How to Choose a SASE Vendor

Organizations are increasingly adopting cloud services and hybrid work environments, making secure access to applications and data across the entire network more critical than ever. The rise of secure access service edge (SASE) addresses these security challenges by combining networking and security functions into a single platform.

SASE delivers a comprehensive security solution to protect remote access and ensure a seamless user experience, by consolidating services, such as CASB, ZTNA, and Endpoint security. With numerous service providers offering different security solutions, selecting the right SASE vendor requires a decision based on:

Security functionality
Network performance
Compliance

Understanding Secure Access Service Edge (SASE)

SASE is a cloud-native security framework that integrates network and security functions into one platform, including:

SASE allows remote users to connect to cloud services and applications securely by applying security policies across the network edge.

SASE offers a holistic approach to optimizing security infrastructure by combining networking services and security functions. This single-vendor SASE solution streamlines security management, allowing security teams to monitor and manage policies across the entire network more efficiently.

Importance of SASE in the Modern Workplace

As organizations transition to hybrid work environments, SASE becomes a critical solution for ensuring secure cloud access across distributed teams.

Traditional Perimeter-Based Security Models

Traditional perimeter-based security models are no longer sufficient to protect modern network architectures, which often extend to the cloud and remote devices. SASE enables businesses to deploy a unified security framework that addresses the increasing demand for secure, scalable access to cloud resources and applications.

What Makes SASE Better?

Integrating SASE’s cloud-delivered security features mitigates security challenges, such as:

Phishing attacks
Malware
Insider threats

This results in an improved security posture and enhanced user experience, as security policies are enforced consistently across both on-premise and cloud environments. With its ease of deployment and unified management platform, SASE simplifies securing remote access for hybrid workforces and remote workers.

Key Features to Consider in a SASE Provider

When choosing a SASE vendor, evaluating the solution’s key features is essential to ensure it meets your organization’s security needs:

Zero-Trust Network Access (ZTNA): Ensure the vendor offers strong access controls and identity verification mechanisms to protect against unauthorized access. ZTNA is crucial for ensuring remote access security.
Integrated Security Functions: Look for a vendor that provides comprehensive security services, including CASBs, secure web gateways, and firewalls, all within a single-vendor SASE solution. Integrated security functionality enhances network security and streamlines management, delivering a more unified and efficient security framework.
Cloud-Based Architecture: A SASE provider should support cloud-native services, enabling secure access to applications and cloud resources without sacrificing performance. Seamless cloud access ensures your business can operate smoothly across multiple environments, optimizing security and user experience.
Single Platform Management: Simplify your security management with a vendor that offers a unified platform for overseeing both security and networking solutions. This reduces complexity for security teams and enhances the ability to enforce consistent security policies across the entire network.
Advanced Threat Protection: The vendor should offer robust advanced threat protection features that detect and mitigate cyber threats, including AI-powered threat intelligence that can adapt to emerging security risks. This ensures that your organization remains protected from sophisticated attacks, especially in a cloud-based architecture where remote access is common.
Network Performance Optimization: Evaluate the vendor’s ability to maintain strong network performance while providing robust security. High-performance networks are essential for delivering a positive user experience, especially when remote users access cloud applications. The vendor’s ability to integrate with your network infrastructure without compromising speed is critical.

Criteria for Effective SASE Vendor Selection

Choosing the right SASE vendor involves evaluating several critical factors to ensure their solution aligns with your organization’s technical and business requirements.

Technical Capabilities

The technical capabilities of a SASE vendor are paramount to ensuring their solution integrates seamlessly with your existing security infrastructure.

Look for advanced security features, such as:

ZTNA
CASBs
Firewall-as-a-service (FWaaS)

It also assesses whether the vendor’s cloud-based solution can scale with your growing network architecture and adapt to the evolving needs of your hybrid work environment. The vendor should provide a cloud-native solution that supports a remote workforce, ensuring secure and uninterrupted access to cloud resources.

Business and Operational Considerations

Consider the vendor’s pricing models and how their SASE solution impacts your organization’s cost structure. A single-vendor SASE solution combining networking and security services can save significant costs by eliminating the need for multiple service providers. However, it’s essential to ensure the solution is flexible enough to meet your business’s operational needs, particularly in supporting remote access for distributed teams.

Ease of deployment is crucial, as it will determine how quickly and efficiently the vendor’s solution can be implemented across your network infrastructure.

Security and Compliance

Ensure the SASE provider meets all regulatory compliance requirements relevant to your industry, including data protection, encryption, and auditing standards.

In addition to compliance, the vendor’s security solutions should align with zero-trust principles and continuously verify user identity and device security before granting application access. This comprehensive approach will help:

Maintain a strong security posture
Prevent unauthorized access across the network edge

Vendor Reputation and Experience

The vendor’s reputation and experience in delivering SASE solutions should play a crucial role in your decision. Look for vendors with a proven track record of delivering reliable security service edge (SSE) solutions and comprehensive network security. Check customer testimonials, reviews, and case studies to assess their experience and expertise, ensuring that their solution will meet your organization’s security needs.

Opting for an experienced vendor solution minimizes risk and ensures your organization receives dependable support during and after deployment.

Common Challenges in Implementing SASE

While SASE offers numerous benefits, organizations must address several challenges during implementation to ensure success:

Complexity of Integration: Integrating SASE with existing security infrastructure can be complex, especially for organizations with legacy systems. Proper planning and technical expertise are required to ensure smooth deployment and minimize disruption.
Vendor Lock-In: Relying on a single SASE provider could result in vendor lock-in, making switching vendors or adding complementary security technologies difficult. Ensure your chosen vendor offers flexibility in their solution to accommodate future changes in your network infrastructure and cloud-based architecture.
Cost of Deployment: Although SASE can deliver long-term cost savings, the initial deployment may be expensive for smaller organizations. Consider both the upfront costs and long-term benefits when evaluating pricing models.

Maximize Network Security with Check Point’s SASE

Check Point’s SASE offers a robust solution that integrates advanced security functions with seamless cloud access. Our platform includes ZTNA, CASBs, and endpoint security to ensure your security infrastructure remains flexible, scalable, and adaptable to your business needs.

With Check Point’s SASE, your organization can:

Enhance its security posture
Protect against modern threats
Simplify network management using a single-vendor SASE platform

By leveraging cloud-based architecture and AI-driven threat intelligence, our solution provides advanced threat protection while optimizing network performance for hybrid and remote workforces.

Book a FREE demo now and maximize your security right now.

FAQs

What factors should I consider when choosing a SASE vendor?

When choosing a SASE vendor, consider their technical capabilities, security features, compliance with industry regulations, pricing models, and overall reputation in the market. Additionally, evaluate their ease of deployment and support for cloud-native architecture.

How does SASE improve security for remote users?

SASE ensures secure access for remote users by applying zero-trust policies, continuously verifying their identities and devices before granting access to sensitive applications and data. It delivers cloud-delivered security that protects both remote and hybrid workforces.

Can SASE integrate with existing security infrastructure?

Yes, SASE can integrate with existing security infrastructure, though careful planning is required to ensure seamless integration. Select a vendor that supports legacy systems and cloud-native architecture, ensuring your network infrastructure remains adaptable and secure.

What are the cost considerations for deploying SASE?

While SASE can provide long-term cost savings by consolidating network security solutions into a single-vendor platform, the initial deployment can be expensive. Evaluate pricing models and consider both upfront and ongoing costs.

How do I evaluate a SASE vendor’s reputation?

Evaluate a vendor’s reputation by reviewing case studies, customer testimonials, and industry reviews. A vendor with a proven track record in delivering SASE and security service edge (SSE) solutions will offer more reliable and effective security capabilities.