What is Secure Access Service Edge (SASE)?

The adoption of cloud services and remote work has transformed how businesses approach security and connectivity. Organizations need solutions that combine robust protection with seamless access. Secure Access Service Edge meets this demand by integrating security and networking into a single, cloud-delivered framework.

This concern is justified, as IBM reports that 82% of data breaches in 2023 involved cloud storage. The rise in cloud-based attacks underscores the importance of comprehensive solutions like SASE, which protect sensitive information while maintaining high performance.

In this blog, we’ll explore what SASE is, its importance for modern businesses, and how it compares to traditional security models, while showcasing how Keepnet’s tools strengthen your organization’s defenses.

What is Secure Access Service Edge?

Secure Access Service Edge, a concept introduced by Gartner in 2019, combines networking technologies like Software-Defined Wide Area Networking (SD-WAN) with advanced security solutions such as Zero Trust Network Access (ZTNA), Secure Web Gateways (SWG), and Cloud Access Security Brokers (CASB). Delivered through the cloud, SASE ensures secure access to data and applications, regardless of location.

By integrating these functionalities, SASE simplifies network management, reduces security risks, and enhances connectivity. It is designed to address the challenges of remote workforces and complex multi-cloud environments.

Also, check out our comprehensive guide on cybersecurity risk management.

Key Features of a SASE Framework

A SASE framework integrates advanced networking and security capabilities into one cloud-native solution:

• Cloud-Native Architecture: Scalable, agile, and designed for cloud environments.
• Zero Trust Network Access (ZTNA): Identity-based access controls to secure resources.
• Secure Web Gateway (SWG): Filters web threats and blocks malicious content.
• Firewall-as-a-Service (FWaaS): Delivers robust threat protection in the cloud.
• Software-Defined Wide Area Networking (SD-WAN): Enhances connectivity with optimized traffic routing.
• AI-Powered Threat Detection: Identifies and mitigates risks in real time.

Why is SASE Important for Modern Businesses?

Traditional security models built around centralized perimeters are ineffective for decentralized workforces and cloud-based systems. SASE overcomes these limitations by delivering secure, direct access to resources while ensuring efficient operations.

Cloud security threats are becoming more prevalent, with 83% of organizations expressing concern about their cloud security in 2024, according to Netgate.

These concerns reflect the vulnerabilities of cloud environments and the urgent need for frameworks like SASE to protect sensitive data and ensure seamless performance.

Enhancing Security in a Distributed Workforce

With employees accessing corporate systems from various locations, the attack surface for cybercriminals has widened. Secure Access Edge Service addresses these risks with real-time monitoring, dynamic access controls, and Zero Trust principles that verify every interaction between users, devices, and systems.

Learn how Security Awareness Training complements SASE by preparing employees to detect and mitigate cyber threats.

How Does SASE Work?

Secure Access Service Edge integrates networking and security into one unified, cloud-based solution. By merging these functions, SASE simplifies operations and enhances both performance and protection.

The Integration of Networking and Security

SASE combines SD-WAN with robust security services such as Firewall-as-a-Service (FWaaS), Secure Web Gateways (SWG), and ZTNA. This integration ensures seamless, secure access to applications and data across distributed environments.

How SASE Delivers Secure and Optimized Connections

Leveraging global edge locations, SASE platform minimizes latency and improves user experience. It uses AI-driven threat detection and real-time analytics to monitor network activity and respond to emerging risks effectively.

Explore how MFA Phishing Simulations can further strengthen your defenses alongside SASE.

What are the Benefits of Implementing SASE?

Adopting Secure Access Service Edge enhances security and performance by integrating Security Service Edge (SSE) for advanced threat protection, Data Loss Prevention (DLP) to safeguard sensitive information, and optimized connectivity for SaaS applications, ensuring seamless access while reducing risk across cloud and hybrid environments. Here are several significant advantages:

Improved Network Performance and Scalability

SASE’s cloud-native design ensures consistent performance and supports seamless scalability. Its SD-WAN capabilities optimize traffic flow, reducing delays and downtime even during peak usage periods.

Enhanced Security with Zero Trust Principles

Zero Trust policies built into SASE verify every user and device interaction, significantly reducing the risk of breaches. This makes SASE particularly effective for securing remote workforces and cloud-based environments.

What are the Key Components of a SASE Architecture?

The SASE framework integrates critical elements to secure networks and optimize performance:

• SD-WAN for efficient traffic management.
• Secure Web Gateways (SWG) to block web-based threats.
• Firewall-as-a-Service (FWaaS) to protect against advanced attacks.
• Zero Trust Network Access (ZTNA) to enforce role-based restrictions.

How Does SASE Compare to Traditional Network Security?

Legacy network security systems designed for centralized networks struggle to protect today’s decentralized environments. Secure Access Edge Service offers a flexible and efficient alternative tailored for cloud-first businesses.

SASE vs. Legacy Security Approaches

Legacy systems require backhauling traffic to centralized data centers, which increases latency and reduces efficiency. In contrast, SASE allows direct, secure access to resources, improving speed and scalability.

Why SASE is the Future of Cybersecurity

As cloud adoption accelerates, the limitations of traditional models become evident. SASE is a forward-looking solution, combining agility, scalability, and comprehensive protection to meet modern challenges.

How to Implement SASE in Your Organization?

Implementing Secure Access Service Edge requires a clear strategy to ensure smooth integration:

• Assess Infrastructure: Identify gaps in your current network and security setup.
• Choose a Vendor: Select a provider with robust, scalable SASE solutions.
• Deploy Gradually: Roll out SASE in phases to minimize disruptions and ease adaptation.

While deploying SASE, pairing it with tools like the Phishing Simulator can enhance your organization's security by addressing human vulnerabilities.

What Industries Benefit Most from SASE?

Industries that handle sensitive data or rely heavily on remote work benefit the most from SASE platform. For example:

• Healthcare: Secures patient data and enables telemedicine.
• Finance: Protects critical financial systems and transactions.
• Retail: Safeguards customer information across distributed locations.

With its ability to adapt to different needs, Secure Access Service Edge is valuable across diverse sectors.

How Keepnet Tools Complement SASE

While SASE secures networks and cloud resources, Keepnet tools provide additional layers of protection to address the human factor, which remains one of the leading causes of cyber incidents. Together, they create a comprehensive defense strategy:

• Phishing Simulator: Train employees to identify phishing attacks, one of the primary causes of data breaches.
• Security Awareness Training: Equip your workforce to detect and respond to a variety of cyber threats effectively.
• Incident Responder: Quickly identify, contain, and neutralize email-based threats to minimize damage.
• Quishing and Vishing Simulators: Prepare your organization for emerging threats like QR code phishing and voice-based scams.

Read our guide to learn top phishing simulators that can complement SASE.

Watch the Youtube video below see How Keepnet Extended Human Risk Management can complement SASE:

Editor’s Note: This article was updated on March 20, 2025