Secure access service edge (SASE) is a network architecture that combines VPN and SD-WAN capabilities with cloud-native security functions such as secure web gateways, cloud access security brokers, firewalls, and zero-trust network access. These functions are delivered from the cloud and provided as a service by the SASE vendor.[1]

Secure Access Service Edge, also known as SASE -- pronounced "sassy" -- is a cloud architecture model that bundles network and security-as-a-service functions together and delivers them as a single cloud service. SASE allows organizations to unify their network and security tools in a single management console. [2]

Figure 1. Secure Access Service Edge (SASE)

Secure Access Service Edge (SASE) is shown in figure 1. Securing the edge is a new challenge for security professionals, which demands a new solution. This is where secure access service edge (SASE) comes in. SASE is the convergence of solutions like wide area network (WAN) and cloud access security broker (CASB) that promises to protect data at the edge, while delivering high-speed functionality. SASE is going to be big in the future. Right now, it’s more of a vision than a reality. You’re better off waiting and using solutions like Polymer in the meantime. [3]

Benefits of SASE

When properly implemented, a SASE approach allows organizations to apply for secure access no matter where their users, workloads, devices, or applications are located. This becomes a critically important advantage to ensure remote workers' security. SaaS applications see rapid adoption, and data move rapidly among data centers, branch offices, and hybrid- and multi-cloud environments. SASE enables safe browsing, secure access to corporate apps and secure access to SaaS applications from anywhere,

SASE Offers:

• Flexible, consistent security
• Reduced total cost of ownership
• Reduced complexity
• Optimized performance [4]

Secure Access Service Edge (SASE) is a transformative approach to network security that has gained popularity in recent years. By converging network security and cloud-delivered services into a single, cloud-native platform, SASE offers a comprehensive and flexible solution to the challenges of securing modern networks and applications.

Overall, SASE represents a significant step forward in network security and is likely to become an increasingly popular approach to securing modern networks and applications in the years to come.

References:

1. https://www.cisco.com/c/en_in/products/security/what-is-sase-secure-access-service-edge.html
2. https://www.techtarget.com/searchnetworking/definition/Secure-Access-Service-Edge-SASE
3. https://www.polymerhq.io/blog/cloud-security/sase/
4. https://www.fortinet.com/resources/cyberglossary/sase

Cite this article:

Gokula Nandhini K (2023), Secure Access Service Edge (SASE), Anatechmaz, pp.76