In 2019, Gartner officially defined and listed Secure Access Service Edge.
For many, “SASE” remains nothing more than a buzzword.
For companies that have successfully integrated it into their environment, it means the difference between detecting a potential data breach sooner rather than later.
SASE is a cybersecurity solution that combines several other security and networking functionalities:
- Zero Trust Network Access (ZTNA)
- Firewall as a Service (FWaaS)
- Data Loss Prevention (DLP)
- Secure Web Gateway (SWG)
- Software-defined WAN (SD-WAN)
- Advanced Threat Prevention
- Cloud Access Security Broker (CASB)
SASE offers versatile tools under one single platform, simplifying security. It offers a full stack of solutions that protect companies against data theft and leaks, illicit access, and sophisticated threats.
For security teams, having SASE implemented means that they have a single interface they can consult for the latest insights about the state of their security at any given time.
But is this solution the best investment for your type of organization?
What Kinds of Businesses Benefit from SASE?
SASE is ideal for organizations that rely on remote and cloud-based infrastructures. These companies usually require flexibility because they intend to grow. They know that their security needs to keep up.
Here we will dive into SASE for mid-sized businesses and large enterprises. They have complex and large infrastructures (most of them cloud-based) and require solutions that can help them make security less complex.
Remote Businesses
Remote companies need to have great connectivity but also protect the users and assets, covering every single endpoint.
SASE is suitable for businesses that have adopted either a hybrid or 100% remote work model. It’s designed to account for the security gaps that can appear with remote teams.
Most have employees that are working from different parts of the world. They need to reach the company resources safely and efficiently, without that access affecting data security.
Mid-Sized Companies
As the company grows from a very small to a mid-sized enterprise, it needs to implement robust security that covers the entire infrastructure but also is cost-effective.
The transition from small to midsize is the point where investing in SASE makes sense for companies that want to avoid data breaches that can damage their finances and reputation.
Highly-Regulated Industries
SASE is popular in the financial and healthcare industries as well as in governments because they have to adhere to strict regulations.
They rely on SASE to help them meet strict compliance requirements such as those prescribed by HIPAA or GDPR — enforcing them across the entire environment.
Cloud-Native Organizations
SASE was designed as an alternative to traditional solutions that weren’t made for the connectivity needs and wide security needs compared to today. They didn’t have the cloud in mind.
As more and more companies rely on the cloud-centric infrastructure as well as introduce tools that are based on the cloud, they need security made specifically for modern cloud environments.
SASE enables them to seamlessly integrate networking and security services. It makes their infrastructure functional and also protects them from data compromise.
When Is SASE Not Suitable for Your Infrastructure?
SASE also requires changes and investments that not all companies are ready for. Therefore, this solution is not ideal for smaller companies or those that rely on legacy solutions.
Very Small Businesses
For very small businesses that don’t yet have a lot of endpoints and complex cloud infrastructures, it’s enough to get the basic cybersecurity solutions.
SASE is not the right fit for companies that have minimal network needs or even a workforce that is scattered in multiple locations.
In the beginning, most have close to no funds to allocate towards security. Even the low-cost SASE options don’t fit the bill.
Keep it simple if you’re just starting.
Companies with Legacy Infrastructure
Not to say that businesses that have legacy technology and infrastructure can’t benefit from SASE. But the truth is that they need to invest in major changes to fully adapt SASE. Not all companies are ready for that kind of investment.
Besides changes to the infrastructure, they might have to train employees as well as hire more skilled security staff that can help them get the most out of the SASE solution.
In some cases, legacy technology poses its own limitations and it might not be possible to integrate it with cloud-powered solutions prior to adopting SASE.
Business with Temporary Networking Needs
As mentioned, SASE is great for cloud-native organizations that plan to scale in the future. If you need short-term networking needs, it might not be practical or cost-effective.
SASE is usually implemented for companies that have long-term and scalable operations in mind. For such businesses, that kind of investment is justifiable.
Consider your future business objectives and whether the SASE fits in the big picture and company goals.
Introducing SASE When and Where It Makes Sense
SASE is a comprehensive security solution that grants you security while improving a network’s performance. Therefore, companies can have both.
It’s flexible, cloud-based, and designed for modern infrastructures as well as hybrid and remote work security.
However, this solution is not the right choice for all environments.
To get the most out of it, businesses need to be ready to invest in major changes to their infrastructure (if they have a legacy-based infrastructure) and have security teams to manage it.
It’s ideal for larger enterprises or cloud-native, mid-sized, and remote businesses. As their cloud environments and global workforce grow and become more complex to manage, SASE simplifies their security without compromising on connectivity.
Final tip: keep in mind that many different vendors offer this solution with varied functionality and price points.
