With increasing numbers of remote offices, data, and services located outside the protections of traditional network security protocols, organizations are challenged with keeping up with the rapid pace of security, privacy, and integrity of their networks.  

To address these changes, secure access service edge (SASE) is appearing more in the conversation to help organizations embrace cloud and mobility by providing network and security services from a common cloud-delivered architecture.  

SASE architectures are designed to handle all types of traffic and security threats. By adopting a single cloud-delivered SASE solution, organizations can reduce network complexity, lower costs, and use resources more efficiently. To learn more about SASE basics, check out our previous article here.

If you’re looking to build a strong SASE architecture for your organization, we’ve outlined 5 elements below that should not be overlooked in your new architecture. 

5 Elements of a Strong SASE Architecture

1. Software-Defined Wide Area Network (SD-WAN)

In a SASE solution, SD-WAN edge devices can be connected to a cloud-based infrastructure rather than physical hubs located in the data center or co-location facilities. This provides you with an intelligent unified view and simplifies management to protect your network. If you have not already adopted SD-WAN into your organization’s network infrastructure, MacroNet can help. Learn more here.

2. Zero Trust Network Access (ZTNA)

SASE builds upon ZTNA principles and applies them across all the other services in the SASE solution. By identifying users, devices, and applications no matter where they are connecting from, policy creation and management are simplified.   

3. DNS Security

DNS security protects your users by predicting, blocking, and tracking malicious activity while neutralizing threats. A strong SASE solution should contain strategic DNS protection delivered within the cloud environment. Your SASE solution can additionally leverage analytics, machine learning, and automation to help identify and combat future threats.   

4. Cloud Access Security Broker (CASB)

CASBs sit between the user and cloud applications and have a wide range of benefits.  As the use of cloud applications and shadow IT becomes more pervasive, use of a CASB will help to identify risks, threats, and data leakage.  Further, they offer hierarchical permissions and restrictions, enhancing administration of cloud apps. 

5. Firewall-as-a-Service (FWaaS)

Companies using Firewall-as-a-Service versus traditional hardware often experience better cost savings by eliminating the need to maintain security hardware on-premise. Since FWaaS is fully cloud-based, SASE makes it significantly easier to manage deployments since it’s a single, unified platform on a global scale.

Responding to the Shift

SASE poses a unique challenge for many vendors. Not only must this platform ensure a seamless user experience, it demands a complex level of integration. Strong vendors must be able to integrate both their networking and security expertise in order to deliver a reliable cloud-based solution.   

MacroNet is uniquely positioned to help customers build and develop SASE solutions with their vast partner network. We have recognized this shift and have identified partners that can help you build a SASE architecture designed for all traffic, applications, and use

Evaluate if SASE is a Viable Option

Let us help you determine if SASE is a viable option for your business with a free Network Security Consultation.  

AUTHOR

Scott Bryan
Founder and President
LinkedIn Profile

Scott Bryan, President and founder of MacroNet, focuses delivering global client solutions that leverage the industry-leading portfolio of carrier network services offered by MacroNet. 

Scott has over 20 years of experience in the telecommunications industry. Prior to founding MacroNet, he was the Area Vice President for CenturyLink (formerly Qwest) in the New England area. During his 16 year tenure at CenturyLink, Scott held many management roles including Director of Sales Engineering, Director of Sales Support, and Director of Sales for global accounts in New York and New England.