The growing demand for security solutions and cloud connectivity has led to the development of new approaches to deal with the challenges faced by modern companies. One such approach is Secure Access Service Edge (SASE), a cloud security model that combines multiple networking and security functions into a single solution.
Increasing digitization and the need to provide secure access to enterprise resources for remote workers, branch offices and mobile devices has driven the adoption of SASE. In this article, we will discuss the fundamental concepts, advantages, challenges, opportunities and trends of SASE, as well as evaluating its value to business, IT and users.
Concepts
SASE is a model that combines security and networking functions into a unified platform, delivered as a cloud service. The SASE model was first introduced by Gartner in 2019 and is based on the convergence of WAN networks and security functions such as VPN, SD-WAN, firewall and network access control.
Main Differences and comparisons with predecessor concepts
SASE represents an evolution of traditional security and networking concepts such as VPNs, firewalls and point security solutions. The main difference is the convergence of several solutions into a single cloud-based service, offering greater flexibility, scalability and simplicity. Additionally, SASE takes an identity- and context-based approach, providing more adaptive and granular protection compared to previous solutions.
The SASE concept offers advantages such as better performance, lower latency and simpler integration with other security solutions. In addition, SASE's Zero Trust architecture provides greater protection against internal and external threats.
When it comes to firewalls, SASE offers Firewall as a Service (FWaaS), eliminating the need to manage and maintain on-premises firewall infrastructure. This results in cost savings and greater agility in implementing security policies.
Compared to point security solutions, SASE provides a holistic and unified approach, which simplifies management and improves protection effectiveness. Integrating multiple security features into a single service enables consistent policy enforcement across an organization.
Figure 1: Network and security service layers addressed in the SASE concept
SASE features:
Unified Policies: SASE enables the creation and management of security and connectivity policies in a centralized and consistent manner.
Optimized connectivity: The SASE solution provides better network performance, reducing latency and improving quality of service.
Identity and context-based access: SASE provides granular access to enterprise resources based on user identity, context, and security requirements.
Threat Management: The SASE solution includes advanced threat detection and prevention capabilities, protecting the organization from malware, phishing and other cyber threats.
Enhanced Visibility and Control: SASE provides greater visibility and control over your network and security infrastructure, making it easier to identify and resolve issues.
Scalability and flexibility: SASE's cloud-based architecture allows organizations to easily scale their services as needed and quickly adapt to changes in the business environment.
Support for multicloud and distributed environments: SASE is designed to work in complex and distributed environments, unlike traditional solutions, which are generally optimized for centralized environments.
Figure 2: SASE approach with scope-independent managed traffic
SASE has several advantages, including:
Simplification of IT infrastructure
security improvement
Greater agility and scalability
cost reduction
Improved user experience
Facilitating the adoption of emerging technologies
While SASE offers significant benefits, it also faces some challenges, such as:
Integration with legacy systems
Vendor choice and dependency level
Implementation project
Definition of Structured Policies
Businesses can leverage SASE to:
Increase security and compliance
Facilitate digital transformation
Improve user experience and productivity
Reduce network complexity and operational costs
SASE is particularly suitable for scenarios such as:
Companies with a distributed workforce
Multicloud environments, or with distributed computing capabilities
IoT and edge computing implementations
High compliance environments
Some key trends in the SASE space include:
Accelerating adoption due to the pandemic
Market growth and vendor consolidation
Integration of artificial intelligence and machine learning
Growing focus on privacy and compliance
SASE offers value in several areas:
Value for the business:
Greater agility and responsiveness to market changes
Cost reduction and resource optimization
Improved compliance and security posture
Facilitating digital transformation and adoption of new technologies
Value for IT:
Simplifying network and security infrastructure
Centralized management and enhanced visibility
Reduction of complexity and operating costs
Improved network scalability and resiliency
Value for users:
Improved user experience with faster and more secure connections
Easy and secure access to apps and features, regardless of location
Higher productivity due to lower latency and better performance
Figure 3: Conceptual diagram of the scope of SASE
Conclusion
SASE is an innovative cloud security model that offers significant benefits in terms of simplification, security, agility and cost. However, companies should carefully consider the challenges and implications before adopting SASE. By properly evaluating and implementing SASE, organizations can take advantage of this approach to meet the challenges of the cloud computing era and drive business success.
SASE represents a significant shift in the way companies approach security and connectivity in an increasingly digitized world. The convergence of networking and security solutions into a single cloud-based service offers significant benefits in terms of simplicity, scalability and performance. However, the adoption of SASE also presents challenges, such as the integration with the existing infrastructure and the necessary cultural change, it is essential to surround yourself with experienced partners and suppliers that have a framework for adoption, mapping of needs, transition process and implementation effective. As the technology continues to evolve and mature, SASE is likely to become increasingly relevant and critical to business success in the future.
I hope this article has been helpful in updating emerging concepts of networking and security services in the challenging post-pandemic environment. And if you want to evaluate the adoption and restructuring of your company's connectivity and security, contact Ávato: Intelligence in connectivity and IT (avato.com.br), which has specialists available to help you.
댓글