The Advantages of Secure Access Service Edge (SASE) for Modern Enterprise Security

The internet and cloud have decentralized corporate assets and workforces, exposing organizations to new threats.

Secure Access Service Edge (SASE) converges networking and security into a cloud-native architecture to consistently secure resources beyond the network perimeter.

This article will explore the advantages of Secure Access Service Edge and how SASE empowers security teams to manage distributed networks and enforce unified policies.

What is SASE and How Does it Work?

SASE combines software-defined networking and network security into a cloud-delivered bundle to protect distributed resources.

Rather than routing traffic through centralized data centers, SASE inspects traffic locally and grants access based on identity and context using techniques like zero trust network access (ZTNA).

SASE capabilities typically include:

• Cloud Access Security Broker (CASB): Monitors cloud resource access and protects data.
• Secure Web Gateway (SWG): Filters web traffic and blocks threats.
• Firewall as a Service (FWaaS): Network firewalling.
• SD-WAN: Optimizes and secures site-to-site connectivity.
• ZTNA: Verifies user identity before allowing access.
• Data Loss Prevention: Stops unauthorized data exfiltration.
• Threat Prevention: Blocks malware, phishing, and other threats.

This converged model places security adjacent to users for fast, localized policy enforcement without backhauling traffic.

Granular access controls follow users across devices and networks to enable consistent security. Centralized management via the cloud simplifies administration.

Top 6 Benefits of SASE

SASE enables unified security policy enforcement regardless of location or network. This eliminates security gaps and reduces risk, especially for remote users and branch locations.

Converging multiple point solutions into a single cloud-hosted platform streamlines operations. Centralized management and reduced hardware lower administrative overhead.

Adding new locations is easy with SASE’s cloud-first model. New sites can be connected quickly without installing appliances. The cloud-native architecture simplifies scaling to meet changing business requirements.

Processing traffic locally improves performance by avoiding hairpinning to centralized data centers. Optimized connectivity enhances productivity for a distributed workforce.

SASE’s flexible consumption model reduces capital expenditures by eliminating the need for costly hardware at every site. The cloud-first approach shifts spending from CapEx to OpEx.

Cloud delivery means new capabilities can be deployed rapidly across the entire network. Hardware refresh cycles are eliminated. The platform can quickly adapt as needs evolve.

Top Use Cases for SASE Adoption

• Securing cloud migration: SASE secures access to software-as-a-service (SaaS) apps and infrastructure-as-a-service (IaaS) while simplifying network architecture.
• Enabling remote/mobile users: SASE securely connects a distributed workforce without painfully backhauling traffic to headquarters.
• Supporting digital transformation: SASE allows organizations to adopt cloud and SaaS apps faster by eliminating security delays.
• Protecting branch offices: SASE secures branch sites by filtering web traffic and controlling access to cloud resources and private applications.
• Mergers and acquisitions: SASE makes it easier to integrate acquired companies by rapidly onboarding new locations into the consolidated security framework.

SASE Architecture Options

Organizations have two main options for deploying SASE:

DIY SASE

Organizations assemble their own SASE architecture using point products for SD-WAN, CASB, SWG, ZTNA, etc. An overlay management tool centralizes policies across solutions.

SASE Platform

A unified SASE platform delivers integrated capabilities for networking, security, management, etc. Providers include Akamai, Cato Networks, Cisco, Fortinet, Palo Alto Networks, and Versa.

5 Steps to Implementing SASE

Follow these best practices for a successful SASE implementation:

Document your use cases, priorities, and requirements. Conduct audits of existing infrastructure, apps, traffic flows and security policies.

Research leading platforms and work with vendors to evaluate products against your criteria through demos, trials and proofs of concept.

Work with your SASE provider to map out a phased deployment plan. Determine integration needs with current systems and policies.

Test SASE with a small group to validate its performance, user experience and ability to enforce security policies before rolling out more broadly.

Educate stakeholders on the benefits of SASE. Provide training on new policies, controls and procedures. Monitor feedback during rollout and optimize as needed.

SASE Vendor Comparison

SASE capabilities vary between providers. When evaluating options, look for:

• Breadth of services: SD-WAN, ZTNA, FWaaS, CASB, SWG, DLP, etc.
• Converged architecture: Tight integration between services.
• Flexible deployment: On-prem, cloud, hybrid models.
• Management interface: Centralized control and analytics.
• Ecosystem integration: Works with your existing security stack.
• Global footprint: Widespread points of presence (POPs) for optimal performance.
• Pricing model: Subscription, tiered, pay-as-you-go options.

Top vendors include Akamai, Cato Networks, Cisco (Viptela/Meraki), Fortinet, Palo Alto Networks (CloudGenix), and Versa Networks. Do in-depth evaluation before selecting a platform.

Read: Simplify Your Success: Seamless Operations With EUC Management Solutions

Getting Executive Buy-In for SASE

Gaining leadership approval requires building a compelling business case. Emphasize how SASE maps to strategic priorities:

• Enables digital transformation: SASE secures cloud adoption and remote workforces.
• Reduces costs: Consolidates security stacks and shifts CapEx to OpEx.
• Manages risk: Closes security gaps across distributed environments.
• Drives scalability: Cloud-native foundation allows easy growth.
• Simplifies IT: Converged architecture reduces tool sprawl and administration.
• Improves user experience: Localized processing prevents backhauling latency.

SASE helps future-proof security for cloud-first, mobile-first enterprises. Position it as an enabler of strategic goals to win executive sponsorship.

SASE Deployment Considerations and Challenges

SASE is transformative but requires planning and care when rolling out. Moving slowly, testing rigorously and investing in training will smooth adoption.

FAQs

Conclusion

SASE’s cloud-delivered convergence of networking and security provides a foundation for the modern digital business. Its identity-centric zero-trust approach consistently secures distributed users, devices, and infrastructure.

By simplifying operations and closing security gaps, SASE allows innovation to progress without compromising protection.

Careful change management and staged deployments will smooth adoption of this transformative new architecture.

Organizations that leverage SASE will gain the agility, scalability and resilience needed to thrive in the cloud era.

You can contact us if you have any doubts. We promise, we will go all the way to alleviate it as much as possible.

You can also visit Microsoft’s website to learn more about SASE.