Secure Access Service Edge (SASE)
What Is SASE?
Secure Access Service Edge (SASE) is a cloud delivered architecture that converges networking and security into a single service model. It provides a unified framework for enforcing policies, connecting users, and securing data across distributed environments.
SASE integrates SD WAN, secure web gateways, cloud firewalling, Zero Trust Network Access (ZTNA), Cloud Access Security Broker (CASB) functions, and DNS security under one policy fabric. These capabilities operate from cloud points of presence rather than traditional perimeter appliances.
At its core, SASE delivers identity based, context aware access to applications and data from any location. User identity, device posture, application type, and risk levels inform every access decision.
This model supports cloud transformation and distributed workforces by moving security controls to the cloud edge where users and applications reside, reducing latency and simplifying operations.
Overview
SASE emerged as organizations modernized their infrastructure, adopted SaaS, and expanded remote and hybrid work. Traditional perimeter based tools could not consistently secure users and data spread across branch offices, home networks, and cloud platforms.
SASE replaces appliance driven inspection with cloud delivered routing, security checks, and policy enforcement. Traffic is directed to the nearest cloud edge, where it is inspected and then routed to its destination. This approach provides consistent controls regardless of user location or network path.
In practice, SASE standardizes how access is determined, how threats are blocked, and how traffic is monitored across devices, identities, and environments. It allows teams to operate from a central policy engine rather than managing isolated point solutions.
Why Organizations Adopt SASE
Organizations adopt SASE in response to shifts in how users access applications and how networks are built. Several trends highlight the limitations of traditional perimeter based models and make a cloud delivered architecture more practical.
- Environments becoming more distributed through remote and hybrid work.
- Increased reliance on cloud infrastructure and SaaS applications.
- Need for identity centric access controls that adapt to user and device context.
- Fragmented security stacks introducing operational gaps and management overhead.
- Performance limitations and scalability issues of traditional VPN architectures.
- Desire for a unified framework that consolidates networking and security functions.
What SASE Enables
Implementing a SASE architecture allows organizations to enforce policies consistently and inspect traffic closer to where users and applications operate. These capabilities support both security and operational goals.
- Consistent security enforcement across users connecting from remote, branch, or cloud environments.
- Improved performance through cloud edge inspection and optimized traffic routing.
- Reduced dependence on hardware appliances and on-premise perimeter tools.
- Stronger implementation of least privilege access and identity driven policies.
- Centralized management for security and networking teams.
- Greater visibility into user activity, application access, and emerging risks.
Compare SASE vs SSE
| Concept | Scope | Components | Use Case |
| SASE | Networking plus security | SD WAN + cloud security stack | Network modernization with unified security |
| SSE | Security only | SWG, CASB, ZTNA | Security modernization without WAN change |
SASE includes both networking and security capabilities, while SSE focuses solely on the cloud based security components. Organizations that want to modernize security without modifying their WAN infrastructure often begin with SSE. Those looking for a full network and security transformation typically pursue SASE.
Learn more about DNS Protection’s Role in SSE and SASE
Examples and Use Cases of SASE
Real World Examples
- A global workforce accessing cloud applications with consistent security policies across countries and devices.
- Multi location retailers replacing hardware appliances with SD WAN and cloud gateways to streamline branch connectivity.
- Universities implementing identity based access controls for faculty, staff, and students.
- Manufacturing plants protecting distributed operational sites with centrally managed policies.
- Organizations using cloud delivered inspection to protect remote employees without relying on VPN tunnels.
Who Might Need SASE
- Enterprises modernizing legacy networks.
- Organizations adopting zero trust strategies.
- Distributed or hybrid workforces requiring uniform security controls.
- MSPs supporting customers across multiple locations.
- Businesses consolidating overlapping or redundant point solutions.
Related Terms
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