What Is SASE In Cyber Security?

There has been a massive change in the level of security over the past decade. This awareness is a perfect starting point in figuring out the cause of this change, which is why establishing the SASE model. However, before this security technique can be adopted, it is important to discuss  SASE and the technologies that make it up?

SASE is the short form for secure access service edge, and it is a new way of tackling this ancient security challenge at a time when the old security models are falling in the face of progressively advanced threats.

SASE is a growing area of cyber-security that is expected to be in high demand in the future. It acts as a framework in the cloud edge to provide protection and ease of performance to administrative services.

It is an effective type of technology that is based in the cloud. Moreover, it helps users get quick access to a corporate network and protects the data services adopted by an organization’s network.

What is SASE?

SASE was coined by Gartner, a global research and advisory firm. It is described as a cloud-based IT model, a collection of software-defined networking and network security functions delivered from a single service provider.

This approach provides better control and visibility into the data, traffic, and users seeking access to an organization’s network. In addition, SASE allows for flexibility and scalability of networks built with it and provides a connection to globally distributed offices and workers in any location through any device.

SASE Purpose

Considering the world, we now live in, the rise in remote-based workers, the high rate of data movement, and the increase in the use of. SaaS( Software as a service application), with the constant need for users to access corporate networks and resources.

The SASE technology is made up of simplicity, seeing it comprises every service user’s need with the corporate resources. It also contains cyber security attributes because it helps manage access to an organization’s network. It secures and controls both the user’s and organization’s data.

SASE Architecture

The structure of the security access service edge can identify each user on the corporate network. It also recognizes the devices used on the web and adopts security based-policies for the corporate network.

The access control area of this technology protects users and gives them controlled access from anywhere.

What Are The Technologies That Makeup SASE?

As earlier explained, SASE is bent on unifying networking and cyber security as part of a single-service structure whose platform is the cloud; hence it does not leave out a single technology; instead, it’s a collection of them.

Security is available network-wide, intending to protect every user that requires access to an application or resource. To accomplish this, SASE systems contain these principal components:

Zero Trust Network Access

This component is straightforward and effective in running on a mantra of “never trust, always verify.” This implies anyone can be comprised; hence, no one should be trusted, so any user or device seeking access to the network must be verified.

Just as every company staff is physically identified through their identity cards even though they have been working in the organization for years, they get checked each time they are to check in to the company.

With this approach in place, users’ identities must be verified and confirmed as trustworthy before access is granted to assets, resources, and applications. With Zero Trust Network access, no security is taken for granted, and everyone who requests access is perceived to be a potential threat,

The multi-factor authentication technique is adopted to help organizations minimize unauthorized access, security breaches, and the mobility of an attacker in case they manage to access a network.

SD-WAN and DNS Layer Security

SD-WAN acts as a virtual wide-area network, offering businesses the flexibility to use various traffic services for a secure connection. With SD-WAN, you can choose from options like 5G, broadband, MPLS, LTE, and more. This selection simplifies management while enhancing connectivity.

Domain Name System (DNS) Layer Security ensures that the domain name system is verified whenever a user accesses a website or online application. By integrating DNS security with SASE, you protect against threats targeting IP and DNS. This proactive approach fortifies your network and counters potential cyber threats.

Secure Web Gateway

A secure Web gateway or cloud-based web proxy offers security functions like content filtering, data loss prevention, Secure Sockets Layer decryption, file sandboxing, malware detection, and dynamic threat intelligence to prevent any web-based threats.

Firewall As A Service(FWaaS)

FWaaS is a cloud-based provision of firewall services designed for securing traffic. This comprises the control of Layer 3 and 4 with IP anonymization and rules for Layer 7.

Cloud Access Security Broker

CASBs-cloud access security brokers are responsible for managing and securing access to SaaS. With them, a business can handle its security policies and ensure compliance with the regulations.

These brokers provide helpful insights into how cloud-based applications are used across the platforms. In addition, due to its automatic discovery functions, every unauthorized use of cloud applications will be discovered quickly.

Finally, a data loss protection feature is part of the alert system if an anomaly is discovered.

Conclusion

SASE is here to stay, evolving as the security landscape shifts. Its effectiveness depends on how well it adapts to the changing environment. With hybrid remote work, a dynamic workforce, rising cloud usage, and increasing network and data traffic, traditional security models are becoming obsolete. Understanding SASE is crucial before implementing it, as it represents a new way of thinking about and visualizing security.

SASE integrates network security functions and networking into a single, cloud-based service. This modern approach, replacing traditional hub-and-spoke models, offers benefits like reduced network latency.

Additionally, SASE simplifies network security and management. It enhances flexibility and performance, cuts costs, and boosts overall security. Embracing SASE means stepping into a more efficient and secure future for network infrastructure.