What is SASE? A comprehensive guide to Secure Access Service Edge
With increased cyberthreats and hybrid workforces, enterprises face the challenge of protecting their data and ensuring seamless connectivity across diverse and distributed environments. This is where Secure Access Service Edge (SASE) comes into play. SASE is a transformative approach that combines networking and security into a single cloud-native architecture. But what exactly is SASE, and why is it so important?
In this comprehensive guide, we will delve into the meaning, definition, and significance of SASE in modern network security and connectivity. By understanding the meaning, definition, and components of SASE, businesses can make informed decisions about adopting this transformative technology.
SASE meaning and definition
SASE, pronounced "sassy," stands for Secure Access Service Edge. The term was invented by Gartner in 2019 to describe a new enterprise networking technology category.
SASE represents a shift from traditional network security models to a more integrated and holistic approach. At its core, SASE combines Wide Area Networking (WAN) capabilities with a suite of security services, all delivered from the cloud.
What is SASE?
To understand SASE fully, let's break down its components:
- Secure: SASE prioritizes security at every stage, ensuring that data, applications, and users are protected from threats regardless of their location.
- Access: SASE provides secure and efficient access to applications and resources, whether they are hosted in the cloud, on-premises, or at the edge.
- Service: SASE delivers these capabilities as a service, leveraging cloud infrastructure to offer scalability, flexibility, and ease of management, allowing you to choose between OPEX or CAPEX expenditure models.
- Edge: The "edge" aspect of SASE refers to the ability to extend security and networking services to the edge of the network, closer to the users and devices.
How SASE works: A closer look
SASE is not a single product but rather a framework that integrates multiple technologies and services. To understand how SASE works in practice, let's consider a typical use case:
Imagine an organization with a geographically-dispersed workforce and multiple branch offices. Traditionally, this organization would need to deploy various security appliances at each location, such as firewalls, web gateways, and VPN concentrators. Managing and maintaining these devices would then be complex and costly.
With SASE, the organization can leverage a cloud-based solution that integrates all these security functions. Here's how it works:
- SD-WAN deployment: The organization deploys SD-WAN to connect its branch offices and remote users to the corporate network. SD-WAN optimizes traffic routing and ensures reliable connectivity.
- SWG integration: Secure Web Gateway is integrated into the SD-WAN architecture, filtering web traffic and enforcing security policies. Remote users and branch offices can securely access the Internet without routing traffic back to a central data center.
- CASB implementation: Cloud Access Security Broker (CASB) is deployed to monitor and control access to cloud applications. It ensures that sensitive data is protected and compliance requirements are met.
- FWaaS activation: Firewall as a Service (FWaaS) provides perimeter security and internal segmentation. It protects the network from external threats and unauthorized access.
- ZTNA enforcement: Zero Trust Network Access (ZTNA) verifies the identity of users and devices before granting access to applications and data. It ensures that only legitimate users can access critical resources.
By consolidating these functions into a single SASE platform, the organization achieves comprehensive security and streamlined connectivity. It can easily manage security policies, monitor network traffic, and respond to threats from a centralized dashboard.
The importance of SASE in modern network security and connectivity
SASE is a response to the changing dynamics of IT infrastructure and the increasing complexity of network security. Here are some reasons why SASE is crucial in today's environment:
- Distributed workforces: With the rise of remote work and global teams, traditional perimeter-based security models are no longer sufficient. SASE extends security to remote users, ensuring they have secure access to corporate resources from anywhere.
- Cloud adoption: The shift to cloud services and applications has transformed how organizations operate. SASE provides seamless and secure access to cloud resources, enabling businesses to harness the full potential of the cloud.
- Enhanced security posture: SASE integrates multiple security functions into a single platform, reducing complexity and improving the overall security posture. It provides consistent security policies across all users and devices.
- Scalability and flexibility: SASE's cloud-native architecture allows organizations to scale their network and security services as needed. It offers the flexibility to adapt to changing business requirements without significant infrastructure investments.
- Cost efficiency: By consolidating networking and security functions into a unified service, SASE can reduce operational costs and simplify management. It eliminates the need for multiple point solutions and hardware appliances.
The future of SASE
As the digital landscape continues to evolve, so will the SASE framework. Here are some trends and developments to watch for in the future of SASE:
- AI and Machine Learning: SASE solutions will increasingly leverage AI and machine learning to enhance threat detection and response. These technologies can analyze vast amounts of data to identify anomalies and predict potential threats.
- Edge computing: With the growth of edge computing, SASE will play a crucial role in securing and optimizing edge deployments. It will ensure that edge devices and applications have secure access to the network.
- IoT security: The proliferation of Internet of Things (IoT) devices presents new security challenges. SASE will evolve to address the unique security requirements of IoT, providing protection for connected devices.
- 5G integration: The rollout of 5G networks will bring increased speed and connectivity. SASE will integrate with 5G infrastructure to deliver secure and high-performance connectivity for mobile users and applications.
- Enhanced user experience: SASE will continue to focus on improving the user experience by optimizing application performance and reducing latency. It will ensure that users have seamless access to applications regardless of their location.
Implement SASE within your network infrastructure and go faster to the future
Whether you are a network administrator, IT manager, or business leader, SASE offers a comprehensive solution to the challenges of today's digital world.
Expereo can help you implement the right SASE solution to suit your business’s unique needs. With Secure Access Service Edge from Expereo, you can unleash the full potential of the cloud, bringing together the best of network and security into one, simplified cloud solution. We partner with you to put the right security controls in place as you accelerate your cloud migration so you can benefit from a secure network, protected your data, and an empowered workforce.
Get in touch today to discuss your needs.