The way we work is changing. We rely on the internet and the cloud to stay connected and productive more than ever, and that means we need a new way to structure our business networks. One way to do that is with Secure Access Service Edge, or SASE.
SASE (Secure Access Service Edge) is a Kind of Network Architecture
SASE optimizes efficiency and cybersecurity in an increasingly online workplace. The SASE framework is cloud-based and decentralized, consisting of the following core components: software-defined wide-area networking (SD-WAN), secure web gateway (SWG), zero trust network access (ZTNA), cloud access security brokers (CASBs), and Firewall as a Service (FWaaS). More secure than a direct SD-WAN connection to the cloud, it affords both flexibility and reliability for businesses with a substantial remote workforce or multiple locations.
Components of SASE
Since SASE is a framework, not a branded product, you can get it from any managed service provider that offers it, like Digital Agent. While the implementation of SASE will likely vary from provider to provider, it should have these five core components:
- SD-WAN: manages internet connections and bandwidth across the network
- Secure Web Gateway: inspects traffic for attempted access to malicious or banned sites
- Zero Trust: restricts application access based on identity, context and policy adherence
- Cloud Access Security Brokers: monitors network traffic between on-prem and cloud for policy compliance
- Firewall as a Service: protects assets and users, both on-site and remote
Together, these components work to protect everything and everyone on your business network, no matter where you are.
Benefits for Your Business Network
Security is just one benefit of pivoting to a SASE network. It also consolidates and simplifies your network. This can lower costs, make your network more agile and adaptable, and makes it easier to implement global policies locally.
Furthermore, it’s easier to enable Zero Trust over a SASE network. With cybercrime of all types—but especially ransomware—on the rise, you need to restrict access to sensitive information and applications as much as possible without seriously hindering your efficiency. Zero Trust is one of the best ways to do this, and it is already embedded into the framework.
Is SASE Right For Your Business?
Gartner predicts that “by 2024, at least 40% of enterprises will have explicit strategies to adopt SASE, up from less than 1% at year-end 2018.” If you want to future-proof your business, now is the time to look into SASE. Consult your Digital Agent on what your business network should look like to best suit your company’s needs—now and years into the future.
Kate Lewis
Marketing & Sales Coordinator
Digital Agent
