In the dynamic world of cyber security, a new term has emerged: SASE, pronounced as “sassy.” SASE stands for Secure Access Service Edge, and it represents a groundbreaking approach to network security. Let’s break down what SASE is and why it’s essential for modern businesses.
What is SASE?
Secure Access Service Edge, or SASE, is a cloud-based architecture that brings together network and security services and delivers them as a unified cloud service. It takes the concept of networking and security to new heights, extending their capabilities far beyond the traditional network edge. With SASE, remote workers and those on the go can enjoy services like Firewall as a Service (FWaaS), Secure Web Gateway (SWG), Zero-Trust Network Access (ZTNA), and various threat detection functions.
This innovative approach combines two key components: Security Service Edge (SSE) and SD-WAN (Software-Defined Wide Area Network). SSE focuses on delivering security services from the cloud, ensuring safe browsing, authenticated access to private applications, and secure connections to SaaS applications.
Why is SASE Necessary?
The need for SASE arises from the rapid transformation of enterprise networks. Cloud-based applications are now the backbone of businesses, enabling distributed workflows and supporting remote and mobile users. This expansion has blurred the boundaries of traditional network security, challenging organizations to secure an ever-growing attack surface. VPN-only solutions are no longer sufficient, and security tools must evolve to keep pace with these changes.
Advantages of Using SASE
Implementing SASE offers numerous benefits for organizations:
Flexible, Consistent Security: SASE provides a comprehensive range of security services, from threat prevention to next-generation firewall policies, ensuring zero-trust network access.
Reduced Total Cost of Ownership: Say goodbye to managing multiple point products. SASE simplifies your security stack and reduces both capital and operational expenses.
Reduced Complexity: Consolidate networking and security functions into a single, manageable solution, streamlining your architecture and reducing complexity.
Optimized Performance: Leveraging cloud availability, SASE allows secure and convenient access to the internet, applications, and corporate resources from anywhere.
Exploring Security Service Edge (SSE)
SSE is a crucial part of the SASE model, delivering essential security services from anywhere. It includes:
Firewall-as-a-Service (FWaaS): Offers features like intrusion prevention, anti-malware protection, web security, anti-spam, and sandboxing through the cloud.
Secure Web Gateway (SWG): Monitors end-user web activity and enforces security policies for safe browsing. Features include Data Loss Prevention, deep SSL inspection, and URL filtering.
Zero-Trust Access Network (ZTNA): Provides secure remote access to an organization’s applications, data, and services based on access control policies, granting access only to specific services or applications.
Cloud Access Security Broker (CASB): A unified platform for configuring policies for cloud service use. It includes in-line CASB for controlling application access and API-based CASB for content inspection.
SASE represents a pivotal shift in how we approach network security, offering simplicity, scalability, flexibility, and comprehensive security. As organizations embrace the cloud and remote work, SASE ensures that security remains a top priority, no matter where users, devices, or applications are located. It is time for you to shift to modern network security as well, and Logix is here to help you do that. Being a trusted partner of Fortinet, we offer enhanced Fortinet services which are built on top of cutting-edge and trending security technologies. Contact us to get started.