SASE vs. CASB: Which One Should You Choose?

Secure Access Service Edge (SASE) and Cloud Access Security Broker (CASB) are both cutting-edge solutions that help organizations provide secure connections for applications, users, and devices. In this post, we’ll look at how SASE and CASB differ, how they can work with each other, and how to choose the right one for your needs. 

What is a Cloud Access Security Broker (CASB)? 

A Cloud Access Security Broker (CASB) acts as a security layer between a business’s private network and its cloud services. CASB tools manage and monitor the flow of data between on-prem networks and cloud apps to ensure compliance and prevent unauthorized access. 

Key Features of a CASB

Here are the key features of CASB:

• Data Loss Prevention (DLP): A CASB protects sensitive cloud information from being lost or intercepted by unauthorized parties. This is vital when employees are using mobile devices or connecting from the corporate network. 
• Threat Protection: Cloud networks significantly increase an organization’s attack surface, making it essential to gain full visibility. CASBs help here by identifying, tracking, and mitigating potential threats like malware and ransomware in real-time.
• Compliance: CASBs apply security policies and use compliance monitoring tools to help companies meet regulatory requirements across their cloud infrastructure.
• Access Control: CASBs manage cloud access privileges and enforce a zero trust network architecture to make sure that only authorized users can access critical data and applications.

CASB Use Cases 

Here are the use cases for CASB:

• Remote Work: CASBs are ideal for companies with employees who work remotely as they secure data beyond the corporate firewall.
• Multi-Cloud Environments: For companies using multiple cloud platforms, CASBs ensure data stays protected across all services, no matter where it’s stored or accessed.
• Compliance Requirements: If your business needs to meet strict regulatory standards, CASBs help by monitoring compliance and enforcing data protection policies.
• Shadow IT Management: CASBs detect and manage unauthorized cloud applications used within an organization, helping IT teams address security risks associated with unsanctioned software.
• Gaining Visibility: CASBs give you a clear view of how users and third-party vendors interact with your cloud services. They track access, flag anything unusual—like unauthorized downloads or suspicious logins—and make sure vendors follow security protocols to keep your data safe.

CASB: Pros and Cons 

Here are the pros and cons of CASB:

Pros	Cons
CASBs provide visibility into cloud usage and network activity, giving admins better control over data and resources.	Deploying CASB solutions can be complex and may require specialized knowledge. It can also be tough to integrate CASB with existing security tools.
Thanks to advanced threat detection tools, CASBs can help restrict unauthorized users and applications, and prevent data breaches.	CASB tools can be costly, especially for small to medium-sized businesses.
CASB solutions make it easier to monitor and maintain compliance across multiple cloud platforms at once.	CASB solutions are specifically designed for cloud environments, so they might not provide complete network security.

What Is Secure Access Service Edge (SASE)?

Secure Access Service Edge (SASE) is a holistic, cloud-based solution that combines software-defined networking (SD-WAN) with advanced security features to provide secure connections for applications, users, and devices across even the most complex, distributed networks.

Key Features of SASE

Here are the key features of SASE:

• SD-WAN Integration: SASE uses SD-WAN to optimize data routing, improving performance for remote users.
• Secure Web Gateways (SWG): SASE includes SWGs to monitor and filter internet traffic, protecting users from malicious websites, whether they’re working remotely or on-site.
• Zero Trust Network Access (ZTNA): ZTNA ensures that each user and device undergo strict authentication before they can access the network.
• Firewall as a Service (FWaaS): SASE’s cloud firewall capabilities offer protection against inbound threats, helping to secure both on-premises and cloud environments.
• CASB Integration: Many SASE solutions include CASB to provide greater visibility and control over cloud network activity.
• Simple Network Management: SASE solutions can be managed via a single platform, giving IT teams a simple way to oversee, control, and analyze their entire security strategy from one place.

SASE Use Cases 

Here are the use cases for SASE:

• Secure Mobile Connections: SASE makes it easier to secure mobile device connections to your network, keeping things safe on the go.
• Protecting Multi-Cloud and Hybrid Networks: If your company works with a mix of on-prem, hybrid, and multi-cloud setups, SASE offers strong security across the board.
• Defending Against Advanced Threats: SASE offers a strong security framework that offers intelligent protection against evolving cyber threats.
• Maintaining Compliance: SASE can help companies meet strict data privacy and protection requirements, even when juggling multiple networks and applications at once. 

SASE: Pros and Cons

Here are the pros and cons of SASE:

Pros	Cons
Detects and prevents threats at any network edge, offering clear visibility into who and what is trying to gain access.	Integration can be complex, especially for organizations with legacy systems.
Ensures fast, secure connections for users, no matter their location or device, including Internet of Things (IoT) devices.	Can be resource-intensive, which may be difficult for smaller IT teams to manage.
Offers a scalable, all-in-one security solution for both private networks and cloud services, making it ideal for growing businesses.	Security staff may require additional training to avoid SASE misconfigurations that could compromise security.
Centralized management simplifies security and WAN traffic control, with the flexibility to add tools like analytics, policy management, and ZTNA.	Can require a larger upfront investment than other security tools.

SASE vs. CASB: Which One Should You Choose?

Here’s the simplest way to know which solution is the right for your organization:

• If your business primarily needs cloud-focused security – especially for remote employees – a CASB is likely a good fit. 
• If you’re looking for a wider range of security features, though, like SD-WAN, firewalls, and network segmentation, SASE might be a better choice. SASE solutions often include CASB, so you’ll get visibility into cloud activity alongside complete network protection. 

Can SASE and CASB Work Together?

CASB is often built into SASE as one of its core components.

 CASB adds a crucial layer of visibility into cloud activity, helping businesses monitor how data is accessed and shared across cloud services. 

This means CASB and SASE can easily join forces to provide a single solution that ensures:

• Data protection
• Compliance
• Threat prevention

…across both cloud and on-premises environments.

Maximize Network Security with Check Point’s SASE

As your network expands, so does your attack surface. 

That’s why the need for advanced security solutions has never been greater. Check Point’s SASE delivers fast, reliable access to both on-premises and cloud resources while securing your network with zero trust access, cutting-edge threat prevention, AI-driven security, and more. 

Book a free demo today.