Getting Started with SASE

What is SASE?

SASE (Secure Access Service Edge) is a modern, cloud-based security model that enables organisations to provide zero-trust security and networking from the cloud. According to Gartner, SASE is an architecture that converges networking and security into a cloud service that delivers secure access to applications from anywhere, on any device. SASE provides a more comprehensive and integrated approach to security that can meet the demands of modern work models.

Why Do Organisations Need SASE?

The rise of hybrid work models, cloud adoption, and the increasing frequency of cyber-attacks have made network security more challenging than ever. Traditional approaches to security that rely on perimeter-based security controls are not suitable for modern work models where users work from multiple locations and devices, and applications are hosted in different environments. SASE provides a modern, cloud-based security model that enables organisations to provide secure access to all types of applications, whether they are in the cloud or on-premises, from any device, without compromising security.

What Technologies Do We Use to Deliver SASE?

WhiteSpider uses a comprehensive set of technologies that enable organisations to implement a secure and flexible approach to network security. The key Cisco products that facilitate a SASE architecture are SD-WAN, Umbrella, Duo, Identity Services Engine (ISE), Secure Firewall, and Secure Connect. These products work seamlessly together to provide a comprehensive and integrated approach to network security that can meet the demands of modern work models.

SD-WAN: Cisco's SD-WAN (Software-Defined Wide Area Network) is a critical component of its SASE architecture, providing a scalable and secure way to connect users to applications, regardless of location. It enables organisations to use multiple network connections, including broadband, LTE, and MPLS, to optimise application performance and improve the user experience. SD-WAN provides granular visibility and control over network traffic, enabling administrators to prioritise and route traffic based on business policies and application requirements.

Umbrella: Cisco Umbrella is a cloud-delivered security service that provides the first line of defence against cyber threats. It includes DNS and web security that can block malicious activity before it reaches the network. Umbrella provides granular policy control over web traffic, enabling administrators to enforce policies based on user, device, and location.

Duo: Cisco's Duo is an Identity and Access Management (IDAM) solution that provides secure and flexible access to applications. It enables organisations to implement a zero-trust security model that verifies and authenticates users and devices before granting access. Duo provides granular access control and policy enforcement, enabling organisations to enforce policies based on user, device, and location.

Identity Services Engine (ISE): Cisco's ISE is a comprehensive IDAM solution that provides policy-based access control and enforcement across wired, wireless, and VPN connections. It enables organisations to implement a zero-trust security model that verifies and authenticates users and devices before granting access. ISE provides granular access control and policy enforcement, enabling organisations to enforce policies based on user, device, and location.

Secure Firewall: Cisco's Secure Firewall provides a comprehensive set of tools and services to protect the network from cyber threats. It includes advanced threat protection, web filtering, and application control that can block malicious activity and enforce policies. Secure Firewall provides granular policy control over network traffic, enabling administrators to enforce policies based on user, device, and location.

Secure Connect: Cisco+ Secure Connect provides a simple and secure way to connect remote workers to the corporate network. It includes a set of tools and services that enable organisations to build a secure and optimised connection to the network, regardless of where the user is located. Secure Connect can provide a seamless and secure experience for remote workers, improving productivity and reducing the risk of data breaches.

All these products work together to provide a comprehensive and integrated approach to network security. They are designed to be cloud-native and work seamlessly together to provide a flexible and scalable security architecture that can meet the demands of modern work models.

For example, Cisco SD-WAN provides the underlying networking infrastructure for SASE, enabling users to connect to applications regardless of location. Cisco Umbrella provides the first line of defence against cyber threats by blocking malicious activity before it reaches the network, while the Secure Firewall provides a comprehensive set of tools and services to protect the network from cyber threats.

Duo and ISE are used to provide granular access control and policy enforcement, enabling organisations to implement a zero-trust security model that verifies and authenticates users and devices before granting access.

All these technologies are designed to work together seamlessly, providing a comprehensive and integrated approach to network security that can meet the demands of modern work models. Cisco's SASE architecture is designed to be cloud-native and flexible, enabling organisations to implement a more comprehensive and integrated approach to security that can enable them to work from anywhere, anytime, and on any device.

What Are the Challenges of Deploying and Managing SASE?

Delivering SASE can be complex and requires a deep understanding of networking and security technologies. It also requires a robust and integrated set of tools and processes that can manage and monitor the network effectively. SASE requires organisations to rethink their security architecture and adopt a more cloud-based approach that can support modern work models.

We can help you.

WhiteSpider can help you design and implement a secure and scalable SASE architecture that meets your business requirements. Our SASE specialists have deep expertise in networking and security technologies and can help you understand the benefits and challenges of SASE. We can help you adopt a more cloud-based approach to security and provide a comprehensive set of tools and processes that can manage and monitor the network effectively.

Let WhiteSpider Carry Out a SASE Workshop for You

Our SASE design workshop can help you understand the benefits and complexities of SASE, and how Cisco's SASE technologies can help you achieve your security objectives. We can help you design and implement a secure and scalable SASE architecture that meets your business requirements. Contact us today to learn more about our SASE offerings and how we can help you achieve your security objectives.