Why SASE Matters for Enterprise Networks

SASE is one of the latest terms in network technology, a solution promising to solve the major network challenges faced by enterprises right now. But what is SASE, and how can it help your business optimise its digital activity?

In this blog, we aim to provide you with a 101 guide to SASE, answering questions such as:

• What is SASE?
• What challenges does SASE claim to help solve, and what are the potential costs of failing to implement a SASE infrastructure?
• What are the benefits of choosing a Managed SASE solution?

So, if you've heard of SASE but are unsure how your enterprise could benefit from adopting it, read on to discover the essentials of this innovative network solution. 

What is SASE?

SASE, pronounced sassy, is the acronym for Secure Access Service Edge. Gartner first described the concept in 2019 in their report, The Future of Network Security in the Cloud, explaining how SASE was the new “thing” after SD-WAN. 

Delivered as a single cloud service, Secure Access Service Edge (SASE) combines cloud-native security with networking functions in a cloud architecture model. Using a single control platform, SASE simplifies the management of network performance and security, not just in the cloud but also activity at the network edge.

As SASE requires little hardware, it offers an agile, scalable network solution in today's fast-evolving world. Crucially, its innovative approach to security enables distributed workforces to have secure, optimised and reliable network access to any applications from wherever they log on, whether that's the central office, branch depot or from home. 

The technology behind SASE

When addressing the question 'What is SASE?', we need to explore the two key technologies it comprises: SD-WAN (software-defined wide area network) and SSE (Security Service Edge).

SD-WAN technology optimises the performance and availability of WANs (wide area networks), enabling an improved user experience.

Meanwhile, SSE is responsible for ensuring a robust level of security by incorporating several key elements, including Secure Web Gateway (SWG), Zero Trust Network Access (ZTNA), Cloud Access Security Brokers (CASB) and Firewall as a Service (FWaaS). 

These technologies deal with threats at the DNS layer to stop them from accessing the application layer closest to the user. With increased protection at the application layer, the chance of malicious attacks, such as data theft or even taking down the network, is reduced. 

Why does SASE matter for Enterprise Networks?

For distributed enterprises, advances in digital technology support incredible flexibility in connectivity. Employees can now access various devices, applications and platforms from wherever needed. From retail employees accessing product data from different branch locations to construction workers preparing plans and orders from temporary sites or technicians surveying utility infrastructure in remote regions, the ability to log on anytime anywhere has delivered immense efficiency benefits.

However, these advances have also increased the opportunities for cyber-attacks. 

In 2022, 38% more attacks were reported compared to the previous year, as cybercriminals exploit these agile working practices. The costs of these attacks to organisations are significant. Analysis reveals that the average cost of a critical infrastructure data breach is $4.82 million!

Security is not the only challenge exasperated by today’s digital flexibility. Traditional, hardware-centric IT architecture is not set up to deal with the high-bandwidth demands of modern cloud-based applications and SaaS or access from multiple locations. 

Using separate stacks to provide this connectivity is inefficient, costly and complex to manage. Furthermore, attempting to access these applications and platforms via these setups creates high latency at the network edge, reducing service quality and hindering productivity and operational efficiencies.

How does SASE address these network challenges?

As SASE puts security at the network edge, it reduces network congestion and improves application performance while ensuring optimum protection. Moreover, with SASE delivered via a single management platform and requiring little hardware, it reduces complexity and supports the flexibility and scalability needed by today's organisations. It's a solution that enterprises cannot afford to overlook.

What are the benefits of Managed SASE?

With SASE designed to simplify network complexity, partnering with a managed service provider for your SASE adoption may seem contradictory. However, another aspect that needs to be understood when addressing ‘What is SASE?’ is that it is not a standard plug-and-play solution. 

There are many SASE vendors and various models on the market, so implementing a SASE solution tailored to your enterprise's unique requires time and expertise. Moreover, adopting SASE is unlikely to be a quick one-stop deployment. Instead, it requires a carefully managed step-by-step process of replacing distinct network capabilities.

A managed SASE provider, such as Hughes Managed SASE, will work with you to implement the best solution for your network needs, taking care of its seamless integration and ensuring that it is future-proofed as your enterprise grows. At Hughes Europe, we have extensive experience in delivering Managed Network Solutions for distributed enterprises. 

With our in-depth expertise in SD-WAN networking and security, we can provide a reliable 24/7 monitoring and management service for your network, something which many in-house IT departments do not have the capacity to offer. 

Partnering with us, you can be confident that your SASE solution will deliver optimal performance and protection for your network, supporting the productivity and security of your operations and the growth of your enterprise.

To learn more about Hughes Managed SASE, please visit our webpage.