A Quick Guide to Secure Access Service Edge (SASE)

Welcome to the SASE blog! Here we’ll be discussing all things SASE related, from the basics of what SASE is and how it works, to more advanced topics like implementing a SASE solution.

We hope you find this blog helpful and informative, and please feel free to reach out with any questions you may have!

What Is SASE?

In its simplest form, SASE consists of two key components: a secure access gateway and a network security service. The secure access gateway authenticates and authorizes users and devices, and the network security service protects data in transit.

Together, these two components provide a comprehensive security solution for organizations of all sizes. SASE is designed to work with any type of network and can be deployed in any environment, from on-premises to the cloud.

SASE is a holistic approach to security that addresses the needs of modern organizations. It is flexible and scalable, and it can be customized to meet the specific needs of your organization. Some of the immense benefits of SASE include improved security architecture, cost-effectiveness, latency reduction on a network, and so on.

If you are looking for a comprehensive security solution for your organization, SASE is worth considering.

The COVID-19 Pandemic Affected SASE Adoption, and Here’s How

The global shift to work-from-home (WFH) has led to a surge in cloud adoption and the need for better, faster and more secure access to applications and data. Although many organizations were already using some form of cloud services prior to the pandemic, the forced migration has put even more pressure on IT departments to provide secure access to a growing number of employees who are now working remotely.

One solution that has gained popularity in recent months is Secure Access Service Edge (SASE), which bundles together multiple security functions – including firewall, VPN, CASB, zero trust network access (ZTNA), and SD-WAN – into a single platform. This not only simplifies IT operations, but also provides a more secure and user-friendly experience for employees who need to access corporate resources from outside the office.

The pandemic has accelerated SASE adoption due to the increased need for remote work capabilities, but it has also had an impact on the way organizations are deploying these solutions. In particular, there are four key ways that COVID-19 has changed the SASE landscape:

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1. More Organizations Are Moving to the Cloud: The biggest impact of the pandemic on SASE adoption has been the accelerated move to the cloud. Prior to COVID-19, many organizations were already using some form of cloud services, but the forced migration to WFH has put even more pressure on IT departments to provide secure access to a growing number of employees who are now working remotely. As a result, there is an increased demand for SASE solutions that can simplify IT operations and provide a more secure experience for remote users.

2. Security Is More Important Than Ever: The need for secure remote access is not new, but the pandemic has brought it into sharp focus for many organizations. With so many employees working outside of the office, there is an increased risk of data breaches and other security threats. As a result, organizations are looking for SASE solutions that can provide comprehensive security capabilities – such as firewalls, VPNs, CASBs, and ZTNA – in a single platform.

3. The Network Edge Is Becoming More Important: Another impact of COVID-19 on SASE adoption is the increased importance of the network edge. With so many employees working remotely, organizations are realizing that they need to provide secure access not just to corporate resources, but also to public cloud applications and services that are often used by remote workers. As a result, SASE solutions that include SD-WAN functionality are becoming more popular as they can help optimize connectivity and performance while providing security at the same time.

4. WFH Is Here to Stay: Although some businesses are starting to allow employees to return to the office on a limited basis, it’s clear that WFH is here to stay for the foreseeable future. This means that organizations will need to continue investing in SASE solutions that can provide secure remote access for their employees.

What Are The Top SASE Benefits?

SASE is a new architecture that combines softwares and security platforms to offer a more holistic and effective approach to cybersecurity. With SASE, organizations can enjoy greater protection and efficiencies, as well as easier management of security tools and processes. Here are just some of the top benefits that SASE can provide:

  • Reduced Costs: SASE can help reduce costs by eliminating the need for multiple security point solutions. With SASE, you can have a single platform that provides all the security functions you need. This can lead to significant cost savings, as well as reduced operational expenses.
  • Improved Security: SASE can improve your organization’s security posture by offering more comprehensive protection. By consolidating multiple security tools into one platform, SASE can help you close gaps in your defenses and improve your overall security profile.
  • Greater Efficiency: SASE can improve your organization’s efficiency by automating many of the tasks associated with managing security tools and processes. This can free up valuable resources that can be used for other projects, leading to increased productivity and ROI.
  • Flexibility: SASE provides organizations with the flexibility to tailor their security solution to their specific needs. This flexibility ensures that you are only paying for the features and functions that you need, which can further improve your organization’s bottom line.

If you’re looking for a more efficient and effective way to manage your organization’s cybersecurity, SASE may be the right solution for you. Contact us today to learn more about how we can help you implement a SASE platform customized to your unique needs.

1. SASE is a Simple Security Framework

In an increasingly mobile and digital world, businesses need a simple security framework that can protect users and data regardless of location. Secure Access Service Edge (SASE) is a new approach to security that combines multiple security functions into a single, integrated solution.

SASE is designed to address the changing nature of work by providing secure access to resources from any location, on any device. It includes all the necessary security functions, such as firewalls, web filtering, and Identity and Access Management (IAM), in a single platform. This makes it easy to deploy and manage, while reducing complexity and cost.

2. SASE Offers Data Security with Ease

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Secure Access Service Edge (SASE) is a new approach to data security that combines multiple security functions into a single, cloud-based solution. These functions can include network security, identity and access management, data loss prevention, and web filtering.

SASE provides a number of benefits over traditional data security solutions, including increased flexibility, lowered costs, and improved efficiency. In addition, SASE can be easier to deploy and manage than traditional data security solutions.

3. SASE Promotes Network Performance

Network performance is essential to the success of any business. When network traffic is forced to take a detour through a remote data center, it can cause delays that impact productivity and frustrate employees. By bringing security services closer to the edge of the network, SASE can help improve performance and reduce latency.

4. Enhanced Network Visibility

Patching together a secure network infrastructure from best-of-breed point solutions is no longer feasible. With the rise of digital business, enterprises need new approaches to network security that are more comprehensive, coordinated, and converged. A Secure Access Service Edge (SASE) architecture can provide the security, performance, and economics that enterprises need to support their digital transformation initiatives.

Enhanced network visibility is a key capability of a SASE platform. By consolidating multiple point solutions into a single platform, SASE can provide enterprises with a unified view of their networks. This enhanced visibility can help enterprises identify and resolve security issues more quickly and effectively.

In addition to enhanced network visibility, a SASE platform can also provide other benefits, including:

  • improved security posture by consolidating multiple point solutions into a single platform;
  • reduced complexity and cost by eliminating the need to manage multiple point solutions;
  • better performance by integrating security functions into the network; and
  • increased agility by providing a single platform that can be quickly deployed and scaled to meet changing needs.