Zero Trust & SASE: Differences and Use Cases

What are Zero Trust and SASE?

Zero Trust is a security concept that recommends that nothing inside or outside an organization’s network should be automatically trusted. It operates on the principle of “never trust, always verify.” The zero trust model requires strict identity verification for every person and device trying to access resources on a network, regardless of whether they are sitting within or outside of the network perimeter.

Secure Access Service Edge (SASE) is a term coined by Gartner that describes a security framework that combines network security and wide area networking (WAN) capabilities in a single cloud-based service. It is an architectural model that includes various networking and security functions delivered as a service from the cloud.

SASE technologies includes SSE components such as Secure Web Gateways, Cloud Access Security Brokers, Firewalls as a Service, and Zero Trust Network Access among others. The objective is to provide flexible, secure and efficient communication between users, devices, and applications, regardless of location.

Why is Zero Trust and SASE Important?

Zero Trust and SASE are important because they fundamentally change the way organizations approach network security, adapting to the realities of the modern, digital workplace.

• Secure Remote Work: In today’s environment with increased remote work and mobile device use, traditional perimeter-based security models are insufficient. Zero Trust and SASE allow employees to safely access corporate resources from any location or device.

• Cloud-Based Applications: The rise of cloud and software-as-a-service (SaaS) applications means data is frequently stored outside traditional network perimeters. Zero Trust and SASE provide robust security for these distributed resources.

• Reduced Attack Surface: By operating on a “never trust, always verify” basis, Zero Trust minimizes the potential for attacks, providing heightened protection against data breaches and cyber attacks.

• Scalability: As cloud-native architectures, both Zero Trust and SASE are inherently scalable. This allows organizations to easily adapt as their network grows or changes, without significant increases in complexity or cost.

• Security Efficiency: SASE combines multiple security functions into a single, cloud-based service, reducing the need for multiple, disparate solutions and simplifying security management.

• Enhanced User Experience: By securely routing network traffic from the user to the application and cloud, SASE can help ensure high performance and low latency, improving overall user experience.

• Protection Against Advanced Threats: Zero Trust’s approach of continuous monitoring and granular control provides effective protection against advanced, evolving cybersecurity threats.

• Compliance: By providing complete visibility and control over network activity, Zero Trust and SASE can help organizations meet compliance requirements related to data security and privacy.

The Nile Access Service utilizes aspects of zero trust principles for the campus environment. Users and IoT that connect in the office, branches or anywhere an organization’s network team is managed usually fall under the umbrella of zero trust. Nile works with SASE vendors to deliver similar controls and protection for the campus that are being utilized for remote connectivity – namely cloud-native enforcement, policy management and operational flexibility.

The remainder of this article helps outline where SASE and Zero Trust share focus, as well as they differ.

What are the Similarities Between SASE and Zero Trust?

SASE (Secure Access Service Edge) and Zero Trust share several similarities in their approach to network security:

• Both Focus on Identity: Both SASE and Zero Trust prioritize the identification and verification of users and devices before granting them access to the network or specific resources. They base access decisions on the principle of least privilege, providing only the necessary access to perform a function.

• Principle of ‘Never Trust, Always Verify’: Both SASE and Zero Trust abide by the principle of ‘never trust, always verify’, meaning all users and devices are considered a potential threat and must be authenticated, verified, and continuously validated.

• Use of Cloud-Based Technologies: Both SASE and Zero Trust adopt modern, cloud-native technologies to deliver security. SASE offers a cloud-based architecture combining various network and security services, while Zero Trust can be implemented in cloud environments.

• Focus on Secure Access: Both models aim to secure access to applications and data, no matter where users are located or what devices they use. They simultaneously validate user identity and the security of their connection.

• Contextual Access Control: Both SASE and Zero Trust consider context when granting access. They evaluate variables such as user roles, device type, location, time, and current security posture in determining access rights.

• Integration of Security and Networking: SASE and Zero Trust both take an integrated approach to networking and security. Instead of treating these as separate spheres, they bring them together for a consolidated, streamlined approach to secure network access.

What are the Differences Between SASE and Zero Trust?

Secure Access Service Edge (SASE) is a broad architecture that consolidates numerous network and security functions into a single cloud-based service. These can include SD-WAN, firewall-as-a-service, secure web gateway, cloud access security broker (CASB), and more. On the other hand, Zero Trust is a security model focusing on user and device authentication and verification.

• Implementation: SASE is identity-driven, utilizing information about the entity, its context, and policies to make access decisions. On the other hand, Zero Trust advocates a “never trust, always verify” approach, scrutinizing each access request regardless of its source.

• Components: While Zero Trust is a key component of SASE, SASE encompasses additional features beyond Zero Trust such as SD-WAN and network security services.

• Trust Assumption: Zero Trust operates on the assumption that no users or devices are to be implicitly trusted, while SASE, although incorporating Zero Trust principles, bases access decisions on the digital identity and context of the requester.

• Application: SASE is typically applied in cloud environments, integrating wide-ranging security and networking capabilities to support hybrid and remote workforces. In contrast, Zero Trust can be implemented across any network environment, traditional or cloud-based.

• Interactions: SASE enhances Zero Trust by providing a broader security overview, but Zero Trust can be implemented without SASE.

Note: Even though they have distinguishable characteristics, SASE and Zero Trust aren’t conflicting approaches. They are complementary strategies that can strengthen an organization’s overall cybersecurity posture when integrated together.

What are the Benefits of Implementing SASE and Zero Trust Together?

Implementing SASE (Secure Access Service Edge) and Zero Trust together can yield numerous benefits for an organization:

• Holistic and Universal Security: Combining SASE and Zero Trust can provide a robust and comprehensive cybersecurity structure covering both network security and access control.

• Consistent Security Policies: Implementing these two strategies together enables companies to apply consistent security policies across their entire network. This allows for users that can take advantage of hybrid work, to experience consistent connectivity.

• Streamlined Management: Consolidating different security services into one platform reduces complexity and streamlines security management. This also eliminates purchasing and maintaining physical appliances.

• Improved Scalability: With both models premised on cloud technology, organizations can scale their infrastructure and security measures without significant capital expenditure.

• Enhanced User Experience: A combined SASE and Zero Trust strategy allows for secure, direct-to-cloud connections, reducing latency and enhancing the user experience for remote workers.

• Cost Savings: Reducing the need for multiple security tools or software can lead to significant cost savings.

• Flexibility: SASE accommodates Zero Trust architecture’s flexibility, allowing security protocols to evolve and adapt to the changing cybersecurity landscape.

• Risk Mitigation: Together, SASE and Zero Trust limit the attack surface by securing every access point, reducing the risk of data breaches and cyber attacks.

• Better Visibility: With this integrated approach, organizations can gain better end-to-end visibility and control of their network, users, devices, and data.

• Resource Optimization: By centralizing the security toolset, organizations can make better use of their IT resources and simplify operations.

What are the Challenges for Implementing Zero Trust and SASE?

Implementing Zero Trust and SASE are not without challenges. Here are a few hurdles businesses might face:

• Complex Operations: Implementing both strategies (reconfiguring networks, training teams, and swapping out legacy systems) can be overwhelming and time-consuming.

• Technical Limitations: Older systems and legacy tools may not be capable of supporting the transition to Zero Trust or SASE.

• Budget Constraints: Both Zero Trust and SASE might require considerable financial investments, which can affect budget allocations and strain financial resources.

•  Employee Training: Staff may need training to understand and properly leverage these new models. Traditional cybersecurity methods are ingrained into many IT professionals, and moving to these new frameworks could require a shift in mindset.

• Third-Party Integration: Certain vendors or external systems may not be compatible with a Zero Trust or SASE model, especially if they rely on traditional perimeter-based security models.

• Scalability Concerns: As business applications and data become more disparate across multiple clouds, managing secure access and ensuring consistent security policies can be challenging.

• Compatibility Issues: There are many factors to consider when ensuring SASE compatibility, such as latency, data sovereignty, packet loss, and more. Transforming the network can cause compatibility issues with existing infrastructure.

• Resistance to Change: There can be significant resistance to change within an organization. Overcoming this requires investment in change management and user education.

It is essential to tackle these challenges with thorough preparation and planning, potentially with the help of a trusted security partner. A phased implementation approach often works best, allowing issues to be spotted early and mitigated before they become significant.

How Can Zero Trust and SASE Work Together for Your Business?

Zero Trust and Secure Access Service Edge (SASE) both provide essential security solutions for businesses, especially those relying on remote work and cloud-based services. When combined, they offer a comprehensive approach to cyber security. Below is how they can work together:

• Strong Authentication: Zero Trust relies on a “never trust, always verify” approach. All users, devices, and even network requests are considered potential threats until verified. The SASE model builds on this by providing all those verifications through a unified, cloud-delivered service.

• Consolidation of Services: SASE consolidates distinct networking and security functions into a single cloud-native service. So, while Zero Trust introduces extreme vigilance into your network’s access protocols, SASE simplifies how those protocols are managed and implemented.

• Flexible and Secure Remote Work: As businesses continue to embrace remote work, the secure access to resources that SASE provides, coupled with the vigorous verification processes of Zero Trust, ensures that remote workers can access necessary data and systems securely.

• Efficient Scaling: As your business grows, scaling your network and security systems can be a major challenge. The integration of Zero Trust and SASE allows your business to scale efficiently, maintaining high security levels as the number of users or amount of data increases.

• Cost Reduction: Implementing both SASE and Zero Trust can be cost-effective in the long run. By combining networking and security capabilities into a single solution, organizations can potentially reduce the costs associated with managing disparate security systems.

• Enhanced Cloud Security: Both SASE and Zero Trust are designed to operate in cloud environments. This approach enhances cloud security by constantly verifying all requests, users, and devices, and ensuring secure access to applications based on strong digital identities.

• Improved Visibility and Control: By integrating Zero Trust into a SASE framework, businesses gain better visibility into their network and improved control over access points, thereby reducing vulnerabilities and enhancing overall security.

In conclusion, the integration of SASE and Zero Trust can provide a resilient, scalable, and efficient solution for businesses adapting to digital transformation and the shift towards remote work.

Which is Better: Zero Trust or SASE?

Neither is necessarily “better” as Zero Trust and SASE are not mutually exclusive; they are complementary strategies within a comprehensive cybersecurity approach. However, their applicability may depend on the specific needs and resources of an organization.

• Zero Trust focuses specifically on access management and control for authenticated users, making it a simpler and generally easier-to-implement model. Therefore, it may be favorable for organizations with fewer resources or for those just starting their security transformation.

• On the other hand, SASE offers a broader range of network and security services, including Zero Trust Network Access (ZTNA). It extends beyond access control to include other functionalities such as SD-WAN, cloud security, and network optimization. SASE could be more suitable for organizations with large, distributed networks or who run many applications in the cloud.

In summary, it may not be a question of choosing one over the other, but rather understanding how each can contribute to an organization’s overall security strategy. Often the most robust and resilient cybersecurity plan will use both Zero Trust and SASE in cohesion.

What is the Future for Zero Trust and SASE?

The future for Zero Trust and SASE is expected to be promising due to the rise in digital transformations and cloud-based operations. As businesses continue to support remote working and rely on cloud infrastructure, there is a growing need for the security and flexibility that both Zero Trust and SASE offer.

In terms of Zero Trust, more businesses will likely adopt a Zero Trust strategy as they see the necessity of securing their digital environments from both outside and inside threats. Furthermore, as the “work from anywhere” trend maintains its momentum, the focus on identifying and validating users and devices for network access becomes even more critical.

SASE’s future is driven by its ability to streamline complex cybersecurity architectures. Instead of individual solutions for each security requirement, SASE binds multiple capabilities together, making it a favorable solution for businesses looking to reduce resources spent on managing separate systems. As more organizations shift their services to the cloud, the demand for SASE is expected to increase.

Governments and cybersecurity standards bodies might also adopt these frameworks into their regulations and guidelines. This has started to happen with Zero Trust, as seen with the U.S. government’s recent executive order on improving the nation’s cybersecurity.

Gartner predicts that by 2024, at least 40% of enterprises will have explicit strategies to adopt SASE, up from less than 1% at the year-end 2018. This indicates significant growth in SASE adoption in the coming years.

Overall, the future of Zero Trust and SASE looks robust, with a clear shift toward secure, cloud-based, and people-centric security models.

Nile’s Role

As previously mentioned, the Nile Access Service is designed to offer zero trust principles from the wired and wireless LAN perspective. Users and devices are never fully trusted as Man in the Middle attacks and other threats that can take over a user or device’s identity are a growing challenge.

Organizations that are utilizing SASE solutions now have the ability to leverage complementary zero trust principles for all of today’s use cases. Whether on campus or while a user connects on the road, or in their home.

For more on how Nile helps protect your campus and branch locations.