How Zero Trust and SASE Can Work Together

Zero Trust and Secure Access Service Edge (SASE) are powerful frameworks designed to combat modern threats. 

While each offers unique advantages, combining them can improve your network’s defense and boost your overall security posture. Here’s how. 

What is Zero Trust?

Zero trust assumes that no user or device—whether inside or outside the network—should automatically be trusted. 

Every user, device, and application undergoes continuous authentication, authorization, and monitoring based on strict security policies before they can access resources. In short, the principle of zero trust is: “Never trust, always verify.”

What is Secure Access Service Edge (SASE)?

Secure Access Service Edge (SASE) is a holistic security framework that combines a range of security tools and services—including Zero Trust principles—into a single, cloud-based solution. This approach makes it easier for organizations to secure their networks across different locations and remote environments.

Some of the key SASE components include:

• Zero Trust Network Access (ZTNA)
• Cloud Access Security Broker (CASB)
• Firewall as a Service (FWaaS)
• Secure Web Gateway (SWG)
• Software-Defined WAN (SD-WAN)
• Data Loss Prevention (DLP)

How Zero Trust and Secure Access Service Edge Relate

Zero trust and SASE both help strengthen your security posture, but they approach it from different angles. 

While SASE provides a framework for centralized policy management across multiple security services, zero trust focuses specifically on access controls. When integrated, however, they offer several advantages.

Benefits of Integrating Zero Trust and SASE

Here are the benefits of integrating zero trust and SASE.

• Reduced Attack Surface: SASE’s secure and centralized networking model combined with zero trust’s access control helps close off potential attack points.
• Granular Access Controls: With zero trust’s precise access controls and SASE’s dynamic network segmentation, organizations can enforce detailed security policies based on user identity, device status, and application sensitivity.
• Enhanced Visibility and Control: Real-time insights into data, applications, and network traffic—often facilitated by CASBs—make threat detection faster and more effective.
• Streamlined Security Strategy: SASE’s centralized management supports zero trust’s access policies, simplifying policy updates.
• Improved User Experience: SASE optimizes network performance, while zero trust simplifies authentication and authorization processes, making for a smoother user experience without sacrificing security.
• Scalability for Remote Work: The combined approach enables flexible security, supporting both remote and hybrid environments.
• Adaptability to Evolving Threats: Designed to evolve with changing cyber threats, zero trust and SASE together allow organizations to stay resilient by regularly updating security policies.

Challenges in Implementation

Despite the benefits, implementing SASE and zero trust together can present some challenges:

• Aligning Policies and Legacy Systems: Synchronizing security policies with existing systems can be complex. Moving to a zero trust model may also require significant adjustments to existing workflows, which can be time-consuming and disruptive.
• User Experience: Continuous authentication and verification may be a new experience for employees and could frustrate them if not implemented smoothly. 
• Technical Complexity: Integrating various security components and ensuring they work smoothly together can be a technical challenge, especially as organizations grow. Keeping Zero Trust and SASE scalable adds another layer of complexity.

Top 3 Best Practices for Implementing SASE and Zero Trust

Here are the three most important best practices for implementing SASE and Zero Trust.

1. Review Current Setup: Look for gaps in your current security measures and make sure they’re addressed in your combined zero trust and SASE security policy.
2. Set Clear Goals: Define your security objectives and determine how SASE and zero trust will work together to achieve them.
3. Choose the Right Tools: Go for solutions that align with both your Zero Trust access controls and broader security strategy.

Future Trends in SASE and Zero Trust

As remote work grows, compliance regulations become stricter, and organizations seek cost-effective solutions, it’s likely we’ll see increased adoption of zero trust and SASE in the years to come. 

Key trends to watch include:

• AI and Machine Learning: AI-driven threat detection helps organizations respond to threats faster and adapt to emerging patterns.
• Automation: Automating security processes reduces human error and improves response times.
• Integrated Solutions: Consolidating security tools into a single platform simplifies management, especially for CASBs.

Maximize Network Security with Check Point’s SASE

Protecting corporate networks requires advanced solutions. Check Point’s SASE delivers fast, reliable access to all your on-premises and cloud resources, while securing your network with zero trust access, advanced threat prevention, AI-powered protection, and more.

With Check Point’s SASE, protecting your critical assets as you move to the cloud is simple, backed by top-tier internet security performance. 

Book a free demo today to learn more.