Secure access service edge (SASE) is a cloud-native architecture that unifies SD-WAN with security functions like SWG, CASB, FWaaS, and ZTNA into one service.
By consolidating networking and security functions into a single, cloud-delivered service, SASE simplifies network management and enhances security.
The architecture supports the dynamic needs of modern organizations by providing scalable, unified access and protection for distributed environments.
Why do businesses today need SASE?
Businesses today are navigating a very different landscape from the traditional, centralized IT environments of the past.
That’s why the secure access service edge (SASE) framework has emerged: to solve for modern security and connectivity demands.
Here's why businesses need SASE now more than ever:
Secure access service edge responds to the decentralization brought on by increased cloud adoption, mobile access, and remote working.
This shift means that both data and users are no longer confined to the office. Which has rendered traditional perimeter-based security models less effective.
"92% of workloads are now hosted on some form of cloud platform, indicating a significant shift from traditional on-premises solutions. Only 8% of workloads remain solely on-premises, showing a substantial move towards cloud-based infrastructure across various industries."
SASE integrates comprehensive security services directly into the network fabric. Which means that security teams can securely, efficiently manage every access request, regardless of origin.
Plus: The integration of security functions within the SASE framework allows businesses to manage their security policies more uniformly.
Taking a unified approach simplifies the administrative burden.
Not to mention, it enhances security by providing consistent, real-time threat prevention and data protection across all environments.
"Over the next five years, the market for secure access service edge will grow at a compound annual growth rate of 29%, reaching over $25 billion by 2027. The underlying SASE products that buyers will use will be split between single-vendor and dual-vendor approaches."
Organizations will continue to transform digitally. And SASE's flexibility and scalability make it indispensable for protecting distributed resources.
What is SASE architecture?
As we’ve established, SASE (secure access service edge) architecture combines networking and security as a service functions into a single cloud-delivered service at the network edge.
Like this:
SASE architecture allows an organization to support dispersed remote and hybrid users automatically by connecting them to nearby cloud gateways—as opposed to backhauling traffic to corporate data centers.
It also provides consistent secure access to all applications. Meanwhile, security teams maintain full visibility and inspection of traffic across all ports and protocols.
The model radically simplifies management and reduces complexity, which are two of the main goals of secure access service edge.
It transforms the perimeter into a consistent set of cloud-based capabilities that can be deployed where and when they’re needed. And that’s a far more streamlined alternative to establishing a perimeter around the data center using a collection of disparate, point-product security appliances.
Plus, because it’s cloud-based, secure access service edge allows for a more dynamic, high-performing network. A network that adapts to changing business requirements, the evolving threat landscape, and new innovations.
It delivers identity-based and application-based policy enforcement for access to an organization’s sensitive data and applications.
SD-WAN
An SD-WAN provides an overlay network decoupled from the underlying hardware, providing flexible, secure traffic between sites and direct to the internet.
Connecting and securing branch and retail locations
Supporting cloud and digital initiatives
Global connectivity
MPLS migration to SD-WAN
Powering hybrid workforces
For the hybrid workforce, a cohesive approach to network performance and security is essential.
A secure access service edge architecture emphasizes scalability, elasticity, and low latency, catering directly to this need.
Its cloud-based framework is optimized to deliver application-specific performance. Also, integrated digital experience monitoring (DEM) offers precise visibility for everything affecting user performance.
The main advantage of SASE lies in the fusion of networking and security. This combination enhances threat monitoring and detection while filling in security gaps.
The result is streamlined network governance and simplified management.
This is why secure access service edge is a hugely foundational tool for supporting a hybrid work environment.
Connecting and securing branch and retail locations
The SASE model is vital for organizations using SaaS and public cloud services because it addresses performance and security challenges.
Using next-generation SD-WAN, secure access service edge optimizes bandwidth and ensures dynamic security, outperforming traditional data center approaches.
And again, the integration of DEM guarantees an enhanced user experience.
Secure access service edge also reduces network and security expenses. And streamlines vendor management.
Plus: Secure access service edge strengthens data security for branch and remote locations by enforcing consistent policies, simplifying management, and applying Zero Trust.
Which means applications and data are secure, regardless of where they’re located.
Supporting cloud and digital initiatives
SASE is pivotal for cloud and digital transformation. And as organizations lean into SaaS, seamless and secure connectivity is increasingly important.
Thanks to the security consolidation, secure access service edge eliminates the limitations of hardware-based approaches. Which means integrated services and optimized branch deployments.
Also: Advanced SD-WAN techniques expand bandwidth and provide deeper network insights. And that leads to enhanced operations and application performance.
Also, AI and ML-based security features significantly improve threat detection.
Dynamic firewalls offer a comprehensive approach to content analysis.
And secure protocols adeptly manage the data streams from IoT devices.
Global connectivity
SASE enhances global connectivity. Its architecture is designed to link users directly to a global network, bypassing the need to route traffic through centralized data centers.
This approach reduces latency and improves access speeds. As a result, organizations enjoy a seamless connection experience for users worldwide.
Basically, secure access service edge relies on a distributed network of cloud-based points of presence (PoPs). These PoPs are strategically located around the world. Users connect to the nearest PoP, minimizing the distance data travels.
The setup speeds up connectivity and makes consistent network performance and reliability across all locations possible.
Traditional MPLS networks are known for their high cost and inflexibility. They require major capital investment and extended deployment periods that can hinder an organization's agility and scalability.
Fortunately, secure access service edge provides an efficient pathway from MPLS to a more scalable, cost-effective SD-WAN architecture.
Here’s how:
By using the internet to create secure, high-performance network connections.
The migration allows for the use of broadband internet connections, which are far less expensive and more flexible than MPLS links.
So, once an organization connects to the SASE architecture, it benefits immediately from increased network agility and improved resiliency.
That’s because it optimizes performance and maximizes throughput to on-premises applications and cloud services.
The deployment process is also faster and more streamlined compared to traditional MPLS, typically taking only a few days or even hours.
What are the benefits of SASE?
Visibility across hybrid environments: SASE provides visibility of hybrid enterprise network environments, including data centers, headquarters, branch and remote locations, and public and private clouds. This visibility extends to all users, data, and applications, accessible from a single pane of glass.
Greater control of users, data, and apps: By classifying traffic at the application layer (Layer 7), secure access service edge eliminates the need for complex port-application research and mapping, providing clear visibility into application usage and enhancing control.
Improved monitoring and reporting: Secure access service edge consolidates monitoring and reporting into one platform. This unification allows networking and security teams to correlate events and alerts more effectively, streamlining troubleshooting and accelerating incident response.
Reduced complexity: SASE simplifies networking and security by moving operations to the cloud, reducing the operational complexity and costs associated with maintaining multiple point solutions.
Consistent data protection: Secure access service edge prioritizes consistent data protection across all edge locations by streamlining data protection policies and addressing issues like security blind spots and policy inconsistencies.
Reduced costs: Secure access service edge enables organizations to extend their networking and security stack to all locations in a cost-effective manner, often reducing long-term administrative and operational costs.
Lower administrative time and effort: SASE's single-pane-of-glass management reduces the administrative burden, decreasing the time and effort required to train and retain networking and security staff.
Less integration needs: By combining multiple networking and security functions into a unified cloud-delivered solution, secure access service edge eliminates the need for complex integrations between different products from various vendors.
Better network performance and reliability: SASE improves network performance and reliability by integrating SD-WAN capabilities that support load balancing, aggregation, and failover configurations for various links.
Enhanced user experience: Digital experience monitoring (DEM) facilitated by secure access service edge optimizes operations and enhances user experiences across locations, without the need for additional software or hardware installations.
What are the potential SASE implementation challenges?
Redefining team roles and collaboration: The implementation of secure access service edge necessitates a re-evaluation of roles within the IT landscape, especially in hybrid cloud setups. Enhanced collaboration between networking and security teams is essential, which can challenge traditional role boundaries.
Navigating vendor complexity: With SASE's ability to combine various tools and methodologies, organizations can more effectively navigate the complex landscape of point products and security tools, aligning with their transformation goals.
Ensuring comprehensive coverage: Secure access service edge offers a consolidated approach, but certain scenarios, particularly in branch-heavy setups, may require a mix of cloud-driven and on-premises solutions to ensure seamless networking and security.
Building trust in SASE: Despite its benefits, some professionals remain wary of transitioning to secure access service edge, particularly in hybrid cloud scenarios. Engaging with reputable SASE providers who have established credibility is crucial.
Product selection and integration: For businesses with siloed IT teams, deploying SASE might involve selecting and integrating multiple products to cater separately to networking and security needs, ensuring complementary functionality for streamlined operations.
Addressing tool sprawl: Transitioning to a cloud-centric secure access service edge model may render certain existing tools redundant. Identifying and mitigating these redundancies is essential to prevent fragmented capabilities and ensure a cohesive technological infrastructure.
Collaborative approach to SASE: The success of a SASE implementation relies on the collaborative efforts of both security and networking professionals. Their combined expertise helps ensure that secure access service edge components align with broader organizational objectives, optimizing the technology's benefits.
How to choose a SASE provider and what to look for
Choosing a SASE provider is a strategic decision that majorly impacts your organization's network security and operational agility.
Here’s how to make an informed choice:
Evaluate the integration capabilities
Because SASE combines numerous network and security functions into a single, unified cloud service, it’s essential to select a provider that offers a truly integrated solution—rather than a bundle of disparate services stitched together.
Integrated solutions offer smoother management and better security efficacy.
Tip:
Check if the provider’s solution is built on a homogeneous platform or if it's a collection of acquired technologies.
Assess the global reach of the provider’s network
SASE services are delivered through the cloud, making the provider’s global presence critical to reducing latency and ensuring users everywhere have reliable and fast access to network resources.
Tip:
Look for providers with a broad network of points of presence (PoPs). More PoPs close to user locations mean improved speed and reduced latency, enhancing overall user experience.
Consider the scalability and flexibility of the solution
As your business grows, your network needs will evolve. A SASE provider should offer scalable solutions that can grow with your business without requiring significant additional investments in hardware or changes to the existing infrastructure.
Tip:
Inquire about the provider’s capacity to handle increased traffic and how they manage network expansions. A flexible, cloud-native architecture is often indicative of a provider’s ability to scale effectively.
Verify Zero Trust and continuous security capabilities
Zero Trust is a foundational principle of SASE, focusing on continuous verification of trust before granting access to any resource. Ensure that the solution incorporates real-time, context-based policy enforcement.
Tip:
Determine whether the provider supports granular access control policies and if their solution continuously assesses the security posture of devices and users, adapting access as needed.
Check compliance and data protection features
For businesses in regulated industries, compliance with relevant standards and regulations is non-negotiable. SASE providers should not only comply with these standards but also help you comply through robust data protection and security measures.
Tip:
Review the provider’s compliance certifications and ask how their solution helps in adhering to industry regulations like GDPR, HIPAA, or PCI-DSS.
Evaluate the provider’s performance and reliability guarantees
Look into the service level agreements (SLAs) offered by the SASE provider. SLAs are a testament to the provider’s commitment to uptime, reliability, and performance.
Tip:
Opt for providers that offer financially backed SLAs, which demonstrate their confidence in maintaining high service levels and compensating customers if they fall short.
Analyze the ease of management and operational visibility
Effective management and visibility across all network and security services are crucial. A good SASE solution offers a centralized dashboard for monitoring and managing the distributed network.
Tip:
Ask for a demo of the provider’s management console. Check for intuitive navigation and comprehensive reporting capabilities that offer insights into traffic, user activity, and security events.
Consider vendor reputation and customer support
A provider’s reputation in the market can be a good indicator of their service quality and customer satisfaction. Also, responsive and knowledgeable customer support is vital, especially when deploying complex solutions like SASE.
Tip:
Research customer reviews and case studies. Also, assess the responsiveness of the provider’s support team by requesting references or conducting a trial of their service.
How to execute a successful SASE implementation in 6 steps
Implementing SASE effectively requires a structured approach and a keen focus on collaboration and strategic planning.
Let’s outline a six-step process to guide your organization through a successful deployment:
Step 1: Foster team alignment and collaboration
To effectively implement SASE, networking and security teams absolutely have to collaborate closely.
Historically, these teams have had differing priorities: networking focuses on speed, security emphasizes threat protection.
Using DevOps evolution as a model, combine these teams' strengths for a unified goal.
Rely on expert leadership and SASE vendors for education and training support to merge disciplines.
Tip:
Establish a cross-functional SASE implementation team that includes members from IT, security, compliance, and business units. Regular workshops or joint training sessions can help align goals and facilitate a shared understanding of the strategic impact across the organization.
Step 2: Draft a flexible SASE roadmap
Adopting SASE doesn't mean you need to do an instant overhaul.
Integrate secure access service edge progressively, aligned with IT initiatives and business goals. And definitely collaborate with vendors or MSPs in developing a roadmap so you can be sure it’s adaptable to dynamic business needs.
Whether you’re modernizing SD-WAN or enhancing security, use SASE as a vehicle for both convergence and progression.
Step 3: Secure C-Suite buy-in
Achieving executive support for SASE is vital.
Highlight the benefits akin to cloud-based applications, stress the ROI, and underscore the reduced need for multiple vendors.
Important: Emphasize the comprehensive security the model brings, particularly in the face of escalating threats.
As projects progress, measure and report successes across various metrics.
Tip:
Prepare a detailed comparison of the current security and network expenses versus the projected costs post-SASE implementation. This should include potential savings from reduced downtime and the value of increased agility. Presenting these figures can make a compelling case for the C-Suite by quantifying the financial impact.
Step 4: Establish a plan
Start by clearly determining SASE objectives tailored to your organization's unique challenges.
Then analyze the existing network setup, identify areas of improvement, and conduct a skills and technology audit to make sure your team is prepared for the transition.
Step 5: Select, test, and deploy
Identify and onboard apt SASE solutions that are compatible with existing technologies.
Prioritize solutions that seamlessly integrate with your current tools.
Don’t forget: Before full-scale deployment, test them in a controlled environment to guarantee efficiency.
Tip:
Use pilot programs or phased rollouts starting with less critical applications or user groups. This approach allows for iterative feedback and adjustments before wider deployment, reducing risk and enhancing the overall integration of the solution into the existing IT ecosystem.
Step 6: Monitor, optimize, and evolve
Once deployed, maintain strong support mechanisms. Continuously evaluate the SASE setup, adjusting based on feedback, emerging tech trends, and the organization's shifting needs.
What are the most common SASE myths?
For all of its benefits, there are still plenty of misconceptions and myths about SASE.
Probably because it’s still relatively new, so the concept is evolving. Also, traditional network and security models are typically more compartmentalized, making SASE's comprehensive and converged approach seem unfamiliar and sometimes overly broad.
The confusion is often compounded by aggressive marketing that may stretch or oversimplify what secure access service edge actually encompasses.
So—let’s clarify a few common SASE myths and provide a clearer picture of what SASE really offers:
SASE is a cloud-based VPN.
SASE is just a slight improvement on SD-WAN.
Only large corporations benefit from SASE.
SASE solutions are exclusive to remote environments.
SASE compromises on-premises security for cloud advantages.
Adopting SASE means foregoing other security technologies.
SASE is a cloud-based VPN.
SASE provides a comprehensive suite of network and security services beyond the scope of a traditional VPN.
Since it incorporates various functionalities, SASE offers a unified platform for extensive security and network needs. Which far surpasses the capabilities of a standard VPN.
Note:
VPNs create encrypted tunnels but lack visibility and policy enforcement once access is granted. SASE applies context-aware inspection continuously, even after access is established.
SASE is just a slight improvement on SD-WAN.
SASE is definitely not just an upgrade to SD-WAN with a few security features.
In reality, secure access service edge marks a fundamental change in integrating cloud networking and security. By merging scalable networking with role-based security into one service, it removes the need to manage several systems and vendors.
The approach really does represent a significant transformation. It moves businesses toward a more unified, easily managed network security model. And the change is revolutionary because it introduces a scalable, agile framework.
Note:
SD-WAN is a subset of SASE. SASE includes SD-WAN as one component among several, making the architecture broader in both scope and function.
Only large corporations benefit from SASE.
Businesses of all sizes can harness the advantages of SASE. Even for small to medium-sized organizations, SASE can absolutely simplify network and security management.
Plus: Its scalability ensures that organizations can adapt it to their unique requirements and growth trajectory.
Note:
SASE's scalability means it can be deployed incrementally, which allows smaller businesses to adopt SASE at a pace and scale that matches their specific needs and current infrastructure capabilities. Some vendors offer simplified SASE bundles or managed services designed specifically for small to mid-sized businesses with limited IT resources.
SASE solutions are exclusive to remote work environments.
While SASE is often associated with facilitating remote work because of its secure access capabilities, it's equally beneficial for in-office infrastructures.
Secure access service edge ensures that both remote users and in-office workers have consistent secure access to cloud resources. It defends against threats regardless of physical location.
SASE compromises on-premises security for cloud advantages.
A SASE architecture doesn't mandate an exclusive cloud-centric approach.
Actually, organizations can integrate SASE solutions with on-premises systems—like next-generation firewall appliances—and optimize performance and security based on specific requirements.
Adopting SASE means foregoing other essential security technologies.
Although secure access service edge offers a broad spectrum of security solutions, it doesn't eliminate the need for complementary technologies like endpoint detection and response or cloud workload protection.
Implementing SASE doesn't mean sidelining other crucial security components. It’s about integrating them for a holistic security stance.
Note:
SASE integrates with, rather than replaces, adjacent security tools. Many SASE platforms offer APIs or built-in connectors for EDR, SIEM, and identity providers.
How SASE works with complementary technologies
Since SASE has such a flexible architecture, it’s versatile across various applications and environments.
Secure access service edge integrates particularly well with systems that support cloud-based and distributed network architectures.
It can easily work alongside technologies like cloud services, mobile networks, and IoT systems—which benefit from SASE’s ability to provide centralized security management across diverse environments.
Let’s take a look at how SASE works with 5G, IoT, and DLP solutions.
How SASE and 5G work together
5G revolutionizes mobile networks with speed and reduced latency. And as 5G networks evolve beyond traditional architectures, there's a pressing need to address new security challenges.
SASE is a potential solution because it offers a centralized security framework that’s tailored for the dynamic nature of modern networks.
When integrated with 5G, SASE optimizes the potential of the network without compromising security. By routing 5G traffic through a SASE platform, businesses can enforce consistent security measures and achieve improved operational efficiency.
This way, users can access corporate resources from diverse locations. And each connection undergoes rigorous validation.
The SD-WAN component of SASE further augments this effect.
5G and SASE combine to provide a secure, high-performance framework that facilitates swift, safe communication across extended networks.
How IoT integrates with SASE
Legacy IoT systems rely heavily on centralized service provider networks, which leads to intricate routing and the potential for higher latency.
The extensive spread of IoT devices and data across multi-region clouds exacerbates these issues.
Fortunately, secure access service edge is adept at handling IoT's distributed nature.
By converging virtualized networking and security services, SASE offers centralized policy control. It streamlines data routing and safeguards it regardless of origin or destination.
Shifting security closer to data sources, SASE uses distributed points of presence (PoP) to authenticate access based on distinct device attributes. And the decentralized stance enhances IoT security, trims latency, and aligns with regional data regulations.
Protecting data with SASE and DLP
Data resides everywhere—from cloud storages to mobile devices.
And traditional data loss prevention (DLP) methods don’t provide sufficient protection for modern, highly distributed IT environments.
They’re often not agile enough to manage the dispersed nature of data. Which can make the identification and classification of sensitive information challenging.
Here’s where SASE comes in.
It combines DLP and advanced security within a unified cloud-native framework. This setup allows precise security policies to be applied directly to data as it moves across networks.
Not to mention, SASE enhances visibility and control over sensitive data. Which leads to robust protection that adapts seamlessly to complex IT infrastructures and evolving cyber threats.
Historically, companies relied on a hub-and-spoke wide area network (WAN) topology, with centralized servers and costly lines connecting remote offices.
As software-as-a-service (SaaS) applications and virtual private networks (VPNs) became popular, businesses transitioned applications to the cloud.
Firewalls in branch offices began enforcing security policies while optimizing traffic.
With the growth of cloud services, the dependency on on-premises resources diminished. Which meant that the inefficiencies of traditional network access became evident.
To address these challenges, SASE technology emerged, integrating multiple network and security technologies into one solution.
The shift towards integrated network and security solutions became crucial as key SaaS applications, such as Microsoft Office 365, moved to Azure, driving the need for more effective traffic management and inspection.
The COVID-19 pandemic accelerated the adoption of SASE as remote work surged and secure networking became paramount.
SASE FAQs
Secure access service edge (SASE) is a cloud-native architecture that unifies SD-WAN with security functions like SWG, CASB, FWaaS, and ZTNA into one service.
SD-WAN optimizes and manages network connections without native extensive security, while SASE integrates WAN functionalities with a comprehensive security framework for seamless and secure connectivity across environments.
SD-WAN
SWG
CASB
FWaaS
ZTNA
The SASE framework offers a cloud-delivered networking and security infrastructure, transforming the traditional perimeter into a set of dynamic, cloud-based capabilities that simplify management and adapt to changing needs. It ensures secure access to applications, full traffic visibility, and adapts to evolving threats and business requirements.
While SASE offers a cloud-centric solution with dynamic policy enforcement based on user context, VPNs primarily encrypt connections, sometimes introducing latency through centralized servers. The suitability of one over the other hinges on the specific needs and context of an organization.
SASE does not directly replace VPN; instead, it offers a cloud-centric solution with enhanced features such as dynamic policy enforcement based on user context. While VPNs focus on encrypted connections through centralized servers, SASE capabilities provide a broader and more integrated approach to secure network access without the potential latency of centralized servers.
Firewalls act as gatekeepers using set rules to control traffic, while SASE is a cloud-native framework offering a broader array of security functionalities.
Yes, SASE typically includes SD-WAN as one of its components. The SASE framework integrates various networking and security functions, with SD-WAN being a key component for optimizing and managing distributed network connections within this unified cloud-based platform.
The goal of SASE is to provide an integrated, cloud-native framework that seamlessly combines network optimization and security services, enabling secure and efficient access to resources regardless of user location or the location of the applications and data they're accessing.
SASE is not merely a proxy. While SASE architectures often incorporate secure web gateways, which can function as proxies, SASE is delivered as a broader framework that combines various network and security functions in a cloud-native platform.
