While traditional security measures have their advantages, they aren’t completely foolproof in today’s complex digital ecosystem. Firewalls and VPNs, despite their capabilities, still remain vulnerable to advanced threat actors in the digital space. Furthermore, a recent uptick in zero-days shows that firewalls and VPNs are the prime targets of threat actors.
That’s where the corporate and IT world requires something robust and futuristic to keep their network secure. Especially when the need for cloud environments and remote work is prevalent, the corporate world needs something more than traditional network security to keep the overall security intact. That’s where Secure Access Service Edge (SASE) positions itself as a capable solution.
What is Secure Access Service Edge (SASE)?
Usually pronounced as “sassy,” cloud, SASE is a cloud-based network architecture. It converges the network and security into a unified and global platform. It’s a security architecture that aims to provide secure access to applications and resources for users and devices.
In short, despite their location, users with their devices connected to the main network of an organization (encrypted by SASE) would have reliable and secure access to its resources.
SASE ensures this safe and reliable connectivity through a unique integration. SASE integrates Software-Defined Wide Area Networking (SD-WAN) with secure web gateway (SWG), Cloud Access Security Broker (CASB), Firewall-as-a-Service (FWaaS), and Zero Trust Network Access (ZTNA) to provide a unique and reliable network security to virtualized networks.
Key features of SASE
At the core, SASE is prepared for network security. The following features further define what SASE helps enterprises with.
- Cloud-native architecture: SASE is scalable thanks to a cloud-delivered security architecture. It leverages cloud-native infrastructure to provide security measures that scale according to business needs.
- Integrated security functions: This combines multiple Secure Web Gateways, Firewall-as-a-Service, Cloud Access Security Brokers, and Zero Trust Network Access into a single platform.
- Zero trust principles: Secure Access Service Edge (SASE) works based on Zero Trust Principles. It verifies the users and the devices before granting access to the network. This way, it minimizes the risk of unauthorized access.
- Global Reach: The network security provided by SASE goes beyond an in-house network. It operates in the cloud via Points of Presence (PoPs), thereby providing consistent security policies and enforcement across locations and devices, ensuring comprehensive network security in the process.
- Support for remote work: As a network security provider, SASE is designed to provide security to remote workers working from different locations. It’s a highly beneficial network security measure for organizations that operate under a remote and hybrid working model.
Sangfor: A SASE Solution for Enterprises
Emerging as one of the top SASE solutions for enterprises, Sangfor SASE offers an efficient network solution that combines SD-WAN, secure web gateway (SWG), and Zero Trust Network Access (ZTNA). It empowers the modern business to operate swiftly, securely, and seamlessly across different locations.
Notably, Sangfor Athena SWG aims to identify, analyze, and take immediate action based on user internet access behavior. It takes complete control over network security to enable users to work more effectively by ensuring internet access compliance.
Apart from that, the cloud native platform of Sangfor ensures fast, reliable, and secure access to networks and applications. Sangfor also leverages an AI-powered Zero malware detection engine, offering unparalleled threat prevention to secure the critical assets of the organization.
Furthermore, Sangfor positions itself as a strong and capable network security provider by combining agile and secure features to provide strong network security.
SASE is the Future of Network Security: Here’s Why
SASE Architecture is essential to today’s business models that highly blend the hybrid work culture. From managing stakeholder communication to securing smooth internal operations, SASE encrypts everything under one unified security solution. Here are some reasons why Secure Access Service Edge is the future of network security:
1. Enhanced Security Posture
SASE consolidates different security services (network firewall, web security gateways, zero trust network access, etc) in a single platform. So, organizations that rely on single or specific network security protocols would opt for a unified solution compared to disparate security protocols when choosing SASE.
This consolidation is all about reducing the attack surface and simplifying security management, making it simple to identify and respond to different network threats and improve response capabilities.
The zero-trust security model of Secure Access Service Edge allows users to grant access based on identity and context instead of network location.
2. Better User Experience
SASE also uses SD-WAN (Software-Defined Wide Area Network), a technology that helps optimize network traffic routing, thereby improving application performance. In short, it allows users to have a better user experience as remote workers.
Also, with the security protocols moved close to the user applications, SASE minimizes latency and improves access speed.
3. Easy Management & Low Complexity
SASE allows users to leverage centralized management consoles for networking and security functions. It simplifies administration and management. Organizations that use multiple point solutions are at risk of managing a complex environment.
With SASE, it’s easier to enable automation of different routine tasks, which further reduces the administrative burden and the need for a large IT team.
4. Greater Scalability and Flexibility
Secure Access Service Edge is the right network security solution for growing organizations. Whether a startup or a mid-sized organization that constantly needs to add more members to the team, SASE provides that much-needed scalability and flexibility.
Built on cloud-native architecture, SASE allows enterprise users to scale up and down their security requirements. Additionally, it’s a flexible network security solution thanks to its seamless integration with cloud services and different technologies such as smartphones, tablets, and laptops.
5. Cost Efficiency
SASE can reduce capital expenditure on hardware and ongoing operational costs for enterprises thanks to its licensing model. It follows a pay-as-you-go model that allows organizations to optimize costs by scaling resources on the go.
In essence, SASE is the future of network security due to multiple reasons. Its holistic approach to network security, ability to overcome the limitations of traditional security, and cost-effective scalability.
The cloud native, converged, and adaptable network security solutions of Secure Access Service Edge are undoubtedly the future of network security. The digital landscape of today is going to require the holistic approach SASE brings to the table for organizations.
Try a SASE ROI Calculator!
With the rapid growth of the hybrid work culture, medium to large-sized enterprises are adopting Secure Access Service Edge (SASE) at a rapid pace. This impact is visible both on the technical and financial aspects. It’s the key to today’s high-performing networks.
But how do you measure the financial impact? Well, if you opt for the Sangfor SASE solution, you get access to the SASE ROI calculator. It allows you to quantify organizational effort and resource expenses for implementing Sangfor SASE into your network.
The customized ROI Analysis Report offers a strong and detailed insight into workforce productivity. Also, the threat detection and response systems help organizations save costs on the infrastructure. It’s needless to say that the role of SASE in today’s enterprise security needs is undeniable.
