What Is SASE Architecture?

Secure Access Service Edge (SASE) is an emerging cloud-native architecture that converges networking and security capabilities into a unified, globally distributed platform.

It aims to address the challenges organizations face in securing remote users, cloud applications, and edge computing in the mobile world.

Key Components of SASE Architecture

The SASE framework unifies multiple security and networking functions into a single, cloud-native platform, which:

• Simplifies management
• Improves performance
• Enhances security for organizations with distributed workforces and cloud-based resources

Understanding SASE and its components is crucial for implementing effective network security policies.

Software-Defined Wide Area Networking (SD-WAN)

SD-WAN optimizes connectivity between branch offices, data centers, and cloud services. 

SD-WAN enables intelligent traffic routing based on application requirements and network conditions, making it a critical component of the SASE model.

Firewall as a Service (FWaaS)

Cloud-delivered firewalls protect users and applications from threats without requiring on-premises hardware. FWaaS provides centralized policy management and consistent enforcement across all endpoints, aligning with the SASE architecture.

Secure Web Gateway (SWG)

SWG filters web traffic to block access to malicious or inappropriate content. It prevents threats like:

• Malware
• Phishing
• Data exfiltration over web protocols

This contributes to a Secure Access Service Edge solution.

Cloud Access Security Broker (CASB)

CASB solutions provide visibility and control over cloud application usage. A Cloud Access Security Broker monitors user activity, enforces SASE security policies, and protects sensitive data in:

• SaaS
• PaaS
• IaaS

Cloud Access Security Broker technology maintains visibility and control over cloud applications in a SASE framework.

Zero Trust Network Access (ZTNA)

ZTNA enables secure remote access to applications based on user identity and device posture rather than network location. It enforces least-privilege access control policies and minimizes the attack surface, aligning with the zero-trust principles of SASE.

Benefits of SASE Architecture

The SASE framework brings many benefits that can significantly improve an organization’s:

• Network security
• Performance
• Efficiency

Adopting this SASE model helps businesses better manage and secure their networks in today’s cloud-centric and mobile-first world.

Streamlined Management

Secure Access Service Edge unifies disparate network and security functions into a single platform, reducing complexity and operational overhead.

Consistently Enforced Security Policies

With centralized management, SASE consistently applies network security policies across all users, devices, and locations.

Improved Performance

SASE distributes PoPs globally to ensure good connectivity and low latency for users everywhere.

Enhanced Scalability

The cloud-native SASE architecture enables rapid scaling to accommodate changing demands and sudden surges in remote work.

Reduced Costs

Secure Access Service Edge can significantly lower capital and operating expenses by consolidating point solutions and eliminating hardware appliances.

Upgraded Cloud Security

Cloud Access Security Broker capabilities within SASE provide comprehensive protection for cloud-based applications and data.

How SASE Enhances Security and Networking

SASE strengthens an organization’s security posture while optimizing network performance in several ways:

Identity-driven access

Secure Access Service Edge minimizes the risk of unauthorized access and insider threats by strictly enforcing authentication and authorization based on:

• User identity
• Device health
• Behavioral circumstances

Pervasive threat prevention

Cloud Access Security Broker functionalities integrated into SASE solutions ensure that cloud applications are thoroughly monitored and secured. 

Advanced security services like next-generation firewalls, sandboxing, and data loss prevention are consistently applied wherever users connect. 

SASE security policies ensure comprehensive protection across all endpoints. 

Optimized traffic flow

Intelligent traffic steering sends sensitive data directly to its destination over the most efficient path without backhauling through centralized choke points.

Seamless user experience

With security delivered as close to the user, SASE eliminates traditional VPN access’s performance degradation and latency.

How to Create a Bulletproof SASE Architecture

Assess your current state by evaluating infrastructure, cloud usage, and remote access needs. 

Through this, SASE will better identify any gaps and trouble areas.

#1: Define Objectives

Clarify specific security posture, user experience, cost optimization, and operational efficiency goals.

#2: Evaluate Providers

Select a SASE provider that aligns with your needs and has coverage, proven reliability, and expertise.

#3: Adopt Gradually

Implement Secure Access Service Edge through a phased approach, starting with a pilot project before expanding to full production deployment.

#4: Integrate Intelligently

Ensure smooth integration with identity providers, cloud platforms, and existing security controls. 

Use APIs and common standards where possible.

#5: Monitor Continuously

Establish processes for ongoing monitoring of SASE components, network performance, and security events. 

Use ideas to optimize policies and configurations. 

Challenges of Implementing SASE

Although SASE offers many benefits, organizations may require assistance in implementing it.

Legacy Infrastructure

SASE can be hard to integrate with existing networks and security systems. 

SASE architecture requires organizations to assess their current infrastructure and plan for upgrades or replacements.

Skill Gaps in Implementing SASE Security Policies

Implementing and managing SASE requires a blend of networking and security expertise. IT teams may need additional training or external support to bridge knowledge gaps and ensure the successful deployment of SASE technology.

Change Management

Transitioning from traditional perimeter-based security to a cloud-native SASE model can be disruptive. Organizations must effectively communicate changes and guide users to minimize resistance and ensure smooth adoption.

Vendor Selection for SASE and CASB Solutions

Choosing the right SASE provider is critical. Organizations must carefully evaluate vendors based on their technology stack, including:

• Robust Cloud Access Security Broker features
• Service coverage
• Performance guarantees
• Alignment with specific business needs

Application Performance

Routing traffic through SASE PoPs introduces latency if not correctly optimized. 

Organizations must carefully plan their SASE deployment to minimize performance impact on critical applications.

Data Privacy Concerns

With SASE, sensitive data traverses cloud-based infrastructure, potentially raising privacy concerns. Organizations must ensure their SASE provider adheres to relevant data protection regulations and offers encryption capabilities.

Complexity in Multi-Cloud Environments

Managing SASE across multiple cloud platforms can be challenging, requiring consistent policy enforcement and visibility. 

To avoid fragmentation and ensure seamless integration, organizations must carefully plan their multi-cloud SASE strategy.

Budget Constraints

SASE can save long-term costs, but the initial investment may be significant in terms of:

• Technology
• Training
• Professional services. 

To plan a budget effectively, organizations must evaluate the total cost of ownership.

Continuous Monitoring & Optimization

SASE is not a “set-and-forget” solution. It requires ongoing monitoring and fine-tuning to ensure optimal performance and security posture. 

Organizations must allocate resources for continuous management and improvement of their SASE deployment, including regular updates to security policies.

6 Best Practices for Adopting SASE

Best practices are crucial in ensuring a smooth transition and maximizing the benefits of SASE for your organization. Adopting SASE can transform an organization’s network security but requires careful planning and execution.

1. Engage Stakeholders early 

Involve security, networking, and application teams to ensure SASE meets their requirements and gains cross-functional buy-in.

2. Prioritize Identity 

Make identity the foundation of your SASE deployment. It is central to enforcing precise access controls and enabling zero trust.

3. Leverage Automation 

Use automated provisioning, configuration management, and policy updates to reduce human error and ensure consistent enforcement at scale.

4. Growth Plan 

Choose a SASE architecture that can accommodate near-term remote access needs while allowing room for future expansion to new use cases and edges.

5. Optimize Bandwidth 

SD-WAN capabilities allow you to maximize available bandwidth and route traffic efficiently between SASE PoPs for the best user experience.

6. Harden Endpoints 

SASE relies on secure endpoints, so ensure strong authentication, device health checks, and endpoint protection are in place.

Maximize Network Security with Check Point’s SASE

Check Point’s Secure Access Service Edge (SASE) architecture unifies security functions like Cloud Access Security Broker (CASB), SWG, and ZTNA into a single, cloud-native platform, streamlining management, enforcing consistent security policies and optimizing performance for organizations with distributed workforces and cloud resources.

With Check Point’s SASE solution, remote work can be performed securely without compromising performance. Low-latency access and global PoPs ensure identity-driven security and reduce the risk of unauthorized access. 

Request a demo today to strengthen your network security.