In today's rapidly evolving digital landscape, organisations are grappling with the challenges of securing their networks whilst enabling seamless access for an increasingly distributed workforce. Enter Secure Access Service Edge, or SASE offers a host of advantages that make it an attractive proposition for forward-thinking enterprises.
This is not just a fleeting trend, but a fundamental shift in how we conceptualise and implement network security.
Advantages
- Enhanced Security: By integrating networking and security services into a single, cloud-delivered platform, SASE provides robust protection against cyber threats, regardless of where users or data are located.
- Improved Performance: SASE's cloud-native architecture ensures that users can access applications and data quickly and reliably, without the latency often associated with traditional hub-and-spoke networks.
- Simplified Management: With SASE, IT teams can manage all networking and security services from a centralised console, reducing complexity and operational overhead.
- Cost Efficiency: By consolidating multiple point solutions into a single platform, SASE can significantly reduce hardware costs and simplify licensing.
- Scalability: SASE's cloud-based model allows organisations to easily scale their network and security capabilities up or down as business needs change.
- Support for Remote Work: In an era where remote and hybrid work models are becoming the norm, SASE provides secure access to corporate resources from any location, on any device.
My perspective
I've worked with a number of Banks over the years along with other traditional and more innovative financial institutions. The thing that binds them all is an absolute desire to keep themselves, and their customer's assets and interactions, safe and secure. Trust is absolutely paramount, and reputational damage can result in severe consequences that can even affect an economy.
So this is a perfect use case for SASE, right?
The security and solutions architect in me says "ABSOLUTELY, THE ADVANTAGES ARE CLEAR AND OVERWHELMING" however it's not so cut and dried when considering the more traditional institutions. Here are 10 reasons why:
- Complex legacy infrastructure: Many retail banks have extensive legacy systems and applications that may not be easily compatible with SASE architecture. Integrating these systems can be time-consuming and costly.
- Strict regulatory compliance: Banks must adhere to stringent regulations like GDPR, PCI DSS, and various financial industry standards. Implementing SASE while ensuring compliance with all relevant regulations can be complex.
- Multi-branch network: Retail banks often have numerous branches, ATMs, and other physical locations. Extending SASE to all these distributed endpoints securely and efficiently can be challenging.
- High security requirements: Banks deal with highly sensitive financial data, requiring robust security measures. Balancing SASE's cloud-based approach with the need for stringent security controls can be difficult.
- 24/7 availability: Banks need to ensure constant uptime for critical services. Transitioning to a SASE model without disrupting operations can be tricky.
- User experience: Maintaining a seamless user experience for both employees and customers while implementing new security measures is crucial but challenging.
- Third-party integrations: Banks often work with numerous third-party services and partners. Extending SASE to cover these external connections securely adds another layer of complexity.
- Data sovereignty: Banks may need to keep certain data within specific geographic regions due to regulatory requirements, which can complicate cloud-based SASE implementations.
- Change management: Adopting SASE often requires significant changes in IT processes and employee workflows, which can face resistance in traditional banking environments.
- Cost considerations: While SASE can offer long-term cost benefits, the initial implementation and transition costs can be substantial for large banking networks.
That sounds like a bit of a letdown Keith...
My goal wasn't to be negative, indeed the implementation of SASE need not be an all-or-nothing proposition. It is entirely possible (and often advisable) for SASE to coexist harmoniously with traditional infrastructure.
In this context, this coexistence strategy allows banks to leverage the advanced security and networking capabilities of SASE whilst maintaining the stability and reliability of their time-tested core systems. By adopting a thoughtful, phased approach, financial institutions can absolutely enjoy the best of both worlds: the robust security and flexibility of SASE alongside the trusted performance of their existing banking platforms - here are two approaches that could be taken:
Retrofitting and integration
- Start with Non-Critical Systems: Begin SASE implementation with newer, less critical systems or innovative offerings. This allows for testing and refinement without risking core operations.
- Gradual Migration: Slowly migrate services to the SASE model, starting with those that benefit most from cloud-based security and networking.
- Hybrid Architecture: Maintain core banking systems on traditional infrastructure whilst implementing SASE for specific use cases like remote access or new digital services.
Building and securing forward
- SASE for Digital Banking Platforms: Implement SASE for new digital banking initiatives, mobile apps, or customer-facing web portals whilst keeping core transaction processing systems on legacy infrastructure.
- Secure Remote Access: Use SASE to provide secure access for remote workers or branches without changing the underlying core banking systems.
- API Security: Implement SASE for securing APIs that connect core banking systems with new fintech offerings or third-party services.
- Cloud Application Security: As banks adopt cloud-based applications, use SASE to secure access to these whilst maintaining traditional security for on-premises systems.
- Data Protection: Implement SASE for data protection and compliance for new data streams or cloud-stored data, whilst keeping critical data within existing secure environments.
Are the technologies robust, safe and secure enough?
Secure Access Service Edge (SASE) technologies, when properly implemented, can meet and often exceed regulatory requirements for safety, security, and auditability. However, the key lies in careful implementation and ongoing management.
Features
- Zero Trust Architecture: SASE's core principle aligns with regulatory emphasis on least-privilege access.
- Encryption: End-to-end encryption for data in transit and at rest meets data protection regulations.
- Advanced Threat Protection: Integrated security features help comply with cybersecurity regulations.
- Identity and Access Management: Granular access controls support compliance with data privacy laws.
- Centralised Logging: SASE platforms typically offer comprehensive logging, essential for audit trails.
- Real-time Monitoring: Continuous monitoring capabilities aid in detecting and reporting security incidents promptly.
- Policy Enforcement Visibility: Clear visibility into policy enforcement helps demonstrate compliance.
- Data Localisation: Some SASE providers offer regional data storage options to meet data sovereignty requirements.
- Compliance Certifications: Many SASE providers hold certifications like ISO 27001, SOC 2, and PCI DSS.
- Customisable Policies: Ability to tailor security policies helps meet specific regulatory requirements.
Challenges
- Cloud Concerns: Some regulators may still have reservations about cloud-based security models.
- Vendor Lock-in: Reliance on a single SASE provider may raise concerns about operational resilience.
- Complexity: The comprehensive nature of SASE may complicate audits if not properly documented.
Whilst SASE technologies offer strong security features and auditability, their acceptance by regulators may vary. Of course the key to this is for Financial institutions to work closely with both SASE providers and regulatory bodies to ensure their implementation meets all necessary compliance requirements.
Hopefully this has been useful, maybe even insightful... if it's sparked a level of curiosity I'll be absolutely delighted, and if that results in a call to action for you to get in touch then even better! You can reach me here, or through this link.
We have some great technology partners in this space.
#ekcosecurity #sase #banking #safeandsecure
