What is SASE?
Secure Access Service Edge (SASE) is a new concept in networking and cybersecurity that combines network and security functions into a single platform. SASE combines the traditional functions of a wide area network (WAN) with those of a secure web gateway (SWG) to create a new type of hybrid network that provides secure access to resources and applications over the internet.
SASE is designed to address the challenges of modern distributed networks, which often span multiple locations and use a variety of network and cloud-based resources. It provides a single platform for managing network connectivity, security, and other network functions, enabling organizations to more easily and securely connect users to resources and applications from any location.
SASE is often implemented as a cloud-based service, which allows organizations to quickly and easily scale their network and security capabilities as needed. It can also be integrated with other security technologies, such as firewalls and intrusion prevention systems, to provide a more comprehensive security solution.
How Does SASE Work?
The key concepts and architecture of Secure Access Service Edge (SASE) are as follows:
Combines network and security functions
SASE combines the traditional functions of a wide area network (WAN) with those of a secure web gateway (SWG) to create a hybrid network that provides secure access to resources and applications over the internet. This allows organizations to manage network connectivity, security, and other network functions from a single platform, rather than using separate solutions for each function.
Cloud-based platform
SASE is often implemented as a cloud-based service, which allows organizations to quickly and easily scale their network and security capabilities as needed. This also enables organizations to take advantage of the latest security technologies and updates without the need for complex hardware and software installations.
Based on a software-defined approach
SASE uses software to control and manage network resources, rather than traditional hardware-based networking devices. This allows organizations to more easily and quickly adapt to changing network requirements and to deploy new networking technologies and services.
Includes a range of security features
SASE includes a range of security features to protect against cyber threats, such as firewalls, intrusion prevention systems, and web filtering. It also includes features to secure network connectivity, such as encryption and authentication, to ensure that only authorized users can access network resources.
Supports a range of connectivity options
SASE supports a range of connectivity options, including traditional WAN technologies, such as MPLS, as well as newer technologies, such as software-defined WAN (SD-WAN) and direct internet access. This allows organizations to choose the most appropriate connectivity option for their needs.
Key SASE Benefits
Cost Reduction
One of the key business benefits of Secure Access Service Edge (SASE) is cost reduction. There are several ways in which SASE can help organizations reduce costs:
- Consolidation of network and security functions: By combining the traditional functions of a wide area network (WAN) with those of a secure web gateway (SWG), SASE enables organizations to consolidate their network and security functions into a single platform. This can help reduce the cost of maintaining and managing multiple separate solutions.
- Reduced hardware and software costs: Because SASE is often implemented as a cloud-based service, organizations do not need to invest in expensive hardware and software to implement it. This can help optimize cloud costs and reduce ongoing maintenance costs.
- Improved network performance and efficiency: SASE can help improve network performance and efficiency by optimizing traffic routing and prioritizing critical applications and data. This can help reduce the need for additional bandwidth and hardware, which can help lower costs.
- Increased agility and scalability: SASE enables organizations to more easily and quickly adapt to changing network requirements and to deploy new networking technologies and services. This increased agility and scalability can help reduce the cost of implementing and maintaining network infrastructure.
Improving Endpoint Security
Endpoint security refers to the measures that are put in place to protect the devices that are used to access an organization’s network, such as laptops, smartphones, and tablets. In a SASE architecture:
- Network security functions are delivered in the cloud, instead of being deployed on individual endpoint devices as in traditional endpoint security.
- Organizations can centrally manage and secure network access from a single location, rather than having to manage multiple security tools on each individual endpoint device.
- This can improve security and also make endpoint security systems easier to maintain.
Edge to Edge Security
Edge-to-edge security is a key business benefit of Secure Access Service Edge (SASE) because it provides a secure connection between devices and the resources and applications they need to access. This is particularly important in today’s distributed networks, which often span multiple locations and use a variety of network and cloud-based resources.
Edge-to-edge security helps to protect against cyber threats by securing the connection between devices and the network, rather than relying on security measures at the network perimeter alone. This can help prevent unauthorized access to network resources and data and reduce the risk of data breaches and other security incidents.
Edge-to-edge security is achieved through the use of a range of security measures, such as encryption, authentication, and access control. These measures help to ensure that only authorized users can access network resources and that data is protected while in transit.
Data Protection
Data protection is a key business benefit of Secure Access Service Edge (SASE) because it helps organizations to secure their sensitive data and prevent data breaches and other security incidents. There are several ways in which SASE can help to protect data:
- Encryption: SASE can use encryption to protect data while it is in transit over the network. This helps to prevent unauthorized access to data and protect against cyber threats such as man-in-the-middle attacks.
- Access control: SASE can use access control measures to ensure that only authorized users have access to network resources and data. This helps to prevent unauthorized access and protect against data breaches and other security incidents.
- Network segmentation: SASE can use network segmentation to create separate, secure zones within the network to protect sensitive data. This helps to prevent unauthorized access to data and protect against cyber threats such as lateral movement.
- Security monitoring and threat detection: SASE includes security monitoring and threat detection capabilities to help organizations identify and respond to potential security threats. This can help protect against data breaches and other security incidents.
Conclusion
In conclusion, Secure Access Service Edge (SASE) is a new concept in networking and cybersecurity that combines network and security functions into a single platform. SASE offers a range of key business benefits, including cost reduction, edge-to-edge security, data protection, improved network performance and efficiency, and increased agility and scalability.
By consolidating network and security functions, reducing hardware and software costs, improving network performance and efficiency, and increasing agility and scalability, SASE can help organizations reduce costs and improve the security and performance of their networks. In addition, by providing edge-to-edge security and data protection, SASE can help organizations protect against cyber threats, maintain compliance with industry regulations, and preserve the trust of customers and other stakeholders.
Author Bio: Gilad David Maayan
Gilad David Maayan is a technology writer who has worked with over 150 technology companies including SAP, Imperva, Samsung NEXT, NetApp and Check Point, producing technical and thought leadership content that elucidates technical solutions for developers and IT leadership. Today he heads Agile SEO, the leading marketing agency in the technology industry.
