The surge in remote working and the reliance on cloud-based services have exposed VPN limitations, such as latency and performance bottlenecks.
Enter Secure Access Service Edge (SASE), a modern solution integrating security and networking services in a cloud-based model.
Unlike VPNs, which rely on on-premise hardware, SASE utilizes distributed points of presence (POPs) to offer faster, scalable, and more efficient access to applications and data.
By combining technologies like Secure Web Gateway, CASB, ZTNA, and SD-WAN, SASE addresses the complexities of today’s network environments, making it a compelling choice for organizations looking to enhance remote work security.
The Limitations of Traditional VPNs
VPNs were once the go-to solution for securing remote access to private networks. By creating an encrypted tunnel between the user’s device and the corporate network, VPNs ensured that data transmitted over the internet remained private and secure. However, as organizations have become more reliant on Software as a Service (SaaS) and cloud-based applications, the traditional VPN model has shown significant weaknesses.
Modern enterprises typically use an average of 1,000 SaaS applications, which are highly distributed and accessed directly by users from various locations. This setup introduces higher latency, longer round-trip times, and performance bottlenecks when backhauling user traffic through a central VPN server. Moreover, maintaining and scaling VPN infrastructure to keep up with the demand can be both expensive and time-consuming.
Understanding SASE: A Comprehensive Solution
Secure Access Service Edge (SASE) represents a paradigm shift in network security. Unlike VPNs, which are standalone tools, SASE integrates multiple security and networking services into a single, cloud-based solution. Key components of SASE include:
- Secure Web Gateway (SWG): Provides URL filtering, malicious-code detection, and application identification and control.
- Cloud Access Security Broker (CASB): Offers granular access control and security for SaaS applications.
- Zero Trust Network Access (ZTNA): Connects users securely to private resources in a corporate network or data center.
- Software-Defined Wide Area Network (SD-WAN): Connects corporate locations to public or private WAN providers, making intelligent steering decisions.
SASE vendors, such as zScaler and Netskope, partner with tier 1 backbone providers like AT&T and Verizon, offering a global presence with distributed points of presence (POPs). This ensures that users connect to the nearest POP, reducing latency and improving performance by routing traffic efficiently.
SASE vs. VPN: Key Differences
While both VPNs and SASE aim to secure remote access, they differ significantly in their approach and capabilities:
1 Integration and Scalability:
- VPNs require on-premise hardware and can struggle to scale efficiently with increased remote work demands.
- SASE, being cloud-based, offers scalable solutions without the need for additional on-site equipment.
2 Performance:
- VPNs can introduce latency and performance bottlenecks, especially when dealing with large numbers of remote workers.
- SASE reduces latency by pushing data to the network edge, providing quicker access for remote employees.
3 Complexity and Management:
- VPNs can be complex to manage, particularly for organizations with distributed workforces and extensive SaaS usage.
- SASE simplifies network management by integrating multiple security services into a single platform, reducing the need for multiple endpoint solutions.
4 Security:
- VPNs secure data by encrypting traffic within a private network but may fall short in environments with heavy remote work.
- SASE offers a more robust security framework, incorporating zero-trust principles and advanced threat detection capabilities.
The Role of SSE (Security Service Edge)
For organizations that do not require the integrated networking components of SASE, Security Service Edge (SSE) provides an alternative. SSE includes the security elements of SASE (SWG, CASB, ZTNA) without SD-WAN. This allows organizations to adopt a “best of breed” approach, selecting their preferred security vendors and integrating them as needed.
Making the Right Choice
The decision between VPN and SASE depends on an organization’s specific needs:
- VPNs remain a viable option for businesses with straightforward network requirements and minimal remote work.
- SASE is ideal for organizations needing a comprehensive, scalable solution that can handle the complexities of modern network environments and extensive remote work.
In a post-COVID world, where hybrid and remote work models are becoming the norm, investing in a solution like SASE can offer enhanced security, improved performance, and greater flexibility. Evaluating your organization’s specific requirements will be crucial in determining the best approach to securing your remote workforce.
