Secure Access Service Edge aka SASE, Simplified!

SASE, or Secure Access Service Edge, is a networking architecture that combines networking and security services. It is designed to provide secure connectivity for users and devices that are accessing networks and resources from anywhere, at any time. SASE combines various networking and security functions, such as VPN, firewall, WAN optimization, and more, into a single, cloud-based platform. This allows organizations to simplify their network architecture and reduce the complexity of managing multiple point solutions. SASE also enables organizations to provide secure access to their users and devices, regardless of their location, which is particularly important in the current environment where many employees are working remotely. According to Gartner, the SASE market is expected to grow rapidly in the coming years, with the global SASE market size estimated to reach $3.5 billion by 2024. This represents a significant opportunity for networking and security vendors that can offer comprehensive and effective SASE solutions.

?The market opportunity for SASE looks significant, as organizations around the world are looking for ways to provide secure connectivity for their users and devices, regardless of location. The COVID-19 pandemic has accelerated the trend towards remote work, which has increased the demand for solutions like SASE that can provide secure remote connectivity. Overall, the market for SASE is expected to be strong in the coming years, as organizations continue to look for ways to provide secure and reliable connectivity for their users and devices.

What is the difference between SASE and SD-WAN?

SASE and SD-WAN are both networking architectures that are designed to improve the performance and reliability of network connections. However, there are some key differences between the two:

• Scope: SASE is a broader concept that combines networking and security services, while SD-WAN is focused specifically on optimizing wide area network (WAN) connections.
• Services: SASE includes a range of networking and security services, such as VPN, firewall, WAN optimization, and more, while SD-WAN is primarily focused on optimizing WAN connections.
• Deployment: SASE is typically deployed as a cloud-based service, while SD-WAN can be deployed in a variety of ways, including on-premises, in the cloud, or as a hybrid solution.
• Management: SASE is typically managed through a single, centralized platform, while SD-WAN may require the management of multiple point solutions.?

Overall, SASE is a more comprehensive solution that combines networking and security services to provide secure connectivity for users and devices, while SD-WAN is focused specifically on optimizing WAN connections. In 2021, Gartner defined a subset of SASE capabilities, called Secure services edge (SSE), a collection of SASE security services that can be implemented together with network services, like SD-WAN, to provide a complete solution.

SASE Use cases

A typical use case for SASE is to provide secure connectivity for remote workers or branch offices. With SASE, organizations can securely connect their employees and devices to corporate resources and applications, regardless of their location. For example, an employee who is working remotely can use SASE to connect to the corporate network and access applications and resources as if they were in the office. This can include email, file servers, databases, and other business-critical applications.

SASE can also be used to secure access to cloud-based resources and applications. For example, an organization can use SASE to securely connect their on-premises infrastructure to a cloud-based application, such as a customer relationship management (CRM) system or a human resources (HR) system.

SASE can also be used to secure access to Internet of Things (IoT) devices. For example, an organization can use SASE to secure access to IoT devices that are deployed in remote locations, such as pipelines, oil rigs, or wind farms. This can help to ensure that these devices are only accessible to authorized users and that the data they generate is transmitted securely.

In addition to providing secure connectivity for remote workers, SASE also has potential applications in other areas, such as securing access to cloud-based resources and applications and securing access to Internet of Things (IoT) devices. This further expands the market opportunity for SASE solutions.

SASE & 5G

SASE is expected to play a significant role in the deployment and management of 5G networks. 5G is a next-generation mobile network technology that promises to provide faster and more reliable connectivity than previous generations of mobile networks. One of the key challenges in deploying 5G networks is securing the network and protecting against cyber threats.

SASE can help to address this challenge by providing a comprehensive and effective security solution for 5G networks. SASE can be used to secure access to 5G networks and ensure that only authorized users and devices can access them. It can also be used to secure the transmission of data over 5G networks and protect against cyber threats such as malware and hacking. In addition to security, SASE can also be used to optimize the performance of 5G networks by using technologies such as WAN optimization and network function virtualization (NFV).

Key components and technologies required to implement SASE

There are several key components and technologies that are typically required to implement SASE and may require a combination of cloud, networking, security, and management technologies to provide secure connectivity for users and devices.

• Cloud-based platform: SASE is typically delivered as a cloud-based service, which means that it requires a cloud platform to host and manage the various networking and security functions.
• Networking and security functions: SASE includes a range of networking and security functions, such as VPN, firewall, WAN optimization, and more. These functions can be delivered as individual services or as part of a unified platform.
• Identity and access management (IAM): SASE relies on IAM to control access to network resources and ensure that only authorized users and devices can access them.
• Network function virtualization (NFV): SASE often use NFV to virtualize networking and security functions and make them more flexible and scalable.
• Software-defined networking (SDN): SDN is often used to enable the automation and centralization of networking functions in SASE.
• Network monitoring and management: SASE requires tools to monitor and manage the various networking and security functions, as well as to troubleshoot any issues that may arise.

Risks & Challenges?

SASE is complex and interconnects various technologies converging from security, networking and secure access management, it does have several risks and challenges associated while implementing SASE solution, these are ..?

• Security risks: SASE is designed to provide secure connectivity, but it is important to carefully evaluate the security features of any SASE solution to ensure that it meets the needs of your organization.
• Complexity: SASE involves the integration of multiple networking and security functions, which can be complex and require specialized skills to implement and manage.
• Interoperability: SASE solutions may need to interoperate with a variety of other systems and technologies, which can be a challenge if they are not compatible.
• Integration: SASE may require the integration of multiple systems and technologies, which can be complex and time-consuming.
• Cost: SASE solutions can be expensive, particularly if they require the deployment of new hardware or the purchase of additional licenses.
• Regulatory compliance: SASE solutions may need to comply with various regulatory requirements, such as data privacy laws and industry-specific standards.

It is thus important to carefully evaluate the risks and challenges associated with implementing SASE and to ensure that you have the necessary resources and expertise to successfully deploy and manage the solution.

In Summary, Digital transformation often involves the adoption of new technologies, such as cloud computing, mobile devices, and Internet of Things (IoT) devices, which can require secure connectivity to access and transmit data. SASE can provide this secure connectivity by combining networking and security functions into a single, cloud-based platform. In addition to providing secure connectivity, SASE can also help to optimize the performance of networks and improve the user experience. This is particularly important in the context of digital transformation, as many digital initiatives rely on fast and reliable network performance to be successful. The future of digital world is secure access, agility and ability to connect from anywhere, the SASE promise is well poised to solve this for sure!

***

Nov 2022. Compilation from various publicly available internet sources, authors views are personal.

#SASE #SecureEdge #EdgeComputing #EdgeCloud #Infosec #SDWAN #IoT #perimetersecurity #securityawareness #distributedsystems