What is Secure Access Service Edge (SASE)?

NetworkTigers discusses the functionality and benefits of Secure Access Service Edge security architecture.

Secure Access Service Edge (SASE) is a security architecture model that delivers converged security and network as a service capability, including Zero Trust Network Access (ZTNA), Cloud Access Security Broker (CASB), Secure Web Gateway (SWG), Network Firewall (NGFW), and SD-WAN. SASE supports on-premises, remote working, and secure access use cases for branch offices. In addition to security, SASE delivers higher productivity, improved collaboration, and better agility.

How does SASE work?

SASE combines cloud-based and networking security into a single-pass, high-performance model with centralized management. It decreases operational complexity while improving security posture and access performance. When a SASE model is implemented correctly, it eliminates legacy solutions and perimeter-based appliances. 

Instead of forwarding traffic to security appliances, users connect to SASE cloud services to safely log in and use online data, services, and apps while security measures are enforced regularly. Local traffic from endpoints and office branches is encrypted and sent to the correct destination without first passing through data center focal points, which can be a colocation facility, laaS, or a global point of presence (PoP).

In SASE, “edge” refers to the cloud vendor’s systems that run on their data centers and appliances. This “edge” connects applications, devices, and remote workers to your network perimeter without VPNs. Users log in from any location and authenticate their identities to access cloud services transferred to cloud platforms such as Azure and Cloud Google across this “edge.”  

What are the benefits of SASE?

SASE frameworks provide distant and mobile employees with secure, reliable, fast access to cloud applications. Businesses that deploy a SASE model can enjoy the following benefits:

Least privileged access

SASE offers secure access to private cloud applications controlling the access to any resource or device based on the identification of the user, application, context, device, or policy. This principle of least privilege (POLP) blocks lateral movement of a criminal breach and dangers from unmanaged devices connecting to your network by restricting access depending on location or IP address.

Additionally, SASE uses zero trust principles, which assume a harmful network and require user and device authentication and policy and location compliance before allowing users to connect to your network.

Threat reduction and prevention  

With data planes and distributed control, the SASE model allow resource and application masking, isolation, and segmentation. This enables the SASE architecture to provide extensive security at various points along the access chain. For instance, inline decryption and encryption are supported by SASE, which protects against hostile insiders and web-based attacks such as ransomware, malware, and phishing.

SASE also includes evaluation and risk profiling depending on the location, device, or user that ensures all connections are accessed and secured.

Enhanced user experience

When users are on the network and manage applications and infrastructure, it’s easier to govern user experience. However, organizations still rely on the VPN paradigm to connect users to their network for security, even with applications spread across many clouds. Unfortunately, VPNs offer a bad user experience and, by exposing IP addresses, increase an enterprise’s attack surface.

The SASE framework is cloud secure and manages internet exchange connections proactively while optimizing connectivity to services and cloud applications to reduce latency. Well-peered cloud services result in a better end-user experience by providing holistic visibility and reducing end-to-end network latency.

Improved performance 

SASE is adaptable and efficient as it offers enhanced and faster access to the internet with a global network architecture optimized for high availability and high capacity. All your workers can access the resources they need securely and easily, regardless of location. You can adapt this model to suit your growing needs as new apps are introduced or new employees join your organization.

SASE reduces the different security solutions your business needs by merging them into a single service. This enhances network and application performance, making management easier and saving you time plus money. Additionally, network congestion is reduced because network traffic uses route optimization and moves along the cloud’s edge.

Cost savings 

The different types of third-party services you need to acquire, monitor and maintain can be reduced if you integrate security services into your network infrastructure. Using SASE’s single platform can help your IT team minimize the resources and the time they spend to handle the security services and the infrastructure within it. 

All of these translate into cost savings for your business because SASE’s SaaS model allows technological advancements and rapid expansion at a reduced cost. Due to its Security-as-a-Service concept, SASE offers reduced, predictable OpEx and eliminates CAPEx for on-premises infrastructure. 

Security features of SASE

SASE works by migrating all network controls and security to the cloud edge. It implements this process using the following components:

• Software-Defined Wide Area Network (SD-WAN) – SD WANs use software to offer seamless connections across different networks. They transmit data packets quickly as they use optimized routes for your traffic.
• Zero Trust Network Access (ZTNA) – ZTNA ensures streamlined access to apps and data. It operates on the premise that no device or user is trustworthy and has to be authenticated thoroughly before authorizing a connection.
• Secure Web Gateway (SWG) – SWG blocks access from harmful links and sites and blocks unknown and unsecured traffic from accessing your network. SWG can also prevent a large attack surface from threats like DDoS attacks.
• Firewall as a Service (FWaaS) – FWaaS protects apps and information from unauthorized access. It also has more advanced features, such as DNS security and URL content filtering, to identify harmful data packets that may infiltrate your network.
• Cloud Access Security Broker (CASB) – CASB minimizes unauthorized access by providing role-based access to applications and data. It also ensures regulatory compliance and controls shadow IT.

Protect and manage your business network with a SASE model

SASE is an innovative network architecture solution to the current cyber threats enterprises face in their IT environments. To learn more about how a SASE model can benefit your company, Contact NetworkTigers today to explore secure remote or internet access services. We can help you choose the best options for a robust cloud-based security infrastructure.