What is SASE? The Next Generation of Cybersecurity Services.

You might have heard of Secure Access Service Edge (SASE). But what is SASE?

Coined by Gartner and first presented in 2019, SASE (pronounced “sassy”) is the next generation of cybersecurity services. It proposes to change the way networking and security are delivered.

At its core, SASE is a network architecture that uses a cloud-based approach to secure a wide area network (WAN). It incorporates four essential elements:

1. A global SD-WAN footprint
2. Distributed inspection and policy enforcement across Points of Presence (PoPs)
3. Cloud-native architecture using a converged, multitenant cloud software technology stack.
4. Identity-driven access vs. access via an IP address

Connect Business Devices to a Secure Global Network

Today, companies need to provide remote access like never before. Organizations have satellite offices, remote employees, and separate data centers. Many require global connectivity. That means traditional data centers no longer host most data functions.

With SASE security, you deploy a distributed, high-performance, secure network using Points of Presence. And do so more securely than ever because security is closer to the end-user.

Both SASE and an SD-WAN use features like bandwidth optimization and traffic prioritization. The difference is that the latter uses virtualized devices spread throughout the WAN. With Secure Access Service Edge, the cloud or security agent at the end-user level performs networking decisions.

Multiple layers of enterprise-grade protection detect cyber threats more readily. In addition, a ZeroTrust network secures internal traffic and prevents the spread of malware. Finally, connections are anonymized and encrypted. That combination helps prevent hackers from collecting browsing information.

Traditional networks are incapable of inspecting network traffic by default. Engineering is required. That creates a security gap allowing cyber threats to spread. With a zero-trust architecture, policies enforce all traffic between computers on the same network. At the same time, traffic is inspected for security threats.

How SASE Security Differs from a Traditional Data Center

Traditional network centers deploy a private data center housing data and applications. Remote users connect to that data center from a localized private network or secondary network connected via VPN.

Unfortunately, traditional networks are ill-equipped to address distributed workforces and cloud-based services. Users may experience latency connecting through a VPN or become vulnerable to security risks connecting to a company network from an unsecured connection.

SASE uses the cloud as the center of the network, not the corporate data center. It streamlines network and security services to create a secure network edge while implementing identity-based, zero trust access policies. Network VPNs and firewalls get eliminated. In short, SASE delivers more granular control of network policies that places security at the device level.

Get Enhanced Security Features

Unlike a VPN or WAN that exposes your network from external devices, SASE promises end-to-end security regardless of location. It delivers an array of potential security solutions to connected network edges globally. Numerous security options protect endpoint devices:

• Secure DNS: Secure DNS ensures that domains are free of malware and not used for phishing.
• Intrusion Prevention & Detection: Network traffic gets analyzed for cyber threats, malicious activity, and abnormal behavior. That enables virtual patching to reduce reactive patching of widespread threats.
• Malicious URL Defense: URLs are inspected for threats to improve security by uncovering sites, content, and files with malicious intent.
• SSL Inspection: According to Todyl, 70% of hackers use SSL security to protect themselves from security solutions. SSL is reviewed for threats to block threats within encrypted communications.
• Malware Scanning: Downloads are inspected for threats before they hit your network. Plus, layers of anti-virus and anti-malware engines block malicious files.
• Security Information and Event Management: SIEM aggregates events and alerts into a centralized portal and performs forensics. It also uncovers browsing behaviors and identifies trends.

What are the Benefits of SASE Security?

As discussed, SASE offers improved security and performance because it inspects traffic flow at the source and inspects every user data flow.

Other benefits include:

• Universal Security: SASE incorporates security features into the core network infrastructure. All edges receive the same protection level, unlike a VPN that requires users to connect.
• Reduced Costs: SASE lowers the number of physical and virtual appliances by leveraging a native cloud solution. As a result, IT departments will no longer be responsible for updates, patching, or scaling. That enables companies to either reduce overhead or deploy resources in other areas.
• Increased Scalability: SASE security reduces labor while streamlining provisioning times. What once took weeks to accomplish will be accomplished in hours. As a cloud computing solution, a single application controls the entire service, including routing, Cloud VPN, policy enforcement, and traffic inspection.
• Business Continuity: Business operations continue to operate despite ISP outages, hardware failures, or natural disasters. The global PoP ensures policy remains enforced. Traffic gets inspected regardless of where a user connects.
• Network Performance: Using a global SD-WAN service with its private backbone and native optimization enhances overall performance by reducing latency.
• Network & Security Convergence: Unlike the complexities of securing a WAN, SASE converges security and network functions into one multitenant cloud platform. It delivers a global private backbone, robust SD-WAN functionality, and a network security stack by itself.

Think Secure Access Service Edge Security is Right for Your Business?

If you’re looking for cybersecurity services near you, talk to us. We’ve partnered with Todyl to deliver the next generation of security today. We’re one of the first MSPs to offer SASE in Harrisburg, Carlisle, Lancaster, York, Lebanon, Reading, and Allentown.

As a recognized world-class MSP, we deliver innovative IT solutions to drive the success of our clients. If you’d like to learn more about SASE and what it can do for you, get in touch by calling 717-914-0102 or use our contact form, and we’ll get right back to you.