SASE

What is SASE?

SASE combines network security and connectivity into a single, cloud-native solution to protect data across various locations and users.

SASE stands for Secure Access Service Edge. It’s a modern approach to provide network security and connectivity by combining these services into a single, cloud-native solution. For business owners and managers, think of SASE as a comprehensive security system for your business’s network, protecting data as it moves across different locations and users.

To explain it with a metaphor: Imagine SASE as a high-tech security guard that travels with your business data wherever it goes. Just like a security guard ensures that only authorized people can access certain areas and keeps an eye on potential threats, it provides a protective shield for your data, whether it's being accessed from the office, a remote location or through cloud services. This guard doesn't need a physical office and can operate seamlessly from the cloud, ensuring that your business's digital assets are always safe and accessible.

Why is SASE Important?

SASE simplifies network management and enhances security for both office and remote data access.

SASE is essential for business operations because it simplifies network management and enhances security. It ensures that all data, whether in the office or accessed remotely, is secure. This means you don’t need to worry about separate security measures for different locations – SASE covers it all, making it easier to manage and secure your network.

Why is SASE Growing in Popularity?

SASE's popularity is driven by the need for secure remote access, cloud adoption, and increased cyber threats.

SkyQuest projects that Global Secure Access Service Edge Market will attain a value of USD 20.10 Billion by 2031.

SASE is becoming popular due to the increasing need for secure remote access, cloud adoption, and the rise in cyber threats. Businesses seek efficient ways to protect their data and networks as they transition to cloud-based operations and support remote workforces.

Some interesting statistics:

• According to a Gartner survey, 39% of organizations have deployed or plan to deploy SASE within the next 24 months.
• The SASE market is expected to grow at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 36% from 2021 to 2028.
• The global remote workforce is expected to increase by 87% compared to pre-pandemic levels, driving the need for secure remote access solutions.

SASE integrates all other cybersecurity trends:

• Zero Trust Security: SASE supports Zero Trust principles, which are becoming crucial as organizations move to cloud environments and need real-time validation of users and devices.
• Integration of Networking and Security: The convergence of networking (SD-WAN) and security services in SASE aligns with the trend towards simplifying IT operations and reducing complexity.
• Cloud-Native Solutions: As more businesses adopt cloud services, the demand for cloud-native security solutions like SASE increases.

Main Benefits of SASE for a Business

SASE provides enhanced security, cost efficiency, scalability, performance improvement, and simplified management.

• Enhanced Security: Integrates various security services like firewall, VPN, and zero trust network access.
• Cost Efficiency: Reduces the need for multiple standalone security solutions, lowering costs.
• Scalability: Easily scales with business growth, accommodating more users and locations seamlessly.
• Performance Improvement: Optimizes network performance by ensuring secure and efficient data flow.
• Simplified Management: Centralizes security policies and network management in a single platform.

What is the impact of SASE on the users? 

Users experience enhanced security, simplified access, improved performance, consistent user experience, and reduced downtime.

• Enhanced Security: Users experience a higher level of security across all devices and locations, reducing the risk of data breaches and cyber-attacks. This means that employees can work from anywhere without compromising the security of company data.
• Simplified Access: Users no longer need to manage multiple security solutions or remember different credentials for various security systems. SASE provides a unified approach, making it easier and more convenient to access necessary resources securely.
• Improved Performance: With SASE optimizing network traffic, users benefit from faster and more reliable internet connections. This is particularly beneficial for remote workers who need consistent and high-speed access to cloud applications and company resources.
• Consistent User Experience: SASE ensures that security policies are uniformly applied, regardless of where the user is located. This consistency means that whether users are working from home, a coffee shop, or the office, their experience remains the same.‍
• Reduced Downtime: By integrating various security and network functions into a single solution, SASE reduces the complexity and potential points of failure in the network. This leads to fewer disruptions and downtime, allowing users to be more productive.

What are the use cases?

By addressing these evolving needs and integrating essential security functions into a unified framework, SASE offers a scalable and efficient solution that aligns with the latest cybersecurity trends and business requirements.

SASE is used for securing remote workforces, cloud migration, branch office connectivity, and IoT security.

Remote Workforce

Ensures secure access to company resources for remote employees.

• Example: A global consulting firm with employees working from various locations uses SASE to provide secure and reliable access to corporate applications and data. By routing traffic through secure Points of Presence (PoPs), employees can access resources safely from any location, mitigating risks associated with unsecured home networks.

Cloud Migration

Provides secure and seamless connectivity to cloud applications and services.

• Example: A retail company migrating its inventory management system to a cloud platform leverages SASE to ensure secure connections between on-premises systems and cloud-based applications. This enables real-time data synchronization and secure access for employees and partners, enhancing operational efficiency.

Branch Office Connectivity

Simplifies and secures network connections between branch offices and headquarters.

• Example: A bank with multiple branches uses SASE to connect its branch offices to the central data center securely. By integrating SD-WAN with security services, SASE ensures that all branches have high-performance connectivity and consistent security policies, reducing the complexity of managing separate security solutions for each location.

IoT Security

Protects Internet of Things (IoT) devices and ensures secure data transmission.

• Example: A manufacturing company deploying IoT sensors on its production lines utilizes SASE to protect these devices from cyber threats. By enforcing security policies at the network edge, SASE ensures that data collected from IoT devices is securely transmitted to the central monitoring system, preventing unauthorized access and data breaches.

What is SASE for Technical Experts?

SASE converges SD-WAN with comprehensive security services for modern enterprise needs.

For IT professionals, SASE is a framework that converges SD-WAN capabilities with comprehensive security services. This includes secure web gateways (SWG), cloud access security brokers (CASB), firewalls as a service (FWaaS), and zero trust network access (ZTNA). It’s designed to meet the dynamic security and networking needs of modern enterprises.

SASE is crucial for IT teams because it streamlines network and security management, reduces complexity, and enhances overall security posture. It allows IT professionals to focus on strategic initiatives by automating and centralizing routine security and network tasks.

How Does SASE Work Exactly?

SASE uses PoPs to apply security policies and optimize connectivity.

SASE works by leveraging a global network of Points of Presence (PoPs) to deliver secure and optimized connectivity. When a user accesses a resource, their traffic is routed through the nearest PoP, where security policies are applied. This ensures that data remains secure and performance is optimized, regardless of the user's location.

What Does a SASE Solution Do Exactly?

A SASE solution integrates various security functions into a single service.

A SASE solution integrates multiple security functions such as SWG, CASB, ZTNA, and FWaaS into a single service. It provides secure access to applications and data, enforces security policies, and ensures consistent protection across all network edges.

Key Components of SASE

SD-WAN (Software-Defined Wide Area Networking):

• Provides efficient, reliable, and secure network connections.
• Optimizes traffic routing, improving application performance and reducing costs.
• Enables centralized management of network policies.

Secure Web Gateway (SWG):

• Protects against web-based threats by inspecting web traffic.
• Enforces compliance and policy controls for web access.

Web Application Firewall (WAF):

A WAF offers protection for internal and external applications from cyber threats.

• Defense against SQL injection.
• Robust XSS protection.
• Seamless integration with existing applications.

Zero Trust Network Access (ZTNA):

• Implements zero trust principles by verifying every user and device attempting to access the network.
• Provides least-privilege access, reducing the risk of lateral movement within the network.

Remote Browser Isolation (RBI):

Adds an extra security layer between the internet and user devices, protecting against web-based threats without compromising browsing performance​ (Jimber)​.

• Ensures safe browsing from any device.
• Prevents malicious web content from reaching corporate networks.
• Simplifies IT management and reduces the need for complex blocklists.

Web Application Isolation:

Protects web applications from cyber threats by isolating them in a secure container, preventing direct interaction with potentially malicious code​ (Jimber)​.

• Prevents hackers from targeting corporate web and cloud apps.
• Minimizes the attack surface by isolating web applications.

Difference Between SASE and SSE

SASE integrates networking and security, while SSE focuses only on security.

SASE combines both networking (SD-WAN) and security services, while Security Service Edge (SSE) focuses solely on the security aspect. SSE includes SWG, CASB, and ZTNA but lacks the integrated SD-WAN capabilities found in SASE.

Difference Between SASE and SD-WAN

SD-WAN optimizes network performance, while SASE combines SD-WAN with security services.

SD-WAN primarily addresses network performance and management, optimizing traffic routing. SASE extends SD-WAN’s capabilities by integrating robust security services, offering a holistic solution for both network and security needs.

Difference Between SASE and Zero Trust

Zero Trust is a security principle that SASE incorporates within its broader network and security framework.

Zero Trust is a security concept that ensures no one inside or outside the network is trusted by default. SASE incorporates Zero Trust principles within its broader framework, combining them with SD-WAN and other security services for comprehensive protection.

Choosing a SASE Platform or Solution

Choose a SASE provider based on security features, network performance, scalability, ease of management, compliance, and vendor support.

When selecting a SASE provider, consider:

• Security Features: Comprehensive security functions including SWG, CASB, and ZTNA.
• Network Performance: Efficient and reliable connectivity.
• Scalability: Ability to scale with your business needs.
• Ease of Management: Centralized management console.
• Compliance: Support for industry-specific compliance requirements.
• Vendor Support: Availability of robust customer support and services.

Conclusion

SASE is revolutionizing network security by combining comprehensive security services with optimized network performance in a single, cloud-native solution. Its benefits, ease of use, and scalability make it an essential consideration for both business owners and IT professionals. As businesses continue to evolve, adopting SASE can ensure they remain secure, efficient, and adaptable.