Secure Access Service Edge (SASE)

Secure Access Service Edge (SASE) is a framework that integrates network security and wide area networking (WAN) into a single, cloud-delivered service model. It combines various network security functions, such as secure web gateways (SWG), cloud access security brokers (CASB), firewall as a service (FWaaS), and zero trust network access (ZTNA) with WAN capabilities (often provided by SDWAN) to support the dynamic and secure access needs of modern enterprises.

What is SASE?

SASE is a network architecture that delivers multiple security and networking capabilities as a single, cloud-native service. It provides secure and optimized access to applications and data for users located anywhere, enhancing both security and performance.

Benefits of SASE

• Enhanced Security: Combines multiple security functions into a unified, cloud-delivered service, reducing complexity and improving security posture.
• Improved Performance: Optimizes network traffic and application performance by integrating SDWAN capabilities with security services.
• Cost Efficiency: Reduces the need for multiple standalone security and networking solutions, lowering overall costs.
• Scalability and Flexibility: Easily scales to support remote and mobile users, branch offices, and hybrid cloud environments.
• Simplified Management: Centralized management of security and networking policies, improving operational efficiency.

How SASE Works

1. Consolidation of Services: SASE consolidates networking (e.g., SDWAN) and security (e.g., SWG, CASB, FWaaS, ZTNA) services into a single platform.
2. Cloud-Native Architecture: Delivered from the cloud, SASE supports dynamic, scalable, and on-demand services.
3. Identity-Driven Security: SASE uses identity and context (user, device, location, application) to enforce security policies and ensure secure access.
4. Global Reach with Local Presence: SASE providers typically have a global network of points of presence (PoPs) to deliver low-latency and high-performance access worldwide.
5. Policy-Based Management: Administrators define and enforce security and network policies centrally, ensuring consistent enforcement across the enterprise.

Leading SASE Vendors

Several vendors offer SASE solutions, each integrating SDWAN with a range of security services:

1. Cisco
   • Product: Cisco SASE (part of the Cisco Secure portfolio)
   • Features: Combines Cisco SD-WAN, Umbrella (cloud security), Duo (zero trust), and AnyConnect (VPN).
2. VMware
   • Product: VMware SASE
   • Features: Integrates VMware SD-WAN by VeloCloud, secure web gateway, CASB, ZTNA, and more.
3. Fortinet
   • Product: Fortinet Secure SD-WAN and FortiSASE
   • Features: Merges Fortinet’s SD-WAN with security services like next-gen firewall, SWG, and ZTNA.
4. Palo Alto Networks
   • Product: Prisma Access
   • Features: Offers comprehensive SASE capabilities including CASB, SWG, FWaaS, and ZTNA, along with Prisma SD-WAN.
5. Zscaler
   • Product: Zscaler Internet Access (ZIA) and Zscaler Private Access (ZPA)
   • Features: Provides secure internet access and zero trust network access combined with SDWAN integration.
6. Cato Networks
   • Product: Cato SASE Cloud
   • Features: Natively integrates networking and security into a global cloud-native service.
7. Netskope
   • Product: Netskope SASE
   • Features: Focuses on cloud security, CASB, SWG, and ZTNA with SDWAN capabilities.

Why Use SASE?

• Comprehensive Security: Protects against a wide range of threats with integrated security services.
• Optimized Connectivity: Ensures high performance and reliability for cloud applications and services.
• Support for Remote Work: Facilitates secure and efficient access for remote and mobile users.
• Reduced Complexity: Simplifies IT operations by unifying security and networking management.
• Future-Proofing: Adapts to evolving business needs and security threats with a flexible, cloud-native architecture.

How to Implement SASE

1. Assessment and Planning: Evaluate current infrastructure and define requirements for security, networking, and remote access.
2. Vendor Selection: Choose a SASE provider that aligns with your needs and offers comprehensive integration of required services.
3. Pilot Deployment: Start with a pilot deployment to test the solution in a controlled environment and refine configurations.
4. Full Deployment: Roll out the SASE solution across the organization, ensuring seamless integration with existing systems and processes.
5. Continuous Management and Optimization: Monitor the SASE deployment, adjust policies as needed, and continuously optimize performance and security.

SASE provides a unified approach to network and security management, making it a crucial framework for modern enterprises seeking to secure and optimize their increasingly distributed and cloud-centric environments.