The new security model: A blueprint for successful SASE deployment

A decade ago, managing network and security architecture was far simpler. Employees worked primarily from corporate offices, and applications resided within on-premises data centers. The security perimeter was well-defined, making traditional security models effective in protecting enterprise assets.

Fast forward to today, and the landscape has changed dramatically. Digital transformation initiatives, cloud adoption and the exponential rise in remote work have diminished the traditional security perimeter. Many enterprise applications have migrated beyond the corporate data center into public and hybrid cloud environments, while users now access critical business applications from virtually anywhere — on various devices and networks. These shifts have introduced new security challenges, requiring organizations to rethink their approach to network security.

The need for a new security model: Enter SASE

To address these evolving security challenges, organizations are turning to Secure Access Service Edge (SASE). SASE is a modern security framework that converges networking and security capabilities into a unified, cloud-delivered service. It seamlessly integrates Wide Area Networking (WAN) and security functionalities to ensure secure, optimized connectivity across distributed environments. 

At its core, SASE consists of two main components:

• The WAN Service Edge (WSE): Ensures secure connectivity between offices and locations.
• The Security Service Edge (SSE): Provides secure access to applications and data, regardless of a user’s location, device, or network.

Key capabilities of a mature SASE platform

A fully developed SASE solution includes a robust set of security and networking capabilities designed to enhance protection, visibility and performance across the enterprise. These include but are not limited to:

• Secure Web Gateway (SWG): Protects users from web-based threats by monitoring and filtering internet traffic.
• Cloud Access Security Broker (CASB): Enforces security policies across cloud applications and services.
• Zero-Trust Network Access (ZTNA): Provides secure, identity-based access to applications based on strict authentication and authorization policies.
• Cloud Firewall (CFW): Extends traditional firewall protection to cloud environments, securing all ports and protocols. 
• Data Loss Prevention (DLP): Provides loss prevention for web traffic.
• Remote Browser Isolation (RBI): Allows secure access to questionable websites.
• Digital Experience Monitoring (DEM): Supplies visibility and analytics to  effectively troubleshoot issues.

By integrating these capabilities into a single cloud-based framework, organizations can protect and manage access to applications and data regardless of user location, device, or network infrastructure. This results in a stronger security posture, optimized operations and an improved remote user experience.

Steps to implement SASE

Since SASE is not a single technology but a framework that integrates multiple security and networking capabilities, organizations typically adopt it in a phased approach rather than deploying all components at once.

As such, a successful SASE implementation requires a standardized adoption strategy that aligns business objectives, security needs and technology priorities. Following is a three-phase roadmap to guide your SASE journey:

1. Prepare and plan

Before adopting SASE, organizations must clearly define their business objectives, security challenges and networking needs. Key steps include:

• Identify Use Cases and Pain Points: Determine the specific challenges SASE aims to address, such as secure remote access, cloud security, or branch connectivity. Align SASE objectives with specific business goals and security requirements.
• Evaluate the Existing Technology Stack: Conduct a thorough assessment of current network, security and application infrastructure. Determine which existing tools align with defined use cases, technical requirements and SASE capabilities as well as identify gaps that need to be filled.
• Prioritize SASE Capabilities: Based on the assessment findings, decide which SASE components — ZTNA, SWG, DLP, etc. — should be implemented first.
• Assess Integration and Compatibility: Ensure seamless interoperability between new SASE components and existing security and network infrastructure to minimize redundancies and security gaps.

With a thorough understanding of your current environment, you will be well-positioned to determine how best to enhance connectivity and security while optimizing costs.

2. Design and implement

Once a clear strategy is defined, the next step is to develop a detailed implementation plan. This includes:

• Define the Architecture: Map SASE components to the organization’s infrastructure, ensuring alignment with cloud and on-premises resources. Additionally, establish clear policies for access control, data protection, and traffic routing based on Zero Trust principles.
• Establish a SASE Roadmap Project Team: A successful SASE deployment requires collaboration between infrastructure/networking, security, cloud support, and other affected business units.
• Select Vendors and Solutions: Based on the existing architecture analysis and maturity roadmap defined in the preparation and planning phase, start identifying potential vendors and solutions. 
• Deploy and Integrate: Establish a structured rollout plan, prioritizing high impact use cases while minimizing disruptions to business operations. The key to implementation success is truly integrating the changes necessary to support the new technology within your organization’s environment.
• Conduct Training: Provide in-depth and frequent technical training to IT, security, operations and business teams to ensure a smooth transition.

3. Optimize and evolve

SASE is not a “set it and forget it” solution. To remain effective, it requires continual optimization. Organizations should:

• Monitor Performance: Continuously assess the impact of SASE on security, network performance and user experience.
• Adapt to Evolving Threats and Business Needs: Regularly update security policies, processes, and capabilities to address evolving cyber threats and business needs.
• Leverage Analytics and AI: Use AI-driven analytics to enhance threat detection, response and overall network performance.
• Evaluate Vendor Enhancements: As vendors introduce new features and deeper integrations, organizations should evaluate how these enhancements can improve their security and network strategy.

While each organization will have unique considerations when adopting SASE, following these three essential steps can help you ensure a successful deployment and enhance your security posture while improving user experience and operational efficiency.