The traditional network perimeter has long vanished, making way for an expanded network that includes mobile, remote, and cloud solutions and users, as well as internet of things (IoT) devices and an array of digital resources. In order to address the unique security challenges of this expanding network perimeter, companies are turning to an approach called secure access service edge (SASE, pronounced “sassy”).

SASE uses a combination of software-defined wide area networking (SD-WAN), cloud solutions, and edge components to develop a comprehensive security solution that exists at the network edge. There are a few key reasons why SASE is worth pursuing:

·         It offers a security solution expansive enough to cover distributed networks and hybrid infrastructures.

·         SASE provides an infrastructure for managing end-to-end services in a simplified way.

·         It incorporates a zero-trust policy that focuses on least privilege and access to limit user risk.

·         Redundancy and data recovery functionality ensures continuous data protection.

·         Integrated operations offer cost savings.

·         SASE allows your business to identify, categorize, and configure both user access and acceptable network traffic.

·         Cloud-based management console that is both adaptable and flexible.

·         Network traffic optimization.

SASE combines SD-WAN with security technology, such as cloud-access security brokers (CASB), firewalls as a service, zero-trust network access (ZTNA), secure web gateways, and other strategies. It improves the visibility and control over the IT environment, a necessary element of a cloud or hybrid infrastructure.

SASE develops a central console that combines network as a service and security as a service.

Why Shouldn’t I Develop My Own SASE Solution? You could certainly build a SASE approach within your organization, but there are some compelling reasons to turn it over to a managed services provider (MSP):

Cost: For small- or mid-sized businesses, or for those that are just starting out, the investment required to implement SD-WAN and a SASE framework can be a challenge. An MSP approach allows your small business to pay a subscription that fits your size now and will scale with you as you grow.

Flexibility: MSPs offer a variety of tools that make a partnership beneficial to companies just beginning to implement a SASE approach. Gaining the expertise from the provider about what they need to ensure secure network access, with the freedom to change it as needed, gives a smaller business the flexibility they need.

Building Zero Trust: Adopting ZTNA essentially comes down to microsegmentation, which can be a time- and resource-consuming approach, along with requiring specific tools and expertise. An MSP can make implementing ZTNA strategies much more efficient. Companies are gaining in terms of productivity, cost savings, and innovation with the expansion of the network edge, but security concerns demand new approaches. When it’s time to begin your adoption of SASE, contact us at eXemplify. We can help you choose the right strategies to safely secure your network with the right MSP.