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What are SASE solutions and SASE providers?
SASE solutions refer to a comprehensive set of technologies that work together to provide secure connectivity to WAN / web services. Named and defined by Gartner, SASE is a framework for how network security should be delivered, which is cloud-based and delivered as a service.
Secure Access Service Edge (SASE) solutions integrate capabilities such as Software Defined-Wide Area Networking (SD-WAN), and a combination of Security Service Edge (SSE) components, such as secure web gateways, firewall as a Service (FWaaS), zero trust network access (ZTNA), and cloud access security brokers (CASB) into a single, cloud-native model. These integrated capabilities are designed to provide secure network access and connectivity, protect against threats, ensure data compliance, and improve network performance regardless of where the users, devices, or data are located.
SASE providers or vendors are companies that offer these comprehensive security and networking solutions. Some of the top SASE vendors include Zscaler, Palo Alto Networks, Netskope and Akamai Technologies among others. These providers offer SASE solutions that enable businesses to streamline their network and security operations, reduce the complexity of managing disparate solutions, and secure their distributed workforce.
Why are SASE solutions or SASE providers important?
SASE solutions are vital for modern organizations due to the increasing shift towards cloud services and remote work. Traditional network and security architectures, which are often perimeter-based and hardware-centric, struggle to provide efficient and secure access in such dynamic environments. SASE addresses these challenges by delivering a more flexible, scalable, and secure network infrastructure.
By integrating networking and security functions into a single cloud-based service, SASE solutions enhance performance, reduce complexity, and improve the security posture of organizations, ensuring seamless access to applications and data regardless of user location.
Nile Access Service secures networks by integrating on-premises zero trust principles and dynamic segmentation across all devices and users, ensuring stringent security measures within the enterprise LAN. Unlike typical SASE solutions, Nile employs a unified data architecture and full layer 3 segmentation for the campus that proactively secures individual devices by eliminating lateral movement.
The Nile platform extends security with end-to-end MACSec encryption, advanced threat detection, and IoT profiling, providing real-time protection and isolation for critical devices. Additionally, Nile’s seamless cloud-based security orchestration delivers continuous policy enforcement and updates, ensuring robust security posture and operational simplicity.
The remainder of this article identifies what to look for in a SASE solution, and how it’s used to secure remote users.
How do SASE solutions or SASE providers work?
SASE solutions integrate networking and security functions into a unified, cloud-delivered service. At the core, they combine Software-Defined Wide Area Networking (SD-WAN) with various SSE security services, such as secure web gateways, zero-trust network access, and firewall as a service. These components work together to provide secure and optimized access to applications and data regardless of user location. The cloud-based nature of SASE ensures scalability, enabling organizations to adapt quickly to changing demands and user requirements.
SASE solutions leverage a global network of Points of Presence (PoPs) to deliver services close to users, reducing latency and improving performance. Traffic is routed through these PoPs, where security policies are enforced, and network optimizations are applied. This approach ensures that users experience consistent performance and security whether they are accessing resources from a corporate office, home, or remote location.
Zero-trust principles are fundamental to SASE architecture, ensuring that every access request is authenticated and authorized. Continuous monitoring and assessment of user behavior help detect and mitigate threats in real-time. By integrating security into the network fabric, SASE eliminates traditional security bottlenecks and enhances overall network resilience.
SASE also provides centralized management and visibility, allowing IT teams to monitor and control the entire network and security infrastructure from a single pane of glass. This unified management simplifies operations, reduces the likelihood of configuration errors, and ensures consistent policy enforcement across all locations and devices.
What are the benefits of using SASE solutions or SASE providers?
Implementing SASE solutions offers numerous benefits for organizations:
Simplified network management
SASE solutions reduce the complexity of managing multiple networking and security systems. By integrating these functions into a single platform, administration becomes more straightforward and efficient. This consolidation eliminates the need for maintaining separate infrastructure components. As a result, IT teams can focus on strategic initiatives rather than operational tasks.
Enhanced security
SASE integrates comprehensive security measures such as zero-trust network access and secure web gateways. This approach ensures consistent security policies across all endpoints, regardless of user location. Advanced threat protection mechanisms safeguard against evolving cyber threats. By unifying security functions, SASE provides a robust defense against potential breaches.
Improved performance
SASE solutions leverage SD-WAN capabilities to optimize network performance. By dynamically selecting the best path for traffic, these solutions enhance application performance. This leads to a better user experience, especially for cloud-based services. Efficient traffic management reduces latency and ensures reliable connectivity.
Scalability and flexibility
Cloud-delivered SASE services offer inherent scalability to meet changing business demands. Organizations can quickly adapt to growth and new requirements without significant hardware investments. This flexibility supports remote and hybrid workforces effectively. SASE allows seamless scaling of services in response to dynamic needs.
Cost efficiency
SASE reduces the need for multiple point solutions, lowering both capital and operational expenditures. The cloud-based model provides predictable costs and eliminates substantial upfront investments. Organizations benefit from cost-effective scaling of services. This financial efficiency allows for better allocation of resources to other critical areas.
What are the disadvantages of using SASE solutions or SASE providers?
While SASE solutions offer many benefits, there are also some disadvantages to consider:
Initial implementation complexity
Implementing SASE solutions can be complex initially. Organizations may need to overhaul their existing network and security architectures to integrate SASE fully. This process can be time-consuming and require significant expertise. Additionally, staff training is necessary to manage the new system effectively.
Dependency on cloud services
SASE solutions rely heavily on cloud infrastructure. This dependency can pose challenges if there are disruptions in cloud services. Organizations must ensure they have reliable cloud service providers to mitigate this risk. Furthermore, data sovereignty and compliance issues may arise when data is processed and stored in the cloud.
Potential vendor lock-in
Choosing a SASE provider may result in vendor lock-in. Organizations might find it difficult to switch providers due to proprietary technologies and integrations. This can limit flexibility and adaptability in the long term. It is essential to evaluate the vendor’s long-term viability and support capabilities before committing.
Performance variability
The performance of SASE solutions can vary depending on Internet connectivity and cloud service quality. Inconsistent Internet performance can impact the overall user experience. Organizations need to have robust and reliable Internet connections to maximize SASE benefits. Performance issues may require additional investments in network infrastructure.
What are key features to consider in SASE solutions or SASE providers?
Comprehensive security integration
When evaluating SASE solutions, it is crucial to consider the breadth and depth of security integration. A robust SASE solution should include secure web gateways, zero-trust network access, and firewall as a service. These integrated security features ensure comprehensive protection across all points of access. Additionally, continuous threat monitoring and response capabilities are essential for proactive defense against cyber threats.
Scalability and performance
Scalability is a key feature of any effective SASE solution. It should be able to scale seamlessly to accommodate growing numbers of users and devices without compromising performance. Look for SASE providers that offer a global network of Points of Presence (PoPs) to reduce latency and ensure high performance. The ability to dynamically optimize traffic and manage bandwidth efficiently is also critical for maintaining optimal network performance.
Unified management platform
A unified management platform simplifies the administration of network and security policies. This platform should provide a single pane of glass for monitoring and controlling all aspects of the SASE environment. Features such as centralized policy management, real-time analytics, and automated reporting enhance visibility and control. A user-friendly interface that supports easy configuration and management is also beneficial.
Reliability and uptime
Reliability and uptime are paramount for any SASE solution. Ensure that the provider offers robust Service Level Agreements (SLAs) guaranteeing high availability and minimal downtime. Redundancy and disaster recovery capabilities should be built into the solution to maintain continuous operations. Regular updates and maintenance conducted without disrupting service are also important considerations.
Support and service
Evaluate the level of support and service provided by the SASE vendor. Comprehensive support services, including 24/7 technical assistance, are vital for resolving issues promptly. The provider should also offer professional services for implementation, configuration, and ongoing optimization of the SASE environment. Strong customer support ensures that any challenges are quickly addressed, minimizing impact on operations.
How to choose SASE solutions or SASE providers
Assess organizational needs
Start by thoroughly assessing your organization’s specific networking and security requirements. Identify key pain points, such as existing network performance issues, security gaps, and future scalability needs. Understanding these needs will help determine which SASE features are most critical. This assessment should involve input from various stakeholders to ensure all aspects of the organization’s requirements are considered.
Evaluate vendor capabilities
Look at capabilities of different SASE providers against your identified needs. Find providers with a proven track record in delivering comprehensive SASE solutions. Assess their technology stack, including the integration of SD-WAN, secure web gateways, zero-trust network access, and firewall services. Consider the provider’s ability to offer a global network of PoPs to ensure low latency and high performance.
Consider ease of integration
Integration with existing systems and processes is a crucial factor when choosing a SASE provider. The solution should seamlessly integrate with your current IT infrastructure, including cloud services, on-premises systems, and endpoint devices. Look for providers that offer robust APIs and support for third-party integrations. This ensures that the SASE solution can work harmoniously with your existing tools and workflows.
Review security and compliance
Security and compliance are paramount in any SASE solution. Ensure the provider adheres to industry-standard security practices and compliance regulations relevant to your organization. Evaluate their zero-trust security model, threat detection and response capabilities, and data protection measures. Compliance with standards such as ISO 27001, SOC 2, and GDPR indicates a strong commitment to security and data privacy.
Analyze cost and ROI
Cost and return on investment (ROI) are critical considerations in selecting a SASE provider. Compare the pricing models of different vendors, considering both initial implementation costs and ongoing operational expenses. Evaluate the potential cost savings from reduced hardware investments, simplified management, and improved network performance. A detailed cost-benefit analysis will help you understand the financial implications and long-term value of the SASE solution.
What are the top 3 SASE solutions or SASE providers?
1. Palo Alto Networks
Palo Alto Networks’ Prisma Access is a leading SASE solution known for its extensive security capabilities and cloud-native architecture. Prisma Access combines secure web gateways, zero-trust network access, and firewall as a service into a single platform.
2. Zscaler
Zscaler is a pioneer in the SASE space, offering a cloud-native platform that delivers secure, high-performance connectivity. Zscaler’s SASE solution integrates secure web gateways, cloud access security brokers, and zero-trust network access.
3. Netskope
Netskope is a SASE and Zero Trust Market Leader that understands today’s evolving industry dynamics and works with you to provide optimized access and real-time security for people and data anywhere they go.
What is the future for SASE solutions or SASE providers?
The future of SASE solutions will be shaped by the increasing adoption of SD-WAN and zero-trust principles, to enhance security for remote users. Integration with AI and machine learning will improve real-time threat detection and network performance optimization. The rise of edge computing will necessitate robust SASE support for secure, low-latency access to applications and data.
Enhanced global networks of Points of Presence will improve service availability and user experience. Future SASE solutions will focus on seamless connectivity and user-centric management interfaces. Additionally, there will be a stronger emphasis on compliance and data privacy, ensuring solutions meet evolving regulatory standards while leveraging cloud services.
Stop attackers in their tracks with Nile
Explore how Nile Access Service sets a new standard for secure connectivity across your campus and branch locations. By radically reducing the potential attack surface and automatically locking down any malware/ransomware presence to only infected devices, Nile orchestrates zero-trust isolation of each connected user and device within its wired and wireless access network fabric.
By eliminating the traditional complexities of VLANs and lateral movement, Nile makes it easy to enforce global security policies across your growing enterprise network for better visibility, performance, and reliability. Nile maintains relationships with the leading SASE/SSE vendors to ensure a fast and simple integration that protects your user’s devices and your data.
Don’t leave your network, users and data vulnerable. While exploring or utilizing SASE solutions, remember to authenticate and isolate all internal and guest users and IoT devices with Nile’s built-in zero trust security features for the campus.
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