SASE and Zero Trust are the latest security topics that is debated on most of the virtual event platforms. Read on to know how SASE is connected to Zero Trust technology…
Due to COVID-19 pandemic, organisations and agencies of all sizes and industries go through the long-term challenges of keeping data and infrastructure secure as many workplaces remain in a remote or hybrid operating model. Because of remote workforce, security teams have the additional responsibility to secure many more endpoints and a lot larger area every day. As a result, several organisations are changing their processes and technology to take a zero trust approach. Organisations are also incorporating Secure Access Service Edge (SASE) technology to run their work even more flexible and secure.
According to a recent study done by Forrester Consulting on behalf of IBM, 78 percent of respondents are either interested in or planning to deploy SASE in the next 12 months. So how does SASE relate to zero trust and how do they go hand in hand? Let’s explore…
About SASE
SASE is a principle that brings protection closer to the users and devices themselves. This helps to address some of the challenges that have arisen due to the rise in remote workforce. SASE suites use a cloud-based management system to manage the required infrastructure and technology. In other words it can manage secure web gateways, SD-WAN solutions, firewalls, and cloud-access security brokers, among other things.
The SASE approach was desgned by Gartner to solve flaws in current cybersecurity methods, particularly with dynamic services, Software as a Service (SaaS), and distributed data. SASE is identity-driven, has a cloud-native architecture, supports all edges, and is globally distributed, according to Gartner.
How They Differ
In many ways, the SASE and zero trust are similar. The most significant distinction is that the cloud-based architecture outlined in SASE is an essential component of developing a zero trust approach. The term “zero trust” refers to a approach of controlling the access to network, app, and data. Basically, zero trust assumes that any device or user is not authorized, rather than focusing on protection.
On the other hand, SASE focuses on managing all elements of technology management. Furthermore, SASE refers to particular guidelines for tech vendors to use in their products. Enterprises that want to implement the principles should employ a SASE suite to ensure that their technology secures today’s working of employees, such as working from anywhere and leveraging SaaS.
Complementing Each Other
SASE provides a central location for organisations and agencies to manage their technology and infrastructure approaches. They can streamline admin work, share data, and use analytics to get a bigger view by using a management platform. SASE establishes the structure that allows zero trust to be flexible and easily manageable. Combining both these principles of SASE and zero trust, organisations can secure their data and apps.
Several organisations adopt zero trust because it provides them greater insight. Zero trust allows organisations to see at any time which users and devices are accessing the infrastructure and data. It also displays all attempts to access the network. Zero trust minimises vulnerabilities due to visibility and greater access protection. Furthermore, through automation and artificial intelligence, the approach decreases the amount of human work required of IT workers.
One of the key takeaway is that enterprises can achieve Zero Trust Network Access (ZTNA) with a single solution that applies and enforces security policies consistently across their entire network by integrating SASE and zero trust principles.
Securing Your Organisation
IT personnel spend less time on administration since a SASE suite manages the security infrastructure and technology, allowing them to focus on areas that require a human intervention. Data silos are eliminated using the integrated data approach. As a result, it provides a higher level of data analytics and enables organisations to identify high-risk areas and mitigate cyberattacks before they occur. A SASE suite not only provides a higher level of security than a traditional security approach, but it also saves money for many organisations.
The first step is to choose a SASE suite that works with your existing tools and technology. Working with your vendor, you may devise an approach that incorporates both zero trust and SASE to make your data as secure as possible, regardless of where your employees work.
The Road Ahead
Consider SASE to be a more high-level design philosophy than ZTNA. ZTNA is part of an entire SASE architecture, not a distinct or competing network security models.
However, although implementing zero trust may be a short- to medium-term goal for network architects, SASE is a long-term objective. Organisations may chose to use the SASE model today and then gradually evolve their network and network security stacks to move to the SASE model. As designers work to replace outdated security systems and better integrate those that remain, this will take time. It’s worth noting that switching to a SASE model necessitates and enables a zero trust approach to network security.