Secure Access Service Edge (SASE) explained: advantages, functions and possible applications

Optimierte Cloud-PerformanceSASE combines Wide Area Networking (WAN) with modern security mechanisms, including: –

• Secure Web Gateway (SWG) for filtering and securing web traffic
• Cloud Access Security Broker (CASB) for controlling and ensuring compliance in cloud applications –
• Firewall as a Service (FWaaS) as a scalable, cloud-based firewall solution –
• Zero Trust Network Access (ZTNA) for secure, identity-based access to company resources

Through this integration, SASE enables location-independent protection of company data and provides a standardised security policy for all users and devices.

Why is SASE essential for companies?

Traditional IT security models often rely on static perimeter protection mechanisms, which are increasingly ineffective in a decentralised working environment. Companies are faced with the challenge of efficiently securing their cloud services, mobile devices and remote employees. This is precisely where SASE comes in and offers the following advantages, among others:

• Simplified security architecture: Instead of managing several isolated solutions, SASE offers a holistic, centralised solution.
• Cost optimisation: By eliminating complex hardware firewalls and switching to cloud-based security solutions, both investment and maintenance costs are reduced.
• Higher Performance: As safety-critical decisions are made via a globally distributed network, companies benefit from optimised network paths and reduced latency times.
• Standardised security guidelines: Regardless of location or device, security guidelines are centrally controlled and consistently implemented.
• Better scalability: New locations, users or cloud services can be flexibly integrated into the existing security concept.

Which companies is SASE suitable for?

SASE is particularly advantageous for companies that rely heavily on cloud applications or have distributed teams. These include: 

• Companies with several locations: The centralised management of network and security policies simplifies control and reduces administration costs.
• Companies with a high level of cloud usage: Companies that use cloud platforms such as Microsoft 365, Google Workspace or AWS benefit from seamless integration and increased security.
• Organisations that implement Zero Trust Security: With SASE, zero trust principles can be comprehensively implemented by applying identity and context guidelines across the board.
• Companies with a high number of remote or hybrid employees: SASE enables secure access to company resources from any location without compromising performance.

The core components of a SASE architecture

SASE consists of several essential security and network components that together enable a flexible and powerful security strategy:

1. Software-Defined Wide Area Network (SD-WAN)

SD-WAN intelligently controls network traffic and prioritises business-critical applications. This significantly improves the performance of cloud services and hybrid networks.

2. Secure Web Gateway (SWG)

The SWG protects users from web traffic threats by filtering malicious content, blocking phishing attacks and enforcing internet access policies.

3. Cloud Access Security Broker (CASB)

CASB monitors and controls all cloud interactions to prevent data loss and ensure that company guidelines are consistently adhered to in cloud applications.

4. Firewall as a Service (FWaaS)

FWaaS provides companies with a cloud-based next-generation firewall that recognises threats and flexibly enforces security policies.

5. Zero Trust Network Access (ZTNA)

ZTNA consistently applies the principle of “trust no one” and continuously checks identities and access rights before granting access to resources.

6. Data Loss Prevention (DLP)

DLP protects sensitive company data by preventing unauthorised transmission of confidential information.

7. Threat Intelligence Integration

Continuous threat analyses allow attack attempts to be detected at an early stage and defended against automatically.

SASE as the basis for a secure cloud strategy

Cloud security is becoming increasingly important due to the growing shift of business-critical applications to the cloud. SASE offers a strategic solution here:

• Zero Trust Principle: Each connection is checked individually, preventing unauthorised access.
• Optimised cloud performance: direct cloud connections minimise latency and improve availability.
• Future-proof IT security:Companies can flexibly adapt their security architecture to new threat scenarios.

Choosing the right SASE solution

When implementing a SASE solution, companies should pay attention to the following aspects: 

• Compatibility with existing IT infrastructure: The solution needed to integrate seamlessly into existing networks and cloud services.
• Scalability: The company must be able to grow flexibly without new locations or users causing security risks.
• Performance and latency times: High network speed and low latency are essential for productive working environments.
• Future proof: The chosen platform should be able to keep pace with new security standards and threat scenarios.

Conclusion: Why SASE is the future of IT security

SASE is a forward-looking concept for companies that want to modernise their IT security architecture and seamlessly integrate cloud security. By combining network and security functions in a cloud-based platform, companies benefit from a powerful, flexible and secure infrastructure.

The implementation of SASE enables companies to optimise their security strategy in the long term, reduce costs and create a reliable basis for modern working models. Companies that get to grips with SASE at an early stage will gain a decisive competitive advantage in the increasingly digital and cloud-based business world.