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Enhance Security with SASE: Your Guide to Secure Access Service Edge Solutions

Writer's picture: Intersectis LLCIntersectis LLC

Updated: Jul 12, 2024


Secure Access Service Edge
Enhance Security with SASE: Your Guide to Secure Access Service Edge Solutions

Discover Why SASE (Secure Access Service Edge) is the Missing Solution for Companies to Level Up Their Security and Improve Operational Efficiencies. Learn about SASE architecture, secure access, and how it enhances operational efficiency.


Why SASE is the Missing Solution for Companies to Level Up Their Security and Improve Operational Efficiencies


  At Intersectis, we see the SASE solution as an exciting glimpse into the future of secure networking for businesses. While no vendor has fully realized it yet, the essence of the SASE platform shines through with its integration of cloud-managed SD-WAN and cloud-delivered security solutions.


As companies embrace digital transformation, the shift towards cloud-based zero-trust network access security becomes more apparent. This evolution drives the need for integrated services to streamline operations, enhance agility, facilitate multi-cloud networking, and safeguard the evolving SD-WAN architecture.


Transitioning to an SASE framework will be a gradual process as IT departments rethink how to securely connect remote workers to cloud resources. Additionally, there's a growing demand for flexible procurement models like "as-a-service" solutions.


In their pursuit of secure cloud access, protection for remote users and devices, and addressing other security gaps, organizations have implemented various security solutions, leading to increased costs and management complexities. 

However, the traditional on-premises network security model falls short in today's digital landscape.


SASE offers a revolutionary approach to security. Instead of relying on outdated perimeter-based strategies, comprehensive SASE prioritizes entities like users. Drawing inspiration from edge computing principles, SASE brings security and access closer to users' environments.


By dynamically enforcing an organization's security policies, SASE allows or restricts connections to applications and services as needed.


What Exactly Is Secure Access Service Edge (SASE)?


Secure Access Service Edge (SASE) is a game-changing architecture that combines network and security services in one convenient cloud-based solution. It includes SD-WAN and cloud-native security goodies like secure web gateways, cloud access security brokers, firewalls as a service, and zero-trust network access.


Your trusty SASE vendor delivers all these nifty features straight from the cloud, ensuring smooth and secure access control wherever you roam. And no matter where you stand on your SASE adventure, Cisco has the right solution to cover your security needs and keep you sailing smoothly.


What is SASE Architecture and the benefits of SASE Model?


SASE (pronounced "sassy"), or secure access service edge, burst onto the scene back in 2019 when Gartner dropped their report titled "The Future of Network Security is in the Cloud."


This fresh take combines WAN capabilities with network security functions, giving enterprises a power-packed punch of benefits: think greater agility, stronger network performance, and deeper control across diverse IT landscapes.


Now, here's where SASE kicks it up a notch. It's not just about security service edge (SSE), which is like a subset of SASE focusing solely on the security services. Nope, SASE is all about bringing various networking and security functions together under one cozy cloud service umbrella.


With SASE, businesses can:


  • Slash costs and streamline operations

  • Enjoy centralized orchestration and real-time app optimization

  • Ensure seamless, secure access for users, even on the go

  • Amp up security for remote and mobile access

  • Call the shots based on user, device, and app identity

  • Fortify security through consistent policy enforcement

  • Amp up efficiency for network and security teams with centralized management


And there you have it, SASE: the superhero of secure networking and beyond!


Security Service Edge, Components of the SASE and SSE, Security and Network


SASE and SD-WAN


SD-WAN is like the magic wand of cloud-delivered networking! It's an overlay WAN architecture that's tailor-made efficient access for enterprise cloud transformation, and access to an organization's data, access to applications, trust edge with single cloud service. 


With SD-WAN, you can count on a smooth app user experience, a super-flexible multicloud setup, and top-notch security policy features seamlessly integrated.


Cloud Security (Security Service Edge – SSE) difference between SASE


Picture Security Service Edge (SSE) as your supercharged shield in the SASE universe! It's the part of the SASE deployment and setup that brings together a bunch of security services esnsure secure access, all managed from the cloud. 


This powerhouse defends against threats and ensures that your user access to private data, and app policies are iron-clad. Plus, it makes security management access corporate resources a breeze, extending controls to devices, remote users, and far-flung locations in minutes.


Zero trust network access


Imagine Zero Trust Network Access (ZTNA) as the ultimate bouncer at the door of your digital party! Before letting anyone in, it checks their ID and ensures their device is squeaky clean. 


This way, only the right folks can access the cool apps they can party with. ZTNA is like having a VIP list for your network, stopping unauthorized access, keeping breaches in check, and ensuring cyber intruders can't crash the party and sneak around unnoticed!


Secure Access Service Edge
Enhance Security with SASE: Your Guide to Secure Access Service Edge Solutions

The Gartner SASE Solution


Gartner's got the scoop: the game plan for connectivity and security is shifting gears from the data center spotlight to shining the spotlight on users and devices. Their report dives deep into today's cloud-centric digital world, where users, gadgets, and the apps they crave are scattered everywhere.


In simpler terms? Well, let's break it down:


  • More folks are cruising toward cloud services, not data centers.

  • Work's happening off the grid more than ever.

  • Cloud services are the new home for workloads.

  • Software as a Service (SaaS) apps are the cool kids on the block.

  • Sensitive data's finding its cozy spot in cloud services, not enterprise networks.


Is SASE components just a trendy term flying around? 


Amidst all the buzz surrounding SASE in networking and security circles, the real charm lies in its core principle—acknowledging that traditional data center-centric security and network setups are no longer cutting it. This isn't just a catchy marketing slogan; it's a widely recognized truth in the industry.


Now, what exactly does a SASE solution bring to the table that sets it apart from the traditional approach of connecting offices via private networks and routing traffic through secure web gateways and firewalls?


SASE Platform, SASE Use Cases: Delivering Rapid and Smooth User Experiences


Back in the day, when users roamed within the network's cozy confines and IT kept tabs on all the apps and gear, managing access and predicting user experience was a breeze.


But fast forward to today's scene with its sprawling multi-cloud setups, and you'll find many businesses still clinging to VPNs for user-network links and security. Sadly, VPNs often mean a less-than-stellar user journey and widen an organization's bullseye by exposing IP addresses.


Enter SASE to save the day! Instead of grappling with these headaches, SASE swoops in with a remedy: It champions security that's snugly stationed near the folks and data in need of safeguarding—no need to send the user on a security scavenger hunt; SASE brings security straight to them! This architectural ace optimizes access, tunes into web pathways, and keeps access under lock and key, no matter the service provider.


With SASE calling the shots, you're in for a streamlined and secure ride to cloud-based apps. It deftly manages connections at internet crossroads and fine-tunes pathways to cloud apps and services to keep latency low.


Secure Access Service Edge
Enhance Security with SASE: Your Guide to Secure Access Service Edge Solutions

What Makes Components of a SASE Essential?


Embracing digital business transformation brings about the need for increased agility, scalability, and enhanced security, all while simplifying operations. Moreover, modern enterprises must ensure seamless user experiences, regardless of location.


These factors have propelled SASE one service from being merely desirable to becoming indispensable. Here are four reasons why:


  • Roled-Based Access and Scalability: SASE helps grow alongside your business, enabling both your network and security to expand in tandem with increasing demands, thanks to its cloud-based delivery model.

  • Remote Work Support: Traditional network architectures struggle to accommodate the bandwidth necessary for remote employees to work effectively. SASE allows organizations to not only meet this requirement but also uphold secure connections of enterprise-grade security for all users and devices, regardless of their location.

  • Advanced Threat Protection: Security teams constantly face evolving cyber threats. SASE empowers them with superior security measures and simplified management, equipping them to tackle advanced threats effectively.

  • IoT Adoption: SASE is becoming access based on the identity as the internet of things becomes integral to business operations, a robust platform is essential for building and managing an IoT ecosystem securely. SASE provides the connectivity and security needed to realize IoT objectives.


Recognizing this demand, networking and security vendors strive to develop their own versions of a SASE architecture. While many claim to offer cloud-delivered solutions, a significant portion are essentially "cloud platforms" built on legacy hardware. SASE is cloud as a service at the network edge.


However, there's only one vendor capable of providing a genuinely cloud-delivered SASE model. Why? Our platform was conceived in the cloud and tailored specifically for it.


The evolution of SASE Provider


In the past, companies relied on hub-and-spoke wide area network (WAN) setups, which meant centralized servers and expensive connections between remote offices.


As software-as-a-service (SaaS) applications gained popularity and virtual private networks (VPNs) became more common, businesses shifted their applications to the cloud. Firewalls in branch offices started enforcing security policies while also optimizing traffic.


With the rise of cloud services, the need for on-premises resources decreased, revealing the inefficiencies of traditional network access methods. In response, secure access service edge emerged, bringing together multiple network and security technologies into one streamlined solution.


This evolution became more apparent when major SaaS applications like Microsoft's Office 365 moved to Azure, highlighting the importance of efficient traffic inspection.

The COVID-19 pandemic further accelerated the adoption of SASE as remote work became widespread, making secure networking even more critical.


Partnering with Intersectis: Beyond IT Solutions to Dedicated Technology Partnership


At Intersectis, we're more than just IT providers; Moving to a SASE we're your dedicated technology partners. 


Our approach transcends the traditional role of IT solution providers. We delve deep into your business, comprehending your distinct requirements, and harmonizing our expertise with your objectives. Partner with us today and experience the difference firsthand!

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