Learn more about the advantages and disadvantages of SASE (Secure Access Service Edge) and how companies can deal with the limitations of the technology

As CIO or Head of ICT Infrastructure, you will face the challenges of modern, digital business models such as remote work and cloud migration. The way we work (together) and how we build and protect our IT infrastructure is undergoing a radical change. Traditional, network-based security solutions such as firewalls or remote access gateways are reaching their limits.

One way to cope with these new demands on IT is SASE (Secure Access Service Edge). In this post, we will break down SASE and explain its benefits and limitations so you can decide if it is the right solution for your business.

SASE: a modern and agile security architecture

SASE is a security architecture developed by Gartner and designed specifically for the needs of the cloud era. It is a comprehensive platform that – unlike traditional models – combines security and network functions and is available anywhere, anytime. It offers a far-reaching security model based on zero-trust principles, combining various technologies such as next-generation firewalls, secure web gateways, cloud access security brokers, virtual private networks (VPNs) in one platform and integrating identity and access management (IAM).

Advantages of SASE

  • Simplified architecture and cost efficiency

    All security and network functions are integrated on a single platform. This leads to a simpler architecture and reduces costs.

  • Improved safety

    SASE allows the implementation of a centralised zero-trust approach, where all users and devices must be authenticated before they can access the network. The service provides a comprehensive and centralised security solution that monitors and protects all network connections and data flows.

  • Performance

    SASE intelligently prioritises and routes traffic to optimise network and application performance.

  • Flexibility

    Cloud availability allows seamless integration with cloud applications and services. This allows companies to quickly adapt to changing business needs.

Limits of SASE

  • Data protection

    As SASE platforms monitor all data flows and network connections, privacy concerns may arise. It is important to ensure that user privacy is maintained.

  • Security threats

    While SASE can provide comprehensive protection against known threats, the service cannot defend against certain attack vectors. Companies should therefore make sure that they also take other security measures to protect themselves against these types of threats.

  • Dependence on the cloud

    SASE is run in the cloud, which means that companies are dependent on the availability and reliability of cloud services.

  • Connection Point

    What is often not mentioned directly is the need for a connection point, either through software, on the user’s end device or other hardware at the company site, to establish access to the cloud. This requirement is either hidden or downplayed by almost all SASE providers, but it is an essential component for the reliable functioning of the overall service.

The solution : Axians Secure Access Service

During the development of an effective SASE implementation concept, we at Axians became particularly aware of the last point “Connection Point“. This is indispensable and, in the case of a site connection in the form of a “box” at the respective company sites, serves all applications in the cloud or in the data centre. The Axians SAS provides this “box” as an important part of the service and also allows companies to break away from cloud dependency. This is how our Secure Access Service was created, which comes with an on-premise component and brings various benefits.

Learn more about our Axians Secure Access Service in Part 2: SASE without "E"?