Are you in the market for a new secure access service edge? You’re not alone! A quick Google search will show you that many providers Selling SASE. But what do you get when you buy one? And is it worth it to purchase a secure access service edge?
This blog post will break down what you can expect from a secure access service edge and help you decide if it’s the right investment for your business. Stay tuned!
Who’s Selling SASE and What Do You Get?
The first thing we need to do is figure out the group of abilities that make up SASE.
SD-WAN
Remote sites use SD-WAN technology, making it easier for all types of WAN traffic to be gathered, secured, and optimized simultaneously. SD-WAN was first sold as a way to cut down on the cost of expensive MPLS lines. It has become a must for branch office workers who need to use Web-based productivity apps.
For example, the hardware firewall is replaced by software that can be used in the cloud and is easier to set up and manage than the hardware firewall. FWaaS usually comes with IPS/IDS and anti-malware.
SWG
SWG helps keep malicious traffic from getting through as a content filter, but it also helps enforce content and data policies. It can filter URLs, look at SSL certificates, and watch DNS.
CASB
Cloud access security brokers monitor both outbound and incoming traffic for security and policy violations. CASBs also give you information about SaaS applications.
ZTNA
Zero Trust is another term that comes from an analyst (John Kindervag). It’s more of a way to do things than a specific product. A concept called Zero Trust says that all users and devices, no matter where they are, should be considered untrustworthy by default.
A concept called Zero Trust says that all users and devices, no matter where they are, should be considered untrustworthy by default. Multi-factor authentication, granular access control, and network segmentation are ways Zero Trust can be implemented.
These are the main things SASE can do. But there are also secondary features that could be important when making a purchasing decision. These include performing SASE functionality at line rate, remote browser isolation, network sandboxing, support for unmanaged devices, and Web application and API protection, among other things.
It might also come with Wi-Fi hot-spot protection or support for older VPNs, depending on the customer’s needs.
Who’s Selling SASE?
Companies that offer SASE keep adding to the list. Here are the main types of SASE companies.
Networking vendors
There are a lot of companies like Cisco, Extreme, VMware, and more that are on the SASE bandwagon. These companies have made strategic acquisitions and are trying to put together a full SASE portfolio, either on their own or with the help of other companies.
In August, Extreme bought Ipanema Technologies, an SD-WAN and SASE company. Cisco is trying to combine several acquisitions under the umbrella of its Umbrella SASE.Itincludes such as Viptela (SD-WAN), Meraki (SD-WAN), and Duo Security (Zero Trust, multi-factor authentication.)
When VMware bought VeloCloud SD-WAN, it also bought NSX, network virtualization and a security platform. Now, they’re combining them. Besides, it is also working with Menlo Security and Zscaler to add more to its SASE service.
Traditional Security Vendors
SASE offerings are being put together by security companies like Palo Alto, McAfee, Forcepoint, Barracuda and Fortinet, both through internal development and by buying other companies that make them.
CloudGenix, Fortinet, Barracuda, McAfee, and Forcepoint are some companies that Palo Alto, Fortinet, Barracuda, McAfee, and Forcepoint have all bought.
Cloud-native security vendors
They have set up their global clouds and are building out cloud-native SASE capabilities. Cato Networks, Netskope, Versa, and Zscaler are on that list.
Like the security companies that have been around for a long time, these newcomers are working hard to add new SASE capabilities to their portfolios, either independently or through partnerships.
People like Cato just said they got $200 million in new money, which will help them make their CASB service even better.