What Is SASE? Unifies SD-WAN with security functions

Secure access service edge (SASE) is a cloud-native architecture that unifies SD-WAN with security functions like SWG, CASB, FWaaS, and ZTNA into one service.

SASE Architecture

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A SASE (secure access service edge) architecture combines networking and security as a service functions into a single cloud-delivered service at the network edge. This enables an organization to support dispersed remote and hybrid users automatically by connecting them to nearby cloud gateways as opposed to backhauling traffic to corporate data centers. It also provides consistent secure access to all applications while maintaining full visibility and inspection of traffic across all ports and protocols.

The model radically simplifies management and reduces complexity, which are two of the main goals of SASE. It transforms the perimeter into a consistent set of cloud-based capabilities that can be deployed where and when they’re needed. This is a more streamlined alternative to establishing a perimeter around the data center using a collection of disparate, point-product security appliances.
Because it’s cloud-based, secure access service edge enables a more dynamic and high-performing network that adapts to changing business requirements, an evolving threat landscape, and the new innovations that will shape the future of your network.

SASE Components

The SASE framework aims to consolidate various functions and capabilities into minimal products or services from a limited number of vendors. This approach enhances operational speed and simplifies management. Five essential technologies are fundamental to secure access service edge deployments.

SWG

The secure web gateway (SWG) provides URL filtering, SSL decryption, application control, and threat detection and prevention for user web sessions.

Firewall as a Service (FWaaS)

FWaaS delivers a cloud-native, next-generation firewall, providing advanced Layer 7 inspection, access control, threat detection and prevention, and other security services.

CASB

A cloud-access security broker (CASB) oversees sanctioned and unsanctioned SaaS applications and offers malware and threat detection. As part of a DLP solution, it ensures visibility and control of sensitive data in SaaS repositories.

ZTNA

Zero Trust network access (ZTNA) enables continuous verification and inspection capabilities. It delivers identity-based and application-based policy enforcement for access to an organization’s sensitive data and applications.

SD-WAN

An SD-WAN provides an overlay network decoupled from the underlying hardware, providing flexible, secure traffic between sites and direct to the internet.

SASE Use Cases

Powering Hybrid Workforces

For the hybrid workforce, a cohesive approach to network performance and security is essential. A secure access service edge architecture emphasizes scalability, elasticity, and low latency, catering directly to this need. Its cloud-based framework is optimized to deliver application-specific performance, while integrated digital experience monitoring offers precise visibility for everything affecting user performance. The key advantage of SASE lies in the fusion of networking and security. This combination enhances threat monitoring and detection while filling in security gaps. The result is a streamlined network governance and simplified management, making SASE a foundational tool for supporting a hybrid work environment.

Connecting and Securing Branch and Retail Locations

For the hybrid workforce, a cohesive approach to network performance and security is essential. A secure access service edge architecture emphasizes scalability, elasticity, and low latency, catering directly to this need. Its cloud-based framework is optimized to deliver application-specific performance, while integrated digital experience monitoring offers precise visibility for everything affecting user performance. The key advantage of SASE lies in the fusion of networking and security. This combination enhances threat monitoring and detection while filling in security gaps. The result is a streamlined network governance and simplified management, making SASE a foundational tool for supporting a hybrid work environment.

Connecting and Securing Branch and Retail Locations

The SASE model is vital for organizations leveraging SaaS and public cloud services because it addresses performance and security challenges. Using next-generation SD-WAN, secure access service edge optimizes bandwidth and ensures dynamic security, outperforming traditional data center approaches. The integration of digital experience monitoring guarantees an enhanced user experience.

It also reduces network and security expenses, and streamlines vendor management. Secure access service edge fortifies data security for branch and remote locations by enforcing consistent policies, simplifying management, and applying Zero Trust. This ensures the security of applications and data irrespective if they are located in private cloud data centers, public cloud services, or SaaS applications.

Supporting Cloud and Digital Initiatives

SASE is pivotal for cloud and digital transformation. As organizations lean into SaaS, seamless and secure connectivity is increasingly important. With its emphasis on security consolidation, SASE eliminates the limitations of hardware-based approaches, integrating services and optimizing branch deployments.

Advanced SD-WAN techniques not only expand bandwidth but also provide deeper network insights, enhancing operations and application performance. Leveraging AI and ML significantly improves threat detection. Dynamic firewalls offer a comprehensive approach to content analysis, and secure protocols adeptly manage the data streams from IoT devices.

SASE Benefits

• Visibility Across Hybrid Environments
• Greater Control of Users, Data, and Apps
• Improved Monitoring and Reporting
• Reduced Complexity
• Consistent Data Protection
• Reduced Costs
• Lower Administrative Time and Effort
• Less Integration Needs
• Better Network Performance and Reliability
• Enhanced User Experience