Secure Access Service Edge (SASE) 101: Definition. Use Cases

Secure Access Service Edge (SASE) is a cloud-native platform that provides workforce mobility, edge computing, and business transformation by merging network security with Software-Defined Wide Area Networking (SD-WAN). The most attractive benefits of SASE include simplicity, network-wide data protection, improved network reliability, secure cloud access, edge-to-edge security, consistent policy enforcement, and not needing traditional VPNs. SASE technology comprises the Zero Trust principles and cloud-native security components.

Choosing the correct vendor, change management, and coordination among security and networking professionals are some of the SASE challenges. SASE implementations can be disruptive. Therefore, the change process should be managed carefully. Companies must focus on optimal outcomes by collaborating with the security and networking team at a starting point. When looking for a vendor, you should consider factors like customer reviews, flexible offerings, excellent support, and technical knowledge.

SASE Use Case #1- Edge Computing and IoT

The security architecture of SASE allows SD-WAN to connect with the edge cloud network and keeps the labyrinth of physical SD-WAN hubs at bay. It also helps with traffic routing in a client-to-cloud network architecture. Edge computing is a technological response to the boom in IoT technology.

Edge computing is a component of the IoT world that is becoming increasingly important. It allows you to accelerate data flows that are processed in real time, by the device itself that collects them or by the computer or local server, instead of being transmitted to the Central data center and in the Cloud. This effectively lowers bandwidth usage, lowers latency for computing, and provides greater cybersecurity. With SASE, any IoT device that connects to the network is instantly detected. The IT managers can then enforce the privileges and policies according to the trusted identity through the cloud admin panel.

SASE Use Case #2- VPN Replacement

VPNs have traditionally been used for secure remote connectivity. It provides access to users via a private network, ensuring minimum data leakage. The problem with VPNs is that it is ideal for individuals or a small group of people. With a massive shift to remote working after the pandemic, IT professionals observed various VPN-related challenges. These challenges include scalability, latency, access control, and no granular data protection.

SASE solves these issues by implementing Zero Trust Security Architecture and allows organizations to use micro-segmentation. This allows the managers to split various components of the IT infrastructure network into multiple smaller segments and decide how each component needs to be secured.

SASE Use Case #3- WAN Modernization

SASE comes with an integrated SD-WAN functionality. Traditional MPLS networks suffer from inefficient traffic routing and fail to provide the security required for cloud networks and applications. Older perimeter-based systems are also much more expensive compared to the SASE-based alternatives.

The SD-WAN perimeter in SASE manages the traffic at the network edge by automatically identifying the users. Another modern feature is that SASE can easily integrate with Data Loss Prevention (DLP) tools. This allows the network to guard sensitive data outside the network perimeter. Tools like Identity and Access Management (IAM) and Secure Web Gateways limit access to authenticated users, thus making the infrastructure safe from any unauthorized access.

SASE Use Case #4- Cloud Adoption and Migration

Complete implementation of SASE is a time taking process. It is not an immediate answer to all the IT issues. Apart from the technicalities involved, it also requires and participation of employees and the organizational leadership. Each component of SASE must be carefully configured and managed. Migrating to the cloud has allowed businesses to reinvent their business models and build resiliency.

Companies across all sectors must pick up the pace to remain competitive and continue growing. The correct evaluation of a cloud migration project requires adopting a particularly complex and holistic systemic vision. In addition to the effects of the project at a technical and technological level, it should consider the organizational impact and, above all, their overall effects in terms of emerging or ceasing costs/savings.

SASE Use Case #5- Workforce Transformation and Support for mobile users

SASE security aims to transform the network and security from traffic-flow-centric to identity-centric. With more people working from home after the COVID-19 pandemic, users need to be provided with constant access to cloud web applications for smooth work. SASE enables major workforce transformation by allowing scalability. It is one of the foundational aspects of the SASE approach. It is easy to provision new SASE services in the cloud. Also, deploying security inspection at local edge nodes in SASE allows improved performance and greater flexibility.

Conclusion

The way we work in IT infrastructure is constantly changing. Enterprises are now looking for solutions that address the needs of tomorrow’s applications, cybersecurity, and enterprise data workloads. The data that the employees require to work should always remain available to them whether they are available on the premises or not. They must constantly be connected to their teammates and the required data sources. SASE promises fast, safe, and secure cloud computing by converging networking with security.