers typically agree with Gartner’s conventional description of the five components.
- SD-WAN
A logical link is created by combining one or more physical networks with a virtual network overlay called SD-WAN. It makes use of a software control plane to enhance the predictability, reliability, and performance of connections as well as to make it possible to integrate network services like SASE’s. - NGFWaaS
Next-generation firewall-as-a-service (NGFWaaS) mimics the functions of a hardware firewall. Network Function Virtualization, or NFV, services can be inserted anywhere on a software-defined network, including edge locations like a branch office or a user’s virtual desktop environment, as a function of software firewalls. - ZTNA
ZTNA, which replaces point-to-point or client-to-gateway VPNs at the granular level, improves network and application security. ZTNA frequently uses two-factor authentication (2FA) with hardware security keys or one-time passcodes generated by apps. ZTNA establishes granular access control over specific services and applications, reducing risks associated with a compromised VPN credential. - SWG
Secure Online Gateway (SWG), a layer 7 online content filter, works with layer 3-7 firewalls to block harmful traffic, enforce content and data access rules, and monitor web traffic for potentially dangerous anomalies or capacity bottlenecks. Since SWGs are proxy servers that terminate traffic as opposed to NGFWs, they can detect vulnerabilities that firewalls might miss. - CASB
The Cloud Access Security Broker (CASB) expands SWG, which focuses on web content, to include any web or cloud-based application, such as numerous SaaS apps used by WFH staff members. CASBs typically provide four features: threat prevention for SaaS applications, traffic and application visibility, policy compliance, and data security capabilities, such as anomaly detection, sandboxing of suspicious code, and TLS enforcement.
How Does SASE Help a Business?
In a nutshell, SASE gives businesses the ability to protect the connections between their data and cloud-based applications. Its security measures are adaptable enough to accommodate your company’s changing needs. The cloud has become popular among businesses for several reasons, including cost savings, increased productivity, flexibility, and scalability. Because SASE places such a high value on security and centralization, your business may benefit from several of its features:
- Effective Workforce
It enables the digital revolution by enabling employees to work from anywhere and on any device. If you have a remote access solution (like SASE), you won’t need to worry if your office is closed due to a natural disaster. - Reduction of Data Centers
It allows for the connection of far-off offices and data centers without needing costly hardware or software investments at each location. It can lower costs, boost productivity, and increase profitability. - Improved Security
SASE offers increased performance and security. SASE protects your network from hackers, malware, and viruses by using strong encryption and authentication techniques because it is quicker and easier to set up than conventional VPNs. - Intensifying Production
Productivity is increased because employees can use any device to work from anywhere without the danger of leaking company data. - Permits Remote Network Access
SASE’s adaptable architecture allows remote workers to connect to the network from anywhere on the planet. They are not required to work from a single location. Instead, employees can use a laptop or smartphone to work remotely and fully access your company’s network.
Conclusion
SASE vendors’ networking and security capabilities are combined into a cloud-native solution. It lowers costs and offers simplicity and agility. SASE technology enables companies to develop and launch new products quickly. It shortens the time needed to react to adjustments in the business environment.
The SASE solution is perfect for your business. Every element of the ideal SASE platform can prove to be vital for your business, including its cloud-native architecture, agent-based capabilities, on-premises capabilities, and wide geographic reach.