SASE and Zero Trust: A perfect Fit

SASE, as a modern technology strategy, has gained traction in recent times, especially due to its integration of network and security technologies into a comprehensive concept. In essence, SASE and Zero-trust Security redefine network security with a comprehensive and modern approach. 

When combined, zero-trust and SASE overcome the traditional perimeter-based security challenges by supposing no inherent trust even inside the network. It helps in offering a holistic and dynamic strategy for the business to deal with cyberattacks and breaches. In this blog, we will understand in detail the benefits of SASE and Zero-trust integration.

What is SASE?

SASE, also known as Secure Access Service Edge, is a security framework specifically designed for cloud environments. It helps in integrating the facilities of wide-area networking with network security services.

The SASE framework is crucial for organisations with distributed workforces, such as those with extensive cloud networks or a high reliance on mobile devices.

Components of SASE

There are various components of SASE. By understanding these components, businesses can implement more effective security measures.

Firewall-as-a-Service (FWaaS)

One of the essential components of SASE is Firewall-as-a-Service, which offers firewall protection to the cloud network. The work of FWaaS involves examining and controlling both inbound and outbound traffic, providing a trusted environment for all employees.

Secure Web Gateway (SWG)

Another crucial component of SASE is the Secure Web Gateway, which monitors all web traffic and, based on that, filters out traffic that is safe and legitimate for user access. The purpose of the SWG is to block all malicious sites.

Software-Defined Wide Area Network (SD-WAN)

SASE also helps integrate SD-WAN, enabling businesses to manage and monitor their wide area network through software rather than relying solely on hardware.

Cloud Access Security Broker (CASB)

CASB is a key component of SASE, acting as a security layer between cloud applications and cloud service users. It provides visibility, data security, threat protection and compliance enforcement across cloud services, whether they are sanctioned or unsanctioned.

Zero Trust Network Access (ZTNA)

ZTNA is central to the SASE framework, enabling secure, identity-based access to applications regardless of the user’s location or device. It continuously verifies identity and device posture before allowing access, reducing the attack surface.

What is Zero-trust?

Zero-trust is a modern cybersecurity framework that works on the principle of “never trust, always verify”. Under the zero-trust security framework, every user, device, or application that wants to access the network must undergo a strict verification process, regardless of whether they are inside or outside the network.

In other security frameworks, users within the network can be trusted. However, zero-trust frameworks assume that all entities are potential threats. Therefore, they should undergo an authentication process before granting access to the network. 

Since this security framework prevents lateral movement within and outside the network, the chances of a cyberattack are lower.

Principle of Zero Trust

There are some core principles of the zero-trust security framework. By understanding these principles, businesses can gain a deeper understanding of the zero-trust concept.

Identify and Access Management (IAM)

One of the core principles of the zero-trust framework is identity and access management. It ensures that access is granted only to authorised users for specific resources. The IAM solution maintains a zero-trust framework through continuous identity verification.

Least Access Principle

Another core principle is least privilege or access, which means that access is granted to users for resources or data based on their responsibilities. This helps prevent potential attacks.

Micro-segmentation

The zero-trust framework also incorporates micro-segmentation, where the network is divided into small, discrete segments. Strict access control is granted to these segments, which helps prevent lateral movement if the breach happens in one segment.

Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA)

Zero-trust framework also includes multi-factor authentication, which involves two or more verification methods to gain access to the system or network.

How Does Zero Trust Fit into a SASE Policy?

Zero Trust Network Access (ZTNA) plays a key role within a SASE (Secure Access Service Edge) framework. This approach performs a comprehensive inspection or authentication process of the user's identity and the context of the access request. 

It takes into account parameters such as user profile, application profile, device type, location and behavioural fingerprints. This ensures that a Zero-trust, need-to-know policy is enforced before any session is granted access.

Implementing zero-trust enables organisations to have better control over access to their network and, more essentially, their critical resources. Because SASE puts identity at the core of data and application access, it creates a secure bridge between the access and service edge, i.e., the cloud, networks, etc. 

In other words, SASE controls access to all network edges by considering factors such as sites, mobile users and cloud resources in accordance with Zero-trust networking access principles. Thus, SASE and Zero Trust Network Access serve as a perfect fit to deliver secure business value.

Benefits of SASE and Zero-trust Integration

The integration of SASE and zero-trust security offers a range of benefits to the organisation. Some of them are listed below:

Better Security Posture

Integrating SASE with Zero-trust enforces strict identity verification and least privilege access across all users, devices and applications. That makes the risk of unauthorised access, data breach and lateral movement in networks fall dramatically.

Greater Visibility and Control

The integration provides detailed insights into user behaviour, traffic flows and application usage. This visibility enhances threat detection, supports faster incident response and helps meet compliance requirements.

Scalability and Flexibility

As business changes and expands, SASE and Zero-trust can scale easily to accommodate new requirements, such as remote workers, multi-cloud adoption, or global expansion, without sacrificing security or performance.

Overcoming Challenges in Implementing Sase And Zero-trust Security

The integration of SASE and Zero-trust offers various security benefits but also brings some unique challenges for the organisation. However, with proper planning and approach, businesses can overcome these challenges. 

Smooth Integration

Combining SASE and Zero-trust framework into given infrastructure can be complex. However, proper planning, clear architecture and gradual implementation can help streamline the process.

Continuous Monitoring

For a successful SASE and Zero-trust integration, continuous real-time monitoring is essential. It is crucial to have an advanced monitoring tool that provides insight into network traffic, potential threats and user behaviour. 

Training and Awareness

Another crucial practice that businesses need to consider when merging SASE and Zero-trust is educating their team about the intricacies of the security framework. This can be done by providing comprehensive training on the same.

Right Vendor Selection

Lastly, selecting the right vendor for SASE and Zero-trust solutions is crucial for business. Go with the provider by analysing their offerings, long-term viability, integration capabilities and more.

Conclusion

In this digital landscape, where cybersecurity threats can cause significant losses to businesses, integrating robust security measures is crucial. By integrating Zero-trust and SASE, organisations can create a comprehensive security strategy that can handle the complex cyberattack landscape. 

When it comes to security solutions, InstaSafe offers solutions like ZTNA and ZTAA, which help businesses on their digital transformation journey by providing enhanced security.

Frequently Asked Questions

Which is better: SASE vs ZTNA for the remote workforce?

In the SASE vs. Zero trust network access comparison, both are essential for securing the remote workforce. ZTNA secures access by verifying identity and enforcing least privilege, while SASE delivers that security at scale through cloud-based networking. 

Together, they provide comprehensive protection and performance, making SASE with Zero-trust network access the ideal solution.

Is implementing SASE and Zero Trust can be financially burdensome?

Implementing SASE and Zero-trust can involve upfront costs, especially during the transition from legacy infrastructure. 

However, they often lead to long-term savings by consolidating tools, reducing hardware dependency, improving operational efficiency and minimising breach-related expenses.

Key Products

MFA | I&AM | ZTNA | Zero Trust Application Access | Secure Enterprise Browser

Key Features

Single Sign On | Endpoint Security | Device Binding | Domain Joining | Always On VPN | Contextual Based Access | Clientless Remote Access | Device Posture Check

Key Solutions

VPN Alternatives | DevOps Security | Cloud Application Security | Secure Remote Access | VoIP Security