Your Path to a SASE Solution

What is Secure Access Service Edge (SASE)?

The ongoing digital acceleration is changing the way we work and interact with technology. As remote working becomes more widespread, companies need to adapt their HR and IT solutions to support these trends. However, this also means that companies face new challenges when it comes to securing their data and complying with regulations.

This is where Secure Access Service Edge (SASE) comes into play. SASE is a cloud-based network and security architecture that provides wide-area networking (WAN) and various network security services such as Zero-Trust Network Access (ZTNA), Secure Web Gateway (SWG) and Firewall as a Service (FWaaS). By using SASE, organizations can build a more resilient and secure distributed network that enables both people and objects to securely access data and applications from any location.

One of the key benefits of SASE is that it recognizes the end user as the new perimeter to be defended and protected. This means that SASE provides identity, data and access protection on three levels, with the aim of improving the end user’s experience when using cloud-based applications.

With data being the new gold, organizations need to find efficient ways to harness the value of data streams to create new areas of growth. With SASE, organizations can securely process and handle data from smart objects and remote workers without compromising security or performance. SASE also enables companies to move away from legacy data centers and increasingly rely on public, hybrid and private cloud infrastructures.

In summary, SASE is a comprehensive solution that meets the pressing needs of organizations in the current digital landscape. By adopting SASE, organizations can provide a more secure and flexible working environment, enable the integration of smart objects and comply with data protection and privacy regulations.

Dealing with increasing complexity

Today’s business environment is becoming increasingly complex. Multiple clouds, local sites and different cybersecurity tools lead to unwieldy and expensive IT environments. Traditional network security based on protecting the data center with multiple defenses is no longer sufficient to meet the dynamics of digital business and a distributed workforce. SASE offers a range of benefits, including increased security, reduced complexity and cost, zero-trust enablement and improved resilience. With SASE, remote workers can access their applications securely and quickly, making it an ideal solution for a distributed workforce.

In summary, SASE is an important solution for organizations struggling with the complexity of today’s business environment. By adopting SASE, organizations can benefit from increased security, reduced complexity and cost, zero-trust enablement and improved resilience.

Why SASE is not a quick solution

The changeover to Secure Access Service Edge (SASE) is a process that cannot be completed overnight, as it is not a single product. Most companies have already invested in old hardware and software contracts that need to be gradually replaced, which takes time.

Therefore, it is important for organizations to develop a solid SASE strategy with short and long-term goals after thorough research. Breaking down barriers between network and security teams to form a cross-disciplinary group is critical to overseeing the transformation process.

Overcoming challenges in SASE adoption

The introduction of any new technology comes with challenges, and SASE is no exception. As mentioned earlier, SASE is a combination of tools and methods, which can make the landscape complex. IT teams need to carefully consider the compatibility and interoperability of the tools.

To avoid problems, such as a lack of internal skills, it is advisable to conduct a gap analysis. A gap analysis can help create a roadmap for SASE adoption and migration planning. It can also identify opportunities to reduce complexity and eliminate redundant vendors.

Integrating Zero Trust into SASE for improved security

The more companies rely on Zero Trust to strengthen their security, the better it complements SASE. Zero Trust is a security framework that continuously checks all users, internal and external. The aim is to allow access to applications and data only with clear authorization.

The integration of Zero Trust into SASE helps centralize security tools, close visibility gaps and streamline operations, resulting in a stronger security posture. With a single solution, organizations can achieve Zero Trust Network Access (ZTNA) and apply security policies across the entire network.

When developing a SASE strategy, organizations should evaluate their zero trust posture and how it fits with their existing network architecture. Identity and access management and micro-segmentation can further enhance Zero Trust, making it an effective tool to stop threats and mitigate risk in the event of an intrusion.

Creating a SASE roadmap

As organizations increasingly adopt hybrid working models and smart objects, traditional network security controls are becoming less secure and less effective. With the increasing use of cloud and Software as a Service (SaaS), it is no longer possible to route traffic through the corporate network. The solution is a Secure Access Service Edge (SASE) that includes Zero Trust.

To introduce SASE, companies must first carry out a gap analysis. This identifies problems such as a lack of internal skills. This is followed by the planning of a technology roadmap for the next 18 months.

The path to SASE is not short, but it is worth it. It enables secure data access for employees and devices, regardless of location or end device. This noticeably increases productivity.