Title: Leveraging SASE's All-In-One Advantage: A Comprehensive Guide
In the realm of cybersecurity, a term that's been turning heads is Secure Access Service Edge, often referred to as SASE. It's been compared to a Swiss Army knife, and for good reason: SASE has been effectively surpassing the long-standing favorite, Virtual Private Networks (VPNs), in the realm of secure remote access.
With the rise of remote work and cloud-based applications, companies are grappling with increased risks of data theft and compromise. According to the U.S. Agency for International Development, the global cost of cybercrime is staggering, outweighing the GDPs of all but two countries - the United States and China. IBM further reports that 40% of data breaches involve data stored across multiple environments.
Business leaders seeking to leverage SASE's benefits can enhance security, reduce complexity, and shrink their threat landscape. But how can they make the most of this innovative solution?
Embracing the Cloud
While VPNs are relatively straightforward to set up and manage, they were designed with a centralized network in mind. As more employees log in on a variety of devices across different locations - office, home, or the road - the vulnerable entry points for hackers only multiply. SASE architecture is better equipped to handle the complexities of today's distributed networks, cloud services, and remote work environments.
Managing Distributed Networks
SASE offers similar convenience as VPNs, delivering secure network access regardless of a user's location. As a cloud-based system, SASE also tends to scale more smoothly, enabling companies to easily onboard large numbers of remote users without frequent infrastructure upgrades. VPNs can slow down internet speeds due to data encryption and centralized traffic routing, leading to bottlenecks and productivity loss, especially when dealing with cloud-based applications or large files. SASE, on the other hand, connects users directly to the nearest Point of Presence (PoP), boosting their application access rates.
Embrace Zero Trust
VPNs protect connections but fail to scrutinize traffic for malicious content. On the other hand, SASE delivers a robust network security framework that incorporates varied functions, like Zero-Trust Network Access, Firewall-as-a-Service, Cloud Access Security Brokers, and Secure Web Gateways. In industries subject to strict data regulations, such as finance and healthcare, SASE can work within a Zero-Trust framework, assuming no user or device should be trusted by default. Only after proper authentication and verification should connections be granted. Consistent security procedures for all devices and users help ensure compliance with regulatory requirements.
Transitioning from VPN to SASE
- Assess Your Current Network Infrastructure: Create an inventory of your system, including all endpoints, applications, and connections to uncover security gaps and potential attack vectors.
- Check Your Internet Speeds: Ensure your employees' connections are fast enough for their tasks. Failure to do so can impact productivity, especially when using cloud-based applications, conducting video conferences, or transferring large files.
- Use Multifactor Authentication: Prioritize a system that requires multifactor authentication before granting users access to their accounts.
- Backup VPN Connection: Ensure you have a backup VPN connection ready if your firewall fails due to power outages or other issues.
Picking an SASE Provider
- Integrations: Choose a provider that can work seamlessly with your current Identity Provider, Active Directory, Google Suite, and Microsoft Entra.
- Security and Compliance: Ensure the provider meets your regulatory requirements and secures your data across their cloud networks, with appropriate security certifications like ISO 27001 and SOC 2.
Overcoming Potential Challenges
- Configure Integrations: Set up integrations to your requirements, making sure end-users have a consistent and streamlined experience.
- Test Implementation: Roll out SASE services slowly, starting with a small group of users and gradually integrating it with your current VPN solution.
- Prepare Documentation: Provide clear instructions and documentation for staff on how to use the new solution and adjust for differences in workflows.
- Offer Support: Designate key users or departments to receive support for any issues that may arise, ensuring a seamless transition.
SASE represents the future of secure remote access solutions. Organizations that utilize SASE routinely report reduced network complexity, simplified management, and improved overall user experience. While VPNs remain viable options in some cases, the digital transformation sweeping across industries suggests that SASE is poised to dominate the market.
Maxwell, a security expert, highly recommends businesses transition from VPNs to SASE to counteract the growing risks associated with remote work and cloud-based applications. In his experience, Maxwell Alles has found that SASE architectures are more effective at managing distributed networks, providing faster internet speeds, and incorporating robust network security frameworks, like Zero-Trust Network Access.