SASE (Secure Access Service Edge) solutions

SASE, or Secure Access Service Edge, is a cloud-native architecture that combines software-defined wide-area networking (SD-WAN) and multiple security services, including secure web gateways (SWG), cloud access security brokers (CASB), firewall-as-a-service (FWaaS), and zero trust network access (ZTNA) into a single, unified, cloud-delivered platform.

This approach decentralises both networking and security functions, moving them away from traditional centralised data centres to distributed cloud points of presence. SASE provides scalable, efficient, and secure cloud access to applications and data from any location, supporting modern remote and hybrid work environments while improving performance and reducing complexity.  

SASE works differently from traditional network models where data and apps were housed in a complex, centralised centre. With the SASE model, cloud native security technologies are combined with network tools to manage capabilities closer to end users, removing additional data transfers to data centres and origin servers.  

The result of using SASE is more efficient security that doesn’t impact network performance, offering greater transfer speeds, less security vulnerabilites, and an improved user experience.  

SASE solutions offer a multitude of benefits for businesses, including:  

• Simplified security – By combining security tools and network capabilities, businesses have a simplified, easy-to-manage security framework.  

• Improved security management – With a comprehensive interface, rolling out new features, testing improvements, and launching APIs become much more straightforward.  

• Enhanced user experience – SASE tools afford users with high-quality, secure IT environments that automatically monitor and mitigate threats without impacting system or application performance.   

• Risk mitigation – Threats can be more easily mitigated with the Zero Trust Network Architecture and secured traffic transfers included in the SASE framework.  

SASE solutions secure cloud access by verifying user identities with multi-factor authentication and implementing Zero Trust principles, ensuring continuous authentication and authorisation. They provide secure connectivity through nearby points of presence, apply consistent firewall policies via cloud-based firewalls, and protect against web threats with secure web gateways.   

Additionally, Cloud Access Security Brokers (CASBs) offer visibility and control over cloud data, while centralised management simplifies policy enforcement across all access points.  

SASE solutions can benefit a wide range of businesses, particularly those undergoing digital transformation or prioritising security and easy network access. Organisations with remote or hybrid work models, those using Bring Your Own Device (BYOD) policies, and businesses relying on third-party cloud applications can significantly enhance their security and connectivity with SASE.   

In addition, companies looking to consolidate their network and security tools into a single, cloud-delivered service will find SASE particularly advantageous.  

When choosing a SASE service partner, there are several factors to consider, including:  

• Network infrastructure and performance: Ensure the partner offers a robust and scalable network infrastructure that can handle your organisation's needs.  

• Security features and protocols: Look for comprehensive security features, including Zero Trust Network Access (ZTNA), Secure Web Gateway (SWG), and Firewall as a Service (FWaaS).  

• Integration capabilities: The ability to seamlessly integrate with your existing systems and applications is crucial for smooth operations.  

• Scalability and flexibility: Choose a partner that can scale services up or down based on your changing needs.  

• Customer support and SLAs: Evaluate the quality of customer support and Service Level Agreements (SLAs) to ensure reliable assistance.  

Enhancing security and networking capabilities are cornerstones of all digital transformation strategies today, and SASE is a key enabler for this. By leveraging SASE, you can achieve your digital transformation goals through increased scalability opportunities, optimised performance for users and apps, and secure, cloud-based connectivity for IoT devices.   

By consolidating networking and security solutions, SASE simplifies management and ultimately reduces costs for your business. This can lead to more streamlined operations and improved efficiency across your workforce. Additionally, SASE offers an enhancement to the overall protection of sensitive data and critical resources, enabling you to mitigate threats more easily. 

SASE solutions can be customised to meet specific business needs. At Nasstar, we work closely with organisations to understand their unique requirements and challenges, allowing us to tailor the SASE implementation accordingly. Customisation can include adjusting performance thresholds, integrating with existing systems, and scaling services to match the organisation's growth and changing needs.