Modern businesses no longer operate inside a single office network. As employees prefer to work from home, they travel often and connect from many devices. Companies also prefer cloud apps like Microsoft 365, Salesforce, and Google Workspace for better accessibility. Traditional security tools were not built for this model. They focus on protecting a central data center and a fixed network perimeter.
This is where Secure Access Service Edge can help companies secure their networks and data.
SASE is a cloud-based framework. It combines networking and security into a single service. But network security alone is not enough. Companies need strong data protection measures like Data Loss Prevention DLP and Data Security Posture Management DSPM because data spreads across cloud platforms and endpoints.
Let's explore the SASE definition and what is SASE in cyber security. We will also explore where SASE strengthens security and where companies need additional data protection controls.
What Is SASE And Why Is It Important?
Gartner introduced SASE in 2019 that shifted how companies protect their network. Companies now store and manage sensitive data in the cloud and Saas applications. So the SASE inspects all the traffic at the cloud edge locations before it reaches applications. It makes access decisions based on user identity, device posture, and company policy, and not just network location.
SASE combines networking and multiple security functions into a single cloud architecture. These functions include:
- Software-defined wide area networking SD-WAN
- Secure Web Gateway SWG
- Cloud Access Security Broker CASB
- Zero Trust Network Access ZTNA
- Firewall-as-a-Service FWaaS
Most companies have to manage these tools separately to keep the system secure. But SASE brings them together in one platform.
Edge devices also make SASE more important. Because many devices now connect to enterprise networks. These include:
- IoT sensors on industrial lines
- Smart health monitoring devices
- Connected cars and appliances
- Web cameras and other smart devices
All these devices can be a potential entry point for cyberattacks. SASE can help to secure these devices and the data they generate. This helps to protect both users and corporate systems.
What Are The Core Components of the SASE Frameworks
The SASE framework combines several network and security services into one cloud platform. Each part has a clear role. Together, they create secure and reliable access.
Software-Defined Wide Area Networking SD-WAN
SD-WAN manages how traffic moves across networks. It chooses the best path for data. This improves speed and reduces delay. It also replaces older and expensive private network links.
Secure Web Gateway SWG
An SWG protects users when they browse the internet. It blocks harmful websites. It filters traffic based on company policy. SWG can also inspect encrypted traffic to make sure there are no threats.
Cloud Access Security Broker CASB
A CASB gives visibility into cloud apps and helps to detect shadow IT. It enforces rules for SaaS usage. It can monitor risky behavior and protect sensitive data shared in cloud platforms.
Zero Trust Network Access ZTNA
ZTNA controls access based on identity. Users only get access to specific apps they are allowed to use. It does not expose the full network. This reduces the attack surface.
Firewall as a Service FWaaS
FWaaS delivers firewall protection from the cloud. It filters traffic and blocks threats. It replaces the need for physical firewalls in each office.
All these components work together to form a unified SASE architecture. This makes management easier. It also improves consistency across locations.
SASE Architecture Explained
SASE architecture is cloud-native. It operates through distributed points of presence that are called PoPs. These PoPs are cloud locations across the globe where SASE inspects and secures the traffic.
Let's understand this with a simple example.
A remote employee tries to access a SaaS application. Instead of connecting through a VPN to a data center. The user connects to the nearest SASE edge location. The system at this location will verify the identity of the user and their device posture. It then applies security policies.
The system grants access if the user and device meet the policy rules. If not, it will block or restrict it. This SASE model provides several benefits. For example, it offers:
- Faster performance for remote users
- Consistent security controls everywhere
- Reduced reliance on on-premise hardware
- Centralized policy management
SASE solutions focus on securing access and inspecting traffic. They can help to control who can connect and what they can reach.
However, SASE mainly sees traffic in motion. It does not always provide deep visibility into data at rest inside cloud storage, SaaS apps, or databases. It may not classify sensitive data across environments.
This is where data security tools become important. DSPM can discover and map sensitive data across cloud platforms. DLP can enforce rules when sensitive data is shared or exposed.
In simple terms, SASE secures the path to applications. Data security tools protect the data itself. Together, they create stronger protection across modern environments.
SASE and Data Security: Where It Helps and Where It Falls Short
SASE enhances the security of data by regulating and monitoring the access of cloud applications by users. It is less concerned with the aspect of securing data in motion and is more concerned with the governance of SaaS usage.
With SASE, by performing an inline check at the cloud edge, unauthorized uploads, downloads, and encryption policies can be blocked in real time. It enhances SaaS data governance with CASB capabilities, which find and block risky sharing, as well as offer visibility of user activity. APIs are used to extend monitoring to stored data in SaaS and stop immediate exfiltration of data with inline controls.
SASE is, however, not a comprehensive data security solution. It does not consistently find sensitive information in IaaS and PaaS environments, nor does it provide context-sensitive classification.
This is where DSPM and DLP complement SASE. DSPM marks and traces sensitive information disclosure, whereas DLP implements finer content-level policies.
SASE restricts application access; however, DSPM identifies and categorizes sensitive data within those applications.
SASE vs. Traditional Network Security
Traditional network security was reliable for older devices and networks. This model relied on hardware firewalls and VPNs. Today, this setup creates problems. It slows performance and increases complexity. It can also create blind spots when users access cloud apps directly.
SASE architecture takes a different approach. It protects access everywhere instead of protecting a single perimeter.
The following table can help you understand the differences between traditional and SASE network security frameworks, with a focus on their impact on data protection.
Benefits of SASE Solutions
SASE solutions have quantifiable benefits to cloud-first and hybrid organizations.
- Less complexity: Integrates both networking and security into one of the cloud-based offerings.
- Better performance: Removes backhauling through edge inspection of traffic.
- Better access control: Strict identity-based, Zero Trust policies.
- Scalable security: Remote users, branch offices, and SaaS expandability.
- Visibility: This ensures that there is uniform policy enforcement in distributed environments.
Challenges And Limitations
SASE cybersecurity is not entirely without limitations.
- Little access to sensitive information in the IaaS and PaaS.
- Simple DLP functionality across numerous platforms.
- Reliance on the maturity of vendor integration.
- Possible complexity in migration off the old infrastructure.
Above all, SASE focuses on access and traffic control rather than on deep data discovery and classification.
Stop Data Leaks Before They Start!
Is your current security setup struggling to keep up with the cloud? Understanding SASE is the first step, but putting it into action requires full visibility into your data.
Cyberhaven can help companies discover, classify, and monitor sensitive data across all cloud apps and services. It can help to prevent:
- Data exfiltration
- Monitor file movement
- Enforce policies in real time.
Pairing SASE with Cyberhaven ensures both secure access and comprehensive data protection.
Request a demo today to secure your data!
FAQs
What is SASE regarding cybersecurity?
SASE (Secure Access Service Edge) is a model-based cloud service that integrates both networking and security features into one cloud service.
Can SASE replace VPNs?
Yes, SASE can replace traditional VPNs by using Zero Trust Network Access ZTNA for secure and identity-based access.
Does SASE replace the use of traditional firewalls?
It eliminates hardware-oriented perimeter security in favor of cloud-enforced security, with FWaaS capabilities.
Does SASE include DLP?
There are SASE products available that only provide basic DLP, whereas sophisticated data protection usually demands dedicated DLP and DSPM tools.
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