Understanding SASE: A modern approach to network security

Secure Access Service Edge (SASE) is a transformative approach to network security that integrates networking and security solutions into a single cloud-delivered architecture. It's gaining traction due to the increasing need for businesses to adapt to modern network demands, which include flexibility, scalability, and simplicity.

This article builds on another recent piece explaining SASE, providing a more detailed insight into working parts that form SASE as a whole.

Components of SASE

SASE is composed of two primary solutions:

Secure Service Edge (SSE)
SSE delivers secure access to web, cloud services, and private applications. It ensures that any user on any device can securely access resources from any location. Key elements include Zero Trust Network Architecture (ZTNA), secure web access, firewall as-a-service, and data loss prevention.

Software-Defined Wide Area Networks (SD-WAN)
SD-WAN delivers network management, optimises user and branch traffic, enhances security posture, and increases networking flexibility. It decouples the control plane from the data plane, allowing for more flexible and scalable network management.

Business drivers for SASE adoption

The shift towards SASE is driven by organisations' shifting IT needs:

• Remote work: The events of 2020 accelerated the need for secure remote access solutions as businesses moved large portions of their workforce to remote work environments
• Network complexity: Traditional networks are often rigid and difficult to scale; SASE offers a more flexible and scalable solution
• Security modernisation: As businesses adopt more cloud services and remote work, the need for robust security measures increases. SASE provides a comprehensive security framework that addresses these needs

Organisation are moving on from traditional network solutions, such as VPN and MPLS. There's a growing recognition that although these were once useful, both can now lack adequate functionality on their own and can sometimes add problems:

• VPNs: While they offer secure traffic flow, they do not inherently secure the data itself. They can introduce latency and do not provide context or identity-based security.
• MPLS: This older technology is costly, inflexible, and lacks encryption by default. It often requires additional solutions to ensure security.

SASE addresses the challenges above by providing a cloud-delivered service that applies security controls before a connection is established. This includes multi-factor authentication, continuous user and device verification, and data protection measures. The approach ensures that all traffic is inspected and verified, enhancing security and simplifying management.

Key players in the SASE market

Several vendors are leading the charge in the SASE space, including:

• Traditional network security vendors, such as Palo Alto Networks, Cisco, and Fortinet
• Cloud-native Vendors, like Netskope, Zscaler, and Cato Networks

These vendors offer various solutions that cater to different business needs, emphasising consolidation, simplification, and cost optimization.

Implementing SASE

SASE represents a significant shift in how businesses approach network security, providing a flexible, scalable, and secure solution that meets the demands of modern businesses. As organisations continue to navigate the complexities of remote work and cloud adoption, SASE offers a comprehensive framework to enhance security and streamline network management.

Implementing SASE is a significant undertaking that requires careful planning and phased deployment. As it bridges different IT functions, it therefore requires time and investment from stakeholders across the organisation to help consolidate existing security controls and optimise network management.

Does SASE sound right for you? Find out through our SASE Readiness Workshop.