What Is Secure Access Service Edge (SASE)?
SASE Meaning
Secure Access Service Edge (SASE) is a component of zero trust architecture that protects network elements inside and outside a traditional network boundary. With the digital transformation of businesses, increased remote working, and the use of cloud services to run applications, security is moving to the cloud, and SASE is providing that security.
What Does SASE Stand For?
SASE stands for Secure Access Service Edge, a term coined by Gartner. It represents a network security approach that combines software-defined networking (SD-WAN) with other security services to deliver a unified, cloud-native solution.
What is SASE in Cyber Security?
With the rise in hybrid and remote working, cybersecurity threats have evolved beyond traditional perimeter-based defences, making network security more complex than ever. SASE is a new cyber security solution that redefines how organisations protect data, users, and applications in an increasingly cloud-first world.
Unlike legacy security models that rely on centralized firewalls and VPNs, SASE security is identity-driven, cloud-native, and built for flexibility. It ensures that security policies follow users and devices—no matter where they connect from—rather than relying on static network perimeters.
What is SASE Network?
A SASE network is not tied to a single data centre but rather distributed across multiple cloud points of presence (PoPs). This allows organizations to:
- Apply security policies at the cloud edge
- Ensure consistent protection for all users and devices
- Eliminate backhauling of traffic through centralized data centers
This cloud-first approach enhances performance, security, and scalability across modern enterprise networks.
The SASE Framework
SASE is a collection of technologies that combines network (SD-WAN, VPN) and security (SWG, CASB, FWaaS, ZTNA) functions. Such technologies are traditionally delivered in siloed point solutions. SASE – or Zero Trust Edge – combines these into a single, integrated cloud service.
The SASE security framework is built on six core components:
1. SD-WAN (Software-Defined Wide Area Network)
SD-WAN optimizes network traffic by dynamically selecting the most efficient path, enhancing performance and reliability. It integrates with SASE to ensure secure, high-performance connectivity for remote users.
2. VPN (Virtual Private Network)
VPNs create secure tunnels for remote access but lack the granular control of newer technologies. Within SASE, VPNs are enhanced with additional security measures to provide more robust remote access management.
3. SWG (Secure Web Gateway)
SWGs secure internet-bound traffic by filtering harmful content and enforcing compliance. In the SASE framework, they protect against online threats and ensure safe browsing.
4. CASB (Cloud Access Security Broker)
CASBs manage and secure cloud access, offering visibility and control over data transfer between users and cloud services. They are crucial in SASE for protecting cloud-based applications and data.
5. FWaaS (Firewall-as-a-Service)
FWaaS offers cloud-based firewall capabilities, providing centralised management and security. Integrated into SASE, it protects against external threats while supporting a distributed, cloud-centric network environment.
6. ZTNA (Zero Trust Network Access)
ZTNA restricts access to applications based on user identity and context, reducing the risk of unauthorized access. Within SASE, ZTNA provides a secure, adaptive approach to remote access.
SASE architecture
SASE Benefits
Reduces Costs
SASE consolidates security functions into a cloud-based service, cutting down on hardware expenses and reducing management costs.
Decreases Complexity
By unifying multiple security solutions, SASE simplifies management, reducing the complexity associated with handling various tools and vendors.
Supports Network and Security Policy Alignment
SASE ensures consistent enforcement of network and security policies across all environments, enhancing overall security.
Reduces Security Incidents
With integrated security controls, SASE improves threat detection and response, lowering the likelihood of successful attacks.
Provides a Seamless Experience for Users in Any Location
SASE offers secure, high-speed access to applications from anywhere, enhancing productivity and user experience for remote and hybrid workforces.
As more enterprises recognize the efficiency and security advantages of SASE, the next step is understanding how to transition effectively. A successful SASE move requires strategic planning, the right technology stack, and a phased implementation approach.
What is SASE Architecture?
SASE is an essential element in zero-trust network access. Much of SASE is not one new technology but a combination of new and existing technology. SASE delivers security controls to the user, device, or edge computing location. While previous cybersecurity protocols established firewall protection for a data centre, SASE authenticates based on digital identity, real-time context, and company policies.
There are three critical components of SASE architecture:
- Secure Web Gateway
- Cloud Access Security Broker
- Zero Trust Network Access
Organizations looking to advance their user-centric network and network management security protocols are adopting SASE architecture to enable zero-trust network access. The zero trust model is about never trusting, always verifying, and assuming compromise until a machine is proven trustworthy. The internet connects everything, and no device is inherently trustworthy because it is an open information platform.
SASE Security: Achieving Zero Trust
Even with SASE security parameters in place, your network is still not entirely zero trust; you are moving toward it. Zero Trust is a journey over time to increase your network's security, and if you continue the path, security will iteratively get better.
Protecting a physical asset, like a laptop or server, or a digital asset like a user account or application is not the primary goal of cybersecurity. It is about protecting the data used by business operations, including usernames, passwords, proprietary corporate data, confidential material, and payment information.
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