How Does Secure Access Service Edge Support Remote Work?

Highlights:

• Introduction
• Zero trust security model and threat protection
• Optimized network performance through SD-WAN
• Simplified management, scalability, and better user experience

The COVID-19 pandemic has made remote work becoming a norm for many organizations across the globe. This change in the work landscape has brought new complications in securing and operating company resources. One of the technologies that has gained traction amidst this is the secure access service edge (SASE). It is a cloud-based security model designed to protect users, devices, and data by integrating various security and networking functions into a single platform.

Zero trust network access and threat protection

Remote work introduces a range of security struggles, such as protecting endpoints. These are outside the corporate network and manage secure access to applications and data. SASE addresses these problems by providing comprehensive security solutions that are integrated into a single platform. For instance, secure web gateways within SASE protect remote workers from malicious websites and phishing attacks by filtering web traffic in real time. Cloud Access Security Brokers offer visibility into the use of cloud applications, allowing organizations to enforce security policies and detect potential threats. According to a 2023 report by Gartner, organizations that implemented SASE experienced a 40% reduction in security incidents compared to those relying on traditional security models.

The zero trust network access component of SASE operates on the principle of “never trust, always verify.” This implies that every access request, whether from inside or outside the corporate network, is authenticated and authorized based on user identity, device, and context. If a remote employee attempts to access sensitive company data, ZTNA verifies their identity and device status before granting access. This approach reduces the risk of unauthorized access and data breaches, ensuring that only legitimate users can reach critical resources.

In October 2022, Aryaka, a long-standing WAN provider, introduced an updated version of its Zero Trust WAN product. This new release features an integrated Secure Web Gateway and Firewall-as-a-Service, marking a significant step toward its goal of delivering a fully SASE-enabled WAN solution. In May 2024, iboss, a leader in cloud security for highly regulated industries, unveiled its latest innovation, a Zero Trust SD-WAN solution. This new offering integrates iboss's well-regarded Zero Trust SSE platform with the SD-WAN solution, establishing iboss as a complete Zero Trust SASE provider. The unified solution simplifies security by enabling secure connections across factories, branch offices, and data centers, eliminating the need for outdated firewalls and cumbersome VPNs.

Optimized network performance through SD-WAN

Remote work often involves accessing cloud-based applications and services, which strains usual network infrastructures. SASE addresses this issue through its software-defined wide Area network capabilities. SD-WAN optimizes and secures network traffic by directing it through the most efficient path, improving application performance, and reducing latency. For instance, if a remote employee is using a video conferencing tool, SD-WAN can prioritize this traffic to ensure a smooth and uninterrupted experience. In June 2024, Tata Communications, teamed up with Versa Networks, a leading provider of AI-driven Unified SASE solutions, launched its ‘Unified Single-Vendor Hosted Secure Access Service Edge’ solution for global enterprises. This new offering combines SD-WAN with secure service edge features, using single-pass technology to streamline and enhance security and connectivity.

As businesses rapidly embrace digital transformation, security is shifting toward cloud-based solutions. With the widespread adoption of cloud services across various industries, there is a growing need to secure network infrastructure while simplifying operations to boost speed and agility. This trend is expected to open significant growth opportunities for the secure access service edge industry vendors soon. The growing adoption of public cloud services is increasing cloud spending for businesses across various sectors. Cloud expenses are becoming a major component of IT budgets, with approximately 77% of companies reporting annual cloud expenditures exceeding USD 12 million, and 80% of those indicating costs above USD 1.2 million. In contrast, small and medium-sized businesses (SMBs) typically face lower cloud costs due to their smaller scale and fewer workloads.

Simplified management, scalability, and better user experience

SASE simplifies managing security and networking solutions integrating multiple functions into a unified platform. It organizes management and reduces the need for disparate tools and technologies. Moreover, SASE is cloud-based, which means it can scale easily to accommodate growing numbers of remote users. Organizations adjust their SASE deployment to match changing needs without the need for significant infrastructure changes. Besides, SASE improves the user experience by guaranteeing secure access to applications and resources. With features like SD-WAN and integrated security, it minimizes delays and disruptions, allowing remote employees to work easily from remote locations. For instance, SASE’s global network of distributed points of presence ensures that remote workers get the access to applications, reducing latency and improving response times. This enhanced performance contributes to higher productivity and satisfaction among remote employees.

To sum up, the secure access service edge has streamlined remote work, dealing with the troubles of securing and optimizing access to company resources from various locations. SASE boosts security, improves network performance, and simplifies management by combining security and networking functions into a single platform. With remote work becoming common, SASE offers the essential tools confirming a strong security infrastructure in today’s digital landscape.

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