What is SASE (Secure Access Service Edge)?

SASE (Secure Access Service Edge) is a term coined by Gartner to refer to a new architecture for networking and security that combines both functions into a single, cloud-based service. SASE is designed to provide secure and seamless access to applications and resources across an organization’s entire network, regardless of where they are located or how they are accessed.

This architecture allows organizations to simplify their network and security infrastructure, and to provide their employees with secure and consistent access to resources and applications from any location, using any device. Gartner predicts that SASE will become the dominant model for networking and security in the coming years, as more and more organizations move to the cloud and adopt hybrid and multi-cloud environments.

SASE vs. the traditional hub and spoke model

Instead of routing all traffic through a central hub, SASE uses the cloud to provide secure and seamless access to applications and resources from any location, using any device. This allows organizations to simplify their network and security infrastructure, and to provide their employees with secure and consistent access to resources and applications from any location, using any device.

The main difference between the traditional hub and spoke model and SASE is the way in which networking and security functions are delivered. In the traditional model, these functions are typically provided through on-premises hardware and software, while in SASE, they are delivered as a cloud-based service. This allows organizations to take advantage of the scalability, flexibility, and cost-efficiency of the cloud, and to simplify their network and security infrastructure.

How SASE Will Affect Your Cloud Security Stack?

The adoption of SASE is likely to have a number of advantages for cloud security teams within an organization. Some of the main advantages include:

• Simplified security infrastructure: SASE allows organizations to combine networking and security into a single, cloud-based service, which can help to simplify their security infrastructure and reduce the complexity of their security stack. This can make it easier for security teams to manage and control access to resources and applications, and to respond to threats and vulnerabilities.
• Flexible and scalable security solutions: SASE provides organizations with more flexible and scalable security solutions that can easily adapt to changing business needs and requirements. This allows security teams to quickly respond to new threats and vulnerabilities, and to more easily protect the organization’s assets and data.
• Secure and seamless access to resources: With SASE, organizations can provide their employees with secure and consistent access to resources and applications from any location, using any device. This can help to improve productivity and collaboration, and to support a remote and mobile workforce.
• Improved security posture: SASE provides organizations with a comprehensive and integrated security solution that is delivered through the cloud. This can help to improve the organization’s overall security posture, and to better protect against a wide range of threats and vulnerabilities.

While the adoption of SASE can provide many advantages for security teams within an organization, there are also some challenges that may need to be addressed. Some of the main challenges include:

• Change management: SASE represents a significant shift in the way that networking and security are delivered within an organization. This can require significant changes to an organization’s existing security infrastructure and processes, and may require security teams to adapt to new technologies and approaches.
• Integration with existing systems: In some cases, security teams may need to integrate SASE with existing security tools and technologies that are already in place. This can be a complex and time-consuming process, and may require specialized expertise and knowledge.
• Training and education: Security teams will need to be trained on how to use and manage SASE, and may need to learn new technologies and approaches in order to effectively implement and use SASE within their organization.
• Security risks: As with any new technology, there may be security risks associated with the adoption of SASE. Security teams will need to carefully evaluate these risks and take appropriate measures to mitigate them in order to protect the organization’s assets and data.

The adoption of SASE is likely to present some challenges, but with careful planning and implementation these challenges can be overcome and the benefits of SASE can be realized.

How to Evaluate SASE Solutions

Architecture

The architecture of a SASE solution refers to the way in which networking and security functions are delivered and integrated. It is important to evaluate the architecture of a SASE solution to ensure that it will meet the organization’s needs and requirements, and to ensure that it is flexible and scalable enough to support the organization’s future growth and development.

Tenancy Model

The tenancy model of a SASE solution refers to the way in which the solution is hosted and delivered. There are two main tenancy models for SASE solutions: multi-tenant and single-tenant. Multi-tenant solutions are hosted in a shared environment and are typically more cost-effective, while single-tenant solutions are hosted in a dedicated environment and provide more control and customization.

Cloud-native SASE solutions are typically delivered as a multi-tenant service, where multiple organizations share the same infrastructure and resources. This can provide cost-effective and scalable solutions, but may not provide the same level of control and customization as a single-tenant solution.

User Privacy

User privacy is an important consideration when evaluating SASE solutions. It is critical to ensure that the solution provides adequate protection for user data and privacy, and that it complies with relevant laws and regulations. It is also important to evaluate the solution’s data processing and storage practices, and to make sure user data is handled in a secure and transparent manner.

Cloud-native SASE solutions typically store user data in the cloud, which can raise concerns about data privacy and security. It is important to carefully evaluate the data processing and storage practices of a cloud-native SASE solution, and to ensure that user data is handled in a secure and transparent manner.

Granular Visibility and Detailed Logging Options

Granular visibility refers to the ability of a SASE solution to provide detailed and specific information about the access and usage of resources and applications. This can include information about the location, device, and user of the resources and applications, as well as the specific actions and activities that are performed.

Detailed logging refers to the ability of a SASE solution to capture and store detailed information about the access and usage of resources and applications. This can include information about the time, date, location, and device of the access and usage, as well as the specific actions and activities that are performed.

Licensing Model

Cloud-native SASE solutions are typically delivered as a subscription-based service, where organizations pay a monthly or annual fee for access to the solution. This fee may be based on the number of users, the amount of data processed, or the amount of resources and infrastructure used. The licensing model for cloud-native SASE solutions is typically flexible and scalable, allowing organizations to easily adjust their usage and costs based on their changing needs and requirements.

Conclusion

SASE allows organizations to provide secure access to their network resources from anywhere, using any device. It is becoming increasingly popular as organizations look for ways to support remote work and provide secure access to their resources from anywhere. It offers robust security features, such as encryption, authentication, and access controls, to protect data and networks, allowing organizations to benefit from the scalability and flexibility of the cloud while ensuring that their data and networks are secure.

By Gilad David Maayan