Secure Access Service Edge (SASE) was a term coined by Gartner in its 2019 report ‘The Future of Network Security in the Cloud’ and has become a hot topic in recent years, with around 32% of CIOs surveyed by Gartner looking to implement SASE within the next 12 months.
SASE is a convergence of several different network and security technologies and models that have become more prevalent as organisations move away from legacy technologies and working practices. In years gone by, 80% of user traffic would have traversed the internal network, with only 20% egressing to the internet. However, with the adoption of cloud applications such as Office 365, Salesforce and Webex, these percentages have been completely reversed – with many cloud-first organisations relying totally on SaaS applications.
The Covid-19 pandemic has accelerated the move to a more hybrid workplace. Users now expect the same level of access, connectivity, and collaboration wherever they work. However, organisations that have had to innovate to ensure their workforce can work from anywhere may have compromised on the security of their systems and networks. This is where the SASE philosophy comes into play.
“Can I have one SASE please?”
Unfortunately, not. No vendor can realistically provide you with an off-the-shelf SASE solution currently as SASE combines several network and security functions. However, our portfolio of solutions enables us to deliver a complete SASE solution for our customers.
The core features of a SASE solution include: software-defined wide area networks (SD-WAN), Secure Web Gateway (SWG), zero-trust network access (ZTNA), Firewall as a Service (FWaaS) and cloud access security broker (CASB). All of these solutions are key parts of our offering, and we have a team of experienced consultants on-hand to integrate these solutions into a unified SASE offering.
Streamline your network security vendors
Gartner advises that organisations look to slim down their vendors as part of a SASE strategy. For many organisations, this may mean implementing short, medium and long-term plans to streamline their architectures to realise a SASE vision.
Cisco, of all the major vendors, is probably the most well-placed to offer your organisation a complete SASE solution. Its portfolio of technologies can be implemented in your environment and our technical specialists can design a solution in-line with your needs.
Start your free Secure Web Gateway trial today
A Secure Web Gateway (SWG) is a key element in any SASE architecture. Click the link below to register for a free 14 day trial of Cisco Umbrella SWG
Our strategic decision to place Cisco technology at the heart of our solutions was born from our belief that the network and security disciplines were only ever going to converge, and SASE is evidence of this.
Our integrated and automated SASE solutions include Meraki SD-WAN, Umbrella providing SWG, CASB and cloud firewall features, and zero-trust network access provided by Duo Security. These solutions are backed by some of the best threat intelligence in the industry and integrate with Cisco’s security orchestration, automation and response platform, Cisco SecureX.
Beyond the core components
Going beyond the core elements of SASE, technologies such as remote browser isolation (RBI), extended detection and response (XDR), network access control (NAC) and virtual private networks (VPNs) will also form part of a SASE solution.
Our portfolio of services and team of experienced network and security specialists deliver these solutions day-in, day-out for our diverse range of customers. No matter your needs, size or budget, we can design a SASE strategy for your organisation.
