5 key aspects of a secure access service edge (SASE) architecture

A global pandemic, and all the ensuing changes it’s brought to our daily lives, have led us to rethink everything we thought we knew about work. When we do it, where we do it, how we do it – we're revisiting everything. As remote and hybrid arrangements have become the norm over the last two years, we’re making wholesale changes to every aspect of our work lives.

It’s important to note that those changes most definitely include our plans for security fortification.

According to HealthTech Magazine, one of the key trends to watch in the years ahead will be the rise of secure access service edge (SASE) technology. The reason for this development is clear – organizations have a need to balance access with security. With so many people looking to access and share data from different endpoints, they need a seamless way of doing so remotely, but they also don’t want to expose the organization to a potential data breach. SASE represents a compromise. It allows users to quickly access important files while also not exposing those files to outsiders.

What’s interesting about SASE is that it throws out the old paradigm. In the old days, users’ access to data depended on their location; now, it’s about identity. A good SASE infrastructure is one that verifies every user’s identity and allows them to access data if and only if they have authorization to do so. It’s simple, yet effective, which is why Gartner predicts that 40% of all organizations will have an explicit SASE strategy by 2024.

Let’s take a look at a few key aspects of an effective SASE strategy:

Identity management

It all begins with knowing who your users are. If you have mechanisms in place such as multi-factor authentication for each user, your organization will have a far easier time handling identity and access management. That’s the idea at the core of any SASE infrastructure.

Firewalls and VPNs

These key security measures help manage secure network access. Firewalls enforce restrictions on the perimeter of your network, keeping unwanted intruders out, while VPNs offer legitimate users a secure data transport they can use to reach corporate networks safely.

Intrusion prevention

With a good intrusion prevention system, your IT team will immediately know when your network is under attack. All they need to do is monitor network activity and look out for abnormalities, and they can respond quickly whenever a potentially malicious connection attempt crops up.

Secure web gateways

With a secure web gateway solution, every user will be assured of a smooth experience accessing data and getting work done. Malicious sites will be blocked, content-based security policies will be enforced, and people can focus on simply working productively.

Endpoint security measures

Today’s employees are working from a wide range of endpoints – including desktops, laptops, mobile devices, and more. With strong endpoint security tools, your organization can make sure everyone has equally secure access, no matter where they are or what sort of device they’re using.

At Zones, we are happy to assist your organization as you go about building a SASE-ready IT architecture. We have always made Security Fortification a key area of focus with our clients, and that’s doubly true now, as security challenges become more complex during this era of hybrid work. So if you’re looking to prepare your IT for the future of security, reach out. Connect with us. We’d be happy to guide you along in your security evolution.

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