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As hybrid working becomes more common, while threats to user identities and devices increase, a new battlefield has emerged. The lines between the network and security are becoming increasingly blurred. What used to be a security issue is now a network issue and vice versa. Different teams must collaborate more than ever to protect against the next generation of threats. However, very often, they have conflicting priorities. The former has to keep everything up and running, while the latter has to protect the network from attacks. This is where SASE comes in.

What is SASE?

SASE (Secure Access Service Edge) is a new type of architecture that can solve the problem of secure data access for businesses with a remote or distributed workforce. It is gaining popularity because it merges multiple security features, such as firewalls, VPNs and encryption, into one unified platform. This approach makes the protection provided by a centralised network available to remote and cloud users. This cohesiveness makes it more effective in mitigating threats while also giving a level of visibility not previously available. One of the main benefits of SASE is that it offers a consistent security posture across users and devices, regardless of location. It provides a secure connection from employees to the cloud, irrespective of where they are accessing it. With the rise of remote work, it is becoming increasingly essential for businesses to have a solution that safeguards data beyond the head office.

How is it different?

The difference between SASE and traditional approaches is the focus on the cloud. Unlike older models, it does not perform content filtering and malware protection on-premise. The cloud-based nature of these newer solutions makes things much more scalable and easier to deploy. Instead of needing a firewall for every home user and deploying policies to handle their endpoint traffic, businesses can still push traffic policy and visibility to the user without massively spiking their costs. Moreover, the evergreen nature of cloud services means that your SASE services are never out-to-date, and your tech team does not need to wait for a software update or perform maintenance. This change is a huge time saver because it allows employees to focus on more value-adding tasks. It also gives businesses the peace of mind that their digital assets are safe.

Why here, why now?

This model has recently gained traction as more businesses move to the cloud. The pandemic also accelerated this trend as companies shifted to remote work. Even though many saw it as a temporary blip, many offices kept working hybrid even after all lockdowns were lifted. The pandemic has forced a “new normal”, which has forced everyone to start revisiting their security posture and consider SASE a more comprehensive solution. Since it gives a secure way to access data from anywhere, it is the ideal tool to cater for people working from home.

What can I do?

Want to learn more about SASE? Contact our team for more information or attend The Future Proofed Network event at The Xara Lodge on October 11th from 9:00 to 13:00.

Join the ICT team, in collaboration with Fortinet, for a morning of learning about networking and remote user security. Hear about how markets have changed, the impact of global trends on the Maltese market, and what’s next for the future of network security.

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