In today’s evolving digital landscape, businesses are finding a reliable ally in Secure Access Service Edge (SASE) to safeguard their networks and endpoints. Imagine it as a musical conductor, skillfully bringing together different players in a complex orchestra of networking and security.
Just like a maestro ensures a harmonious symphony, SASE guarantees secure and seamless access to applications – regardless of your location or the device you are using. In this article, we explore how SASE can benefit your business and enhance the security of your data and network in a hybrid environment.
Factors For A Successful SASE Implementation
SASE revolutionizes security by seamlessly integrating networking and security functions into a unified, cloud-native solution. This innovative approach enhances user experience and efficiency with a secure access framework that spans across the data center, remote offices, and roaming users.
In contrast to traditional methods, SASE adapts to the dynamic and hyper-distributed nature of today’s hybrid environments. To make SASE work well for your business, it’s important to think about these aspects:
- Simplify And Streamline: Managing security and networking in a fragmented landscape is challenging. A unified approach is essential for simplifying complex networks and security. It’s important for organizations to combine various network ecosystems and security solutions for better visibility, policy control, and overall protection across all networks.
- Enable Hybrid Work Success: In the age of hybrid work and multi-device usage, networking teams need to ensure reliable connectivity to any cloud. This helps address network performance problems caused by increasing internet traffic and changing traffic patterns.
- Optimize Operational Costs: Reducing costs is a big concern when it comes to secure connectivity in complex IT setups. SASE tackles this issue by using SD-WAN and smart traffic modeling for enhanced security and cost-efficiency across public, private, and hybrid clouds. Moreover, there are several options available, such as:
- Service-based solutions (SaaS) which ensure quick setup with minimal disruption.
- Hybrid or co-managed models which offer customization and visibility.
- Collaborating Between Networking And Security Teams: SASE encourages collaboration between networking and security teams. This collaboration cuts costs, streamlines operations, and makes security a top priority.
Investing In A Comprehensive SASE Solution
Having identified the elements of successful SASE implementation, the next step is determining the specific provider for the service.
Investing in a SASE solution is crucial for ensuring optimal and secure connections in today’s dynamic digital landscape. Cisco SASE stands out as a top choice due to its innovative features and commitment to address evolving cyber risks. Here’s why Cisco’s SASE is worth considering:
- Optimal Cloud Connectivity: Cisco SASE ensures secure connections for users and devices to all cloud environments. It effectively identifies and resolves challenges present in traditional setups. Additionally, it provides a uniform security approach irrespective of user locations.
- Versatile Deployment Models: Recognized by Gartner for SD-WAN and WAN Edge Infrastructure, Cisco SASE offers various deployment models tailored to diverse organizational requirements. This set-up guarantees a smooth and user-friendly experience across various use cases.
- Zero Trust Security Model: This solution implements a zero trust security model to fill security gaps, drastically boosting the effectiveness of addressing evolving cyber risks.
- Simplified Threat Detection And Integration: Cisco has seamlessly incorporated SASE functionalities into Meraki, Cisco ISR routers, and third-party routers. The integration extends to Cisco SecureX, a cloud-based security orchestration tool designed to unify security infrastructures into cohesive ecosystems. Featuring approximately 350 pre-configured APIs for seamless integration with third-party systems, SecureX is bundled with every Cisco security product and requires no extra licensing. Users gain access to telemetry data and threat information within 15 minutes which reduces reliance on additional Professional Services. This results in significant time and cost savings.
- Hybrid Work Environment Capability: Cisco SASE streamlines management challenges by efficiently enabling visibility of multiple remote users, devices, and data.
- Adaptability And Scalability: Cisco's SASE solutions are built on open standards and boast robust API support. This framework empowers organizations to fulfill their current secure connectivity requirements while maintaining flexibility.
Cisco’s SASE solution represents more than a current solution; it embodies a strategic transformation. By offering a comprehensive approach, it empowers businesses to proactively prepare for evolving security and networking needs.
Final Thoughts
Cisco stands at the forefront of SASE technology. In partnership with a broad network of collaborators, our service empowers you to customize deployment models, offering robust networking solutions, advanced security features, and enhanced internet observability capabilities.
To learn more about Cisco’s advanced SASE solutions, contact WEI today.
Next steps: Discover more about how your business can implement a meaningful SASE strategy by downloading our tech brief, The First 5 Things You Should Know About SASE.