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What is SASE?

April 22, 2024 | By: Scott Lard

In the always changing landscape of digital spaces, businesses are increasingly seeking solutions that not only enhance their network security but also provide flexible, scalable, and efficient connectivity. Secure Access Service Edge (SASE), is a revolutionary cloud-based approach that combines network security functions with wide-area networking (WAN) capabilities to support the dynamic, distributed nature of today’s modern organizations. 

Regardless of the size of your enterprise, understanding SASE could be the key to unlocking a new level of digital flexibility and security for your organization. Here, we’ll discuss SASE, what it is, its components, and how best to implement it.

What is SASE?

What is SASE

Secure Access Service Edge, or SASE, is where cybersecurity and network infrastructure meet, offering new opportunities for enterprise connectivity and protection. This innovative setup creates a comprehensive, cloud-native solution that addresses the challenges of working in today’s digital space. 

SASE is designed to assist in enterprises’ acceleration towards cloud-based resources, support a dispersed and mobile workforce, and assist in digital transformation. By unifying security and network functionalities within the cloud’s expansive and flexible framework, SASE breaks down the traditional barriers of network access, allowing for a smoother transition to cloud environments, optimizing application performance, and ensuring robust security postures across the entirety of the organization.

The real power of SASE lies in its ability to provide secure, instantaneous access to applications and data, regardless of the user’s location. This is particularly important in today’s work environment, where remote work scenarios are becoming the norm rather than the exception. SASE facilitates a direct-to-cloud connection model, bypassing the inefficiencies and security challenges associated with traditional network architecture. This means that employees can work anywhere and can access the resources they need without compromising on security. The integration of security into the network via the cloud ensures that protective measures are always up to date, offering peace of mind for businesses as they navigate the complexities of cyber threats and regulatory requirements.

Components of the SASE Model

SASE is not a single tool but rather a collection of various cutting-edge technologies, elements, and services, each contributing a critical piece to the security and network puzzle.

The cornerstone technologies and services that compose the SASE framework include:

  • SD-WAN – Software-defined wide-area networking for dynamic path selection and efficient traffic management. This technology optimizes network performance and reliability, ensuring that users can access applications and data quickly and securely, regardless of location.
  • Firewall-as-a-Service (FWaaS) – A cloud-based approach to traditional firewalls, offering scalable, up-to-date security measures to guard against external threats and unauthorized access. This component of SASE secures network traffic, safeguarding the flow of data into and out of the organization.
  • Secure Web Gateway (SWG) – Provides critical defense against web-based threats and enforces company policies regarding internet use, ensuring that users can safely access the web without compromising the security of the network.
  • Cloud Access Security Broker (CASB) – Acting as intermediaries between cloud service consumers and providers, CASBs play a crucial role in extending security policies beyond the traditional network perimeter. They offer visibility and control over data in the cloud, ensuring compliance and safeguarding against cloud-based threats.
  • Zero-Trust Network Access (ZTNA) – A strategic security model that eliminates the concept of a trusted internal network and an untrusted external network. ZTNA requires strict identity authentication and authorization for all people and devices trying to access resources on a private network, minimizing the risk of unauthorized access and lateral movement by attackers.

Together, these components form the foundation of the SASE model, providing a comprehensive, flexible, and secure networking solution that empowers businesses to embrace the future of work with confidence.

Why are Businesses Turning to SASE?

As businesses grow and change, it’s clear that connecting and protecting their online spaces isn’t as easy as it once was. This is where SASE comes in, offering a fresh approach that speaks directly to today’s needs. The shift towards SASE architecture is driven by several factors.

First off, the work environment has changed drastically, with more people working from remote or hybrid jobs rather than being on-premises at all times. This means businesses need to make sure their teams can get to the tools and information they need from wherever they’re working without compromising on security. SASE makes this possible by blending top-notch security with flexible network access.

Then there’s the move to the cloud. As companies shift their data and applications to cloud  services, they need a security model that is equally flexible and scalable. Traditional security methods are often too rigid or tied to one place to work well in the cloud. 

Lastly, the traditional network setups are becoming too complex and costly to keep up with the pace of today’s business world. Legacy networks are hard to manage given the growing number of cloud applications, cloud services, and mobile users. SASE brings together various security and networking functions into one streamlined service, making it easier and more cost-effective for businesses to manage their networks and keep everything secure.

Businesses are turning to SASE because it offers a smarter, more adaptable way to keep their networks fast, safe, and accessible, no matter where their teams are working.

SASE Benefits

Adopting SASE can offer businesses a multitude of benefits, such as:

Enhanced Security

 

By weaving advanced security measures into the very fabric of the network, SASE ensures that protections are omnipresent, automatically covering every connection and transaction. This integration means security is no longer an add-on but a core component of the network infrastructure, offering next-level defense mechanisms that adapt in real time to emerging threats.

Improved Performance

 

SASE optimizes how data and applications are delivered and accessed across the network, significantly enhancing performance. By routing traffic and employing cloud-native technologies, it ensures that the user experience is faster.

Reduced Complexity

 

The convergence of networking and security services under the SASE model simplifies the IT infrastructure significantly. By eliminating the need for multiple-point solutions and integrating these functionalities into a unified platform, IT teams can manage and secure their networks more efficiently, freeing up time and resources for other critical tasks.

Scalability

 

As businesses grow, so do their network and security needs. SASE’s flexible, cloud-based setup allows for seamless scaling, accommodating new users, applications, and locations without the cumbersome and costly process of adding physical hardware. This ensures that businesses can expand their operations without bumping into technological limitations.

Cost Efficiency

 

By consolidating network and security functions, SASE reduces the reliance on a large set of tools and technologies, which can lower overall IT expenses. This not only cuts down on direct costs, such as hardware and software expenses, but also indirect costs like maintenance, administration, and training, leading to a more efficient allocation of resources.

How to Implement SASE

Implementing SASE requires careful planning. Begin by assessing your current infrastructure. A thorough evaluation of your existing setup can inform you of the strengths and weaknesses of your current network and security systems. This crucial step helps you understand where you’re starting from, making it easier to map out where you need to go.

Next, pinpoint exactly what you’re looking to achieve with SASE. Are you aiming for better security, more flexibility, cost savings, or all of the above? Clearly defining your objectives will help guide your decisions throughout the implementation process.

After that, look for a managed services provider (MSP) that not only offers SASE solutions but also has a solid track record and deep expertise in successfully implementing them. The right partner can make a world of difference by tailoring the SASE solution to fit your specific requirements.

Once this has been done, the migration can begin. Your MSP will help you develop a detailed plan for gradually moving your services over to the SASE model. A phased approach helps manage the transition smoothly, minimizing disruptions to your operations while allowing for adjustments along the way.

Once SASE is up and running, regularly check in on the system’s performance and security efficacy. As your business evolves, so too will your SASE needs. Ongoing monitoring and tweaking ensure that your network remains optimized, secure, and aligned with your business goals.

Challenges of SASE

While SASE offers numerous benefits, there are some challenges, including:

  • Complex Transition – Migrating from traditional models to a security service edge can be complex, requiring education or a third-party partnership.
  • Skills Gap – There may be a lack of in-house expertise in new cloud-based security and network technologies.
  • Improper Vendor Selection – Choosing the right SASE provider is crucial, as not all providers products, services, and features may meet your specific needs. Some businesses fall victim to inexperienced or unreliable service providers.

How a Managed Services Provider Can Help

Luckily, finding the right managed services provider with experience in SASE can be invaluable in mitigating challenges. Vendors can offer expertise and guidance through the transition, help select and implement the right SASE solutions, and provide ongoing management and optimization of SASE services. MSP partners can even offer support and training to your team, ensuring ongoing success.

The SASE platform represents the future of network and security solutions, providing businesses with a flexible, scalable, and secure solution to meet modern digital challenges. While the transition may present challenges, the benefits of enhanced security, improved performance, and reduced complexity make it a worthwhile investment. Partnering with the right managed services provider can smooth the path to SASE, ensuring your business can fully leverage the advantages of this innovative model.

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