Hybrid work models and cloud computing have drastically changed how organizations implement their network security strategies to secure their data and infrastructure. Many cybersecurity trends have gained prominence mainly because of the dispersed workforce in the cloud. Among them, two stand out: Secure Access Service Edge (SASE)A cybersecurity paradigm that combines SD-WAN capabilities with multiple network security strategies to provide security for endpoint users within a cloud/on-premises environment irrespective of their presence in within the network perimeter.
and Zero TrustA cybersecurity policy that inherently applies least privileged access— every user or application is a potential threat. Zero Trust model reinforces authentication on the basis of user identity and context—user location, designation, security posture of user's device/third party's application.
.
What is SASE?
According to Gartner, "By 2024, at least 40% of enterprises will have explicit strategies to adopt SASE, up from less than 1% at year-end 2018". SASE is a cloud-based security framework that combines wide area networking (WAN)Wide Area Networking is a cluster of multiple Local Area Networks that stretches across a larger geographical area. A major aspect of Internet, Wide Area Networking is the most preferred network for global data sharing and processing.
with network and security functions. When implemented correctly, SASE enables users to leverage Firewall as a ServiceA firewall solution that provides traffic inspection services and NGFW capabilities such as URL filtering, Intrusion prevention, Domain Name System (DNS) security and implementation of a unified and application aware security policy to a cloud-based network's users regardless of their physical location.
, Zero Trust Network Access (ZTNA)A cybersecurity policy that inherently applies least privileged access— every user or application is a potential threat. Zero Trust model reinforces authentication on the basis of user identity and context—user location, designation, security posture of user's device/third party's application.
, and secure web gatewaySWG acts as a buffer between users and the internet by preventing the former from accessing malicious webpages. Apart from enforcing enterprise-related acceptable usage policies, SWG also restrains unauthorized traffic from gaining foothold within a cloud/on-premises network, thereby preventing data breaches, phishing and malware-based attacks.
among other things. As a result, it can provide secure access to the users, data, and devices even when they are not on a corporate network. The benefits of embracing a SASE framework are multifold:
- It enhances security through ZTNA principles, least-privilege access
A cybersecurity concept in which the administrator of a network grants granular or restricted access to a user at the basic level.
and identity-based authorization.
- It minimizes IT overhead and maintenance costs as it replaces multiple disjointed appliances from different vendors with a single cloud-based solution.
- It results in improved WAN scalability and reduces the need for additional software licenses.
What is Zero Trust?
IBM's "Cost of a Data Breach Report 2021" says that organizations that fully deployed Zero Trust saved 43% in data breaches costs. The core of the Zero Trust approach is, "never trust, always verify". It operates on the premise that no user in an organization should be trusted implicitly and each of their digital interactions should be authenticated by least access policies. The implementation of a Zero Trust model combines multi-factor authenticationA multiple-level authentication process that verifies user identity using two or more authentication methods. MFA reduces the overbearing reliance on passwords for verification, a method that is prone to brute-force attacks and credential stuffing, by replacing them with user-specific credentials.
, endpoint security systems, and data encryption systems. These are the key benefits of a Zero Trust model:
- It reduces organizational and business risks as it imposes access restrictions using the principle of least privilege.
- It provides complete visibility on access controls across the enterprise as admins can track and monitor the location, time, and devices involved in each access request.
- It supports the organization's compliance initiatives by making it easier to obtain evidence on access controls.
Better together: SASE and Zero Trust
As organizations are increasingly adopting both, they realize that the synergy of SASE and Zero Trust is more efficient. Several of their core principles intertwine and complement each other well.
Importance to identity
According to SASE principles, any modifications to policies based on access requirements must be primarily based on the identity of the device, user, or service. Other important factors include the level of risk and trust, the sensitivity of data involved, and identity location, which are also a part of the Zero Trust strategy.
Better management of user access control
A cloud access security broker (CASB)An on-premises/cloud based application that acts as an intermediate between the user and the solution(s), ensuring that the user's identity is verified and the individual complies with the company-related policies.
is a core component of the SASE framework. When CASB and Zero Trust are implemented together, IT admins can better manage users' access controls. Besides providing the ability to restrict user access to particular resources, CASB supports the synergy of SASE and Zero Trust resulting in improved overall network visibility.
Context-aware trust levels and dynamic policies
Multiple tenets in the Zero Trust strategy place an emphasis on dynamic policies and automating user or asset access support decisions. Tracking and monitoring user behavior with automation-driven policy changes is a main element in SASE as well. Gartner recommends that context-aware trust level be embraced, which is a popular approach of Zero Trust.
While many organizations see SASE and Zero Trust as separate stand-alone processes, embracing both will deliver more value.