What is SASE in cyber security?

Secure Access Service Edge (SASE) is a comprehensive cybersecurity framework that combines network security functions with wide area networking (WAN) capabilities to deliver secure access to applications and data for users, regardless of their location. SASE integrates various security features such as secure web gateways, cloud access security brokers, firewall as a service, and zero trust network access into a single cloud-based service.

The concept of SASE was introduced by Gartner in 2019 to address the evolving needs of organizations in a digital-first world where users are increasingly working remotely and accessing applications and data from various locations and devices. Traditional security models that rely on securing the network perimeter are no longer effective in today's dynamic and distributed IT environments. SASE provides a more agile and scalable approach to cybersecurity by shifting the focus from securing the network to securing the user and their access to applications and data.

One of the key principles of SASE is the idea of identity-driven security, where access controls are based on the identity of the user rather than the location of the network. This approach aligns with the zero trust security model, which assumes that all users, devices, and applications are untrusted until proven otherwise. By implementing identity-driven access controls, organizations can reduce the risk of unauthorized access and data breaches.

SASE also leverages cloud-native technologies to provide a more flexible and scalable security solution. By moving security functions to the cloud, organizations can benefit from centralized management, real-time threat intelligence, and automatic updates, which helps to improve overall security posture and reduce the burden on IT teams. In addition, cloud-based security services enable organizations to scale their security capabilities on-demand to meet the changing needs of their business.

Another key component of SASE is the integration of networking and security functions into a single platform. By combining WAN capabilities with security services, organizations can simplify their network architecture, reduce complexity, and improve performance. SASE allows organizations to route traffic more efficiently, optimize network performance, and provide secure access to cloud-based applications and services.

Overall, SASE represents a paradigm shift in cybersecurity, moving away from traditional perimeter-based security models towards a more user-centric and cloud-native approach. By adopting SASE, organizations can improve their security posture, enhance user experience, and enable digital transformation initiatives in a secure and efficient manner.