Secure access service edge (SASE)

Secure access service edge (SASE) is a cloud-based security model that combines network security functions with wide-area network (WAN) capabilities to support the dynamic secure access needs of organizations. For cloud security engineers, SASE represents a shift in how network security is delivered, moving from traditional perimeter-based approaches to a more flexible, cloud-native model.

SASE architectures typically include a range of security and networking services, such as Secure Web Gateways (SWG), Cloud Access Security Brokers (CASB), Firewall-as-a-Service (FWaaS), and Zero Trust Network Access (ZTNA), integrated with WAN capabilities like SD-WAN. This convergence allows organizations to apply consistent security policies regardless of where users, applications, or devices are located.

In cloud environments, SASE offers several key benefits. It provides a unified approach to securing access to cloud services, reducing complexity and improving visibility across distributed networks. SASE enables organizations to implement zero trust principles more effectively, as security policies can be applied based on the identity of the user, device, and application, rather than network location. The cloud-delivered nature of SASE also means that security services can be scaled and deployed more flexibly to meet changing business needs. For cloud security engineers, implementing SASE can help address challenges such as securing remote workforce access to cloud applications, protecting against cloud-based threats, and maintaining consistent security policies across hybrid and multi-cloud environments. By adopting SASE, organizations can enhance their security posture while improving network performance and reducing the complexity of managing multiple point solutions.