SASE (secure access service edge) is a cloud-based architecture that provides remote workers secure access to various applications and enables them to work from anywhere. SASE unifies all major security functions like ZTNA, FWaaS, SWG, and CASB in one unified architecture and enhances the security. This cloud-native architecture fulfills the dynamic needs of the business environment. It improves the workers productivity by unifying cloud-delivered security services with advanced networking.
Table of Contents
Component of SASE
SASE is a cloud-delivered security service that includes major components like
- ZTNA (zero trust network access)
- SWB (Secure Web Gateway)
- FWaaS (firewall as a service)
- CASB (Cloud Access Security Broker)
- SD-WAN (Software-defined Wide Area Network)
SASE integrates all the components to provide the user with a secure network experience.
ZTNA (zero trust network access)
ZTNA provides users remote access to organizations applications by controlling the access policy. ZTNA, unlike VPN (Virtual Private Network), gives access to only specific applications. It grants user access to the encrypted communication gateway only after authentication. By means of this, it adds extra protection to the application and data by hiding their IP address.
SWB (Secure Web Gateway)
SWB gives organizations protection against online security threats and filters internet traffic. It filters URLs, prevents malware and any threat, and controls application processes. It inspects each web request sent from client devices and authenticates requests only after verifying that the user policies are not violated. SWB installation can be done in various forms in physical servers, software applications, or cloud-based virtual machines.
FWaaS (firewall as a service)
FWaaS is the next-generation firewall capability (NGFW) that provides advanced layer 7 security via the cloud. It simplifies IT infrastructure by virtualizing network firewall applications. It gives security by threat detection and prevention, URL filtering, and support for intrusion prevention systems (IPS) and DNS security. It safeguards organizations from inside and outside threats by filtering network traffic.
CASB (Cloud Access Security Broker)
CASB monitors SaaS applications and identifies malware and threats by positioning itself between the user and the cloud service provider. CASB combines different security policies, including credential mapping, authentication, malware detection, and encryption. It controls sensitive data like financial information, credit card details, and crucial business information of SaaS repositories and prevents any unauthorized access. Moreover, it minimizes the organization’s risk by predicting unusual activity across cloud applications and analyzing high-risk applications.
SD-WAN (Software-defined Wide Area Network)
SD-WAN is a networking technology that enhances the performance of WAN by providing secure and reliable connectivity across different networks. WAN connects users with the applications on different data centers, and traditional dedicated MPLS circuits are used to ensure reliable connectivity. But it does not work well for the modern cloud-centric world. SD-WAN technology enhances WAN performance in complex SaaS and IaaS by virtualizing connectivity. It directs the traffic efficiently across multiple routes such as MPLS, LTE, and broadband internet.
Benefits of SASE
- SASE reduces costs as it is a cloud-native architecture and available on a subscription-based model, whereas traditional security models need heavy capital investments. Moreover, improved network performance helps organizations to make cost-effective strategic plans.
- It reduces complexity by reducing overhead, simplifying administration, and minimizing extra burden from IT teams.
- It enhances the security by mitigating unauthorized intruder intervention within the network. It ensures only verified users can access the network.
- SASE architecture is crucial for automation-driven network configuration, which improves network performance, increases productivity, and generates improved business outcomes.
Conclusion
Implementation of SASE is pivotal in modern business organizations for reducing latency and ensuring users from anywhere have secure and fast access across the network. SASE is a scalable and flexible solution for businesses that do not require significant investment or any hardware changes but provide a unified, secure cloud service.
