Embracing Secure Access Service Edge (SASE) to Streamline Government Missions
Secure Access Service Edge (SASE) is a cybersecurity concept that was first coined by Gartner in 2019. It represents the convergence of wide-area networking (WAN) and network security services, such as secure web gateways (SWG), cloud access security brokers (CASB), firewall as a service (FWaaS), and zero trust network access (ZTNA), into a single, cloud-delivered service model. The primary goal of SASE is to provide secure and seamless access to resources, regardless of the user's location, device, or application.
The shift towards SASE is driven by the increasing adoption of cloud services, remote work, and the need for scalable, flexible, and efficient security solutions. Traditional network security architectures, which often rely on centralized data centers, are becoming less effective and more cumbersome as organizations embrace digital transformation and distributed workforces.
Our team at Aquia is well-versed in helping federal agencies implement SASE (more on that below), but before we dig in, let’s take a look at a few benefits SASE can provide.
Benefits of SASE
As organizations increasingly move their applications and data to the cloud, the need for a security model that can protect these assets in a dynamic and scalable manner becomes paramount. SASE's cloud-native architecture ensures that security measures can scale with the business and adapt to the changing threat landscape.
Enhanced Security: SASE provides comprehensive security by combining multiple security functions into a single framework. SWGs, CASBs, FWaaS, and ZTNA work together to protect data and users regardless of their location. This holistic approach reduces the attack surface and ensures consistent security policies across the network.
Improved Performance: By converging networking and security services, SASE optimizes data routing and reduces latency. Traffic is directed through the nearest point of presence (PoP) in the SASE network, ensuring faster access to cloud applications and services. This is crucial for maintaining productivity and user satisfaction in a remote work environment.
Increased Scalability and Flexibility: SASE's cloud-native architecture allows enterprises to scale their network and security infrastructure easily. As the number of users and devices grows, SASE can adapt without the need for significant hardware investments. This flexibility is vital for organizations that need to respond quickly to changing business requirements.
Simplified Management: Managing multiple security solutions can be complex and resource-intensive. SASE simplifies this by providing a single management interface for all security and networking functions. This reduces administrative overhead and allows IT teams to focus on strategic initiatives rather than routine maintenance.
Cost Efficiency: Traditional security models often require significant capital expenditure on hardware and software. SASE, delivered as a service, shifts these costs to an operational expenditure model. This pay-as-you-go approach can result in substantial cost savings, particularly for organizations with fluctuating demands.
Zero Trust Implementation: SASE supports the implementation of a zero trust security model, which is essential for protecting modern, dynamic environments. By verifying every access request and continuously monitoring user activity, SASE ensures that only authorized users can access sensitive resources. This is particularly important for preventing breaches and minimizing the impact of insider threats.
Compliance and Governance: Regulatory compliance is a critical concern for many organizations. SASE helps meet compliance requirements by providing detailed visibility and control over network traffic and user activity. This ensures that data handling practices align with industry standards and regulations, reducing the risk of non-compliance penalties.
Future-Proofing: As technology evolves, so do the threats and challenges faced by enterprises. SASE's integrated approach ensures that security measures are always up-to-date with the latest advancements. This future-proofs the network infrastructure, allowing organizations to stay ahead of emerging threats and technological changes.
SASE is a necessary evolution in network architecture. It provides the security, performance, and flexibility needed to support modern business operations effectively. In fact, the Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA) advocates for approaches like SASE that can provide comprehensive, flexible, and scalable security solutions.
Just recently, CISA highlighted the necessity of secure, resilient, and efficient network access solutions in its publication, “Modern Approaches to Network Access Security.” The agency emphasized the role of SASE in achieving these goals by integrating security and networking into a unified framework. CISA's endorsement of SASE principles underscores the growing recognition of the need for modern security architectures that can address the challenges of today's digital landscape.
Best Practices for Implementing SASE
Assess Your Current Network and Security Posture: Before embarking on a SASE journey, it is crucial to understand your existing network architecture and security policies. Conduct a thorough assessment to identify gaps and areas for improvement.
Develop a Comprehensive Strategy: SASE is not a one-size-fits-all solution. Develop a strategy that aligns with your organization's specific needs and objectives. Consider factors such as remote work requirements, cloud adoption, and existing security investments.
Engage Key Stakeholders: Successful SASE implementation requires collaboration between various stakeholders, including IT, security, and business leaders. Ensure that all relevant parties are involved in the planning and decision-making process.
Prioritize User Experience: Security should not come at the expense of user experience. Ensure that your SASE solution can provide seamless and secure access to resources without introducing unnecessary complexity or performance bottlenecks.
Implement Zero Trust Principles: Adopt a zero trust approach by continuously verifying user identity, device health, and contextual factors before granting access to resources. This minimizes the risk of unauthorized access and data breaches.
Monitor and Optimize: SASE is not a set-and-forget solution. Continuously monitor your network and security posture to identify and address potential issues. Leverage analytics and reporting capabilities to gain insights into your security environment and optimize your SASE deployment.
SASE In Practice: The DoD’s Platform One CNAP
Platform One, a United States Air Force initiative, is a prime example of successful SASE implementation through its Cloud Native Access Point (CNAP) — a SASE cloud-based enterprise security framework with a zero trust architecture. CNAP is designed to provide secure, scalable, and efficient access to cloud-native applications and services for Department of Defense (DoD) users from both on and off the non-classified internet protocol router (NIPR).
CNAP leverages SASE principles to ensure device compliance and that all traffic, whether originating from on-premises or remote locations, is securely routed and inspected. This approach provides several key benefits:
Enhanced Security: By integrating various security services such as SWG and FWaaS, CNAP ensures that all traffic is inspected and secured. This reduces the risk of threats and data breaches.
Scalability: CNAP's cloud-native architecture allows it to scale seamlessly with the needs of the DoD. As new applications and services are added, CNAP can adapt to provide the necessary security and performance.
Simplified Management: By consolidating security functions into a single platform, CNAP reduces the complexity and overhead associated with managing multiple security solutions. This allows the DoD to focus on its core mission rather than dealing with security silos.
Through our team’s work on several Platform One task orders (including CNAP), we are helping the government accelerate movement to secure cloud services and advance toward a zero trust architecture.
Conclusion
By converging networking and security services into a single, cloud-delivered platform, SASE offers numerous benefits, including enhanced security, improved performance, simplified management, and scalability. The successful implementation of SASE, as demonstrated by Platform One's CNAP, highlights the potential of this approach to transform network security.
As organizations continue to navigate the complexities of remote work, cloud adoption, and evolving cyber threats, the adoption of SASE principles will become increasingly crucial. Engaging key stakeholders, developing a comprehensive strategy, and prioritizing user experience are essential steps in the journey towards a secure, scalable, and efficient network security framework.
With endorsements from leading cybersecurity agencies like CISA, SASE is poised to become a cornerstone of modern network security, providing organizations with the tools they need to protect their assets in a dynamic and increasingly digital world.
If you would like more information on how you can adopt SASE principles at your organization, contact us.
