Cloud-native SASE architecture with integrated CASB and firewall capabilities

As per recent studies, 94% of the business are leveraging cloud services, and this number is growing significantly. However, due to this rapid shift, a critical gap has been left in traditional security solutions.

Cloud-Native Secure Access Service Edge (SASE) came up as a game changer here. It offers a unified approach that is especially designed for the cloud era. A report published by Gartner predicts that by 2025, more than 50% of businesses will definitely adopt a SASE architecture.

This integrated platform includes Cloud Access Security Broker (CASB) functionality for managing and securing access to cloud apps and built-in firewall features to enforce network security standards. This eliminates the need for advanced on-premises deployments while simplifying security administration in a cloud-centric environment. CASB provides safe access to cloud applications, whereas FWaaS enforces network restrictions. This integrated strategy provides secure access to today's scattered workforce.

In this blog, we will discuss Cloud-Native SASE, its critical components, the Role of CASB (Cloud Access Security Broker) in SASE, the Integration of CASB into SASE Architecture, and Firewall Capabilities in Cloud-native SASE. We will also explore the benefits of this innovative approach and its potential to empower your organisation. 

Introduction to cloud-native SASE architecture

A SASE (secure access service edge) architecture combines networking and security as a service capability to produce a single network-delivered service at the network edge. This connection allows a company to automatically handle remote and hybrid customers by connecting them to nearby cloud gateways instead of backhauling traffic to corporate data centres. It also assures consistent, secure access to all apps while providing total visibility and inspection of traffic across all ports, including protocols. 

The paradigm substantially simplifies management and reduces complexity, two of SASE's key objectives. It converts the perimeter into a standardised set of cloud-based characteristics that can be deployed as needed. This is a more efficient option than erecting a perimeter around the data centre with a patchwork of disparate, point-product security devices.

Although cloud-based, the secure access service edge enables a more dynamic and high-performance network that responds to changing business requirements, an expanding threat landscape, and new technologies that will shape your network's future.

Critical components of cloud-native SASE

The critical components of cloud-native SASE architecture are mentioned below:-

• Integrated security services (SASE): SASE is a network security service that combines SD-WAN with security components such as firewalls and secure web gateways. This connection makes it easy for businesses to provide safe access from any device, anywhere, by implementing a single approach to network security. The global Secure Access Service Edge (SASE) market is predicted to increase from USD 1.9 billion in 2023 to USD 5.9 billion by 2028 at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 25.0% over the forecast period. SASE streamlines network security by incorporating these services directly into the cloud-based SD-WAN architecture. It guarantees companies a safe, scalable, and simple network infrastructure.

• User and device security: Secure Access Service Edge secures users and devices by applying policies depending on their properties. Only permitted users using specified devices have access to specific programs or data. As a result, it improves security measures and makes the network accessible to various devices.

• Analysing and evaluating user activity: Every company needs to track and analyse user behaviour. It assists in identifying potential dangers and provides real-time insights into user behaviour. Monitoring user behaviour allows organisations to maintain a secure operating environment and respond proactively to security concerns.

Role of CASB (Cloud Access Security Broker) in SASE

Secure Access Service Edge (SASE) is a cybersecurity platform that combines networking and security services into a single cloud-based service model. The Cloud Access Security Broker (CASB) is an essential component of SASE, acting as a middleman between cloud service consumers and providers to ensure secure cloud usage.

• Improving visibility and control: CASBs enable extensive visibility into an organisation's use of cloud services. They track user activities, identify anomalous behaviour, and enforce security standards. This insight enables organisations to understand better how data is accessed and shared in the cloud, allowing them to gain control over sensitive information.

• Access control and identity security: CASBs must also manage access to cloud resources. They apply access controls based on user identification, role, and context, ensuring that only authorised users can access sensitive data and applications. CASBs offer multi-factor authentication (MFA) and single sign-on (SSO), which improve identity security and lower the risk of unauthorised access.

• Supporting secure remote work: With the rise of remote work, CASBs are essential in ensuring secure access to cloud applications from any location. They provide remote users with company security policies and safe access to cloud resources. This capacity is critical to ensuring productivity and security in a distributed workforce.

Integration of CASB into SASE architecture

SASE is a cloud infrastructure solution that may be linked with CASB to provide cloud-wide security. SASE serves as a one-stop shop for network infrastructure and security, making it a popular choice among organisations worldwide. To settle the CASB vs SASE issues, SASE bundles currently incorporate CASB cyber security solutions. Companies searching for a more robust solution should pick SASE over CASB.

Moreover, Tata Communications' Managed SASE Solutions leverage this integration to provide enhanced visibility across cloud and on-premises applications, consistent policy enforcement, and improved threat detection.

Firewall capabilities in cloud-native SASE

Cloud-native Secure Access Service Edge (SASE) is gaining traction in the network security environment because of its holistic approach that combines networking and security tasks. One of SASE's significant components is its firewall capabilities, which are intended to meet the security requirements of cloud-based settings.

• Scalability and flexibility: The two important advantages of cloud-native SASE firewalls are scalability and flexibility. Unlike traditional hardware-based firewalls, cloud-native solutions can dynamically scale to meet changing traffic volumes, making them perfect for modern, distributed networks. This elasticity ensures that security measures are consistently applied, regardless of the amount of data or the number of users. Tata Communication’s cloud-native SASE network architecture integrates CASB and firewall capabilities, offering seamless, secure access to cloud resources. 

• Zero Trust Network Access (ZTNA): Cloud-native SASE firewalls use Zero Trust Network Access principles to ensure no user or device is trusted by default. Tight security regulations thoroughly vet, authenticate, and authorise every access request, minimising the risk of unauthorised access and data breaches. According to the International Data Corporation (IDC), more than 54% of large firms in India aim to utilise SD-Branch and ZTNA as part of their SASE adoption effort.

Benefits of integrated CASB and firewall in SASE

Integrating Cloud Access Security Broker (CASB) and firewall capabilities within a Secure Access Service Edge (SASE) framework provides numerous significant benefits:

• Unified security policies: Integration ensures that security policies apply consistently across all access points, whether on-premises or in the cloud. This decreases the likelihood of policy gaps and makes management easier.

• Simplified management: A unified platform simplifies the management of numerous security solutions. Administrators may manage setups, monitoring, and incident response through a single interface.

• Cost efficiency: Reducing the requirement for various standalone solutions minimises the expenses associated with purchasing, maintaining, and managing diverse systems. It also eases the operational burden on IT personnel.

• Improved user experience: Users benefit from improved network performance as security measures are implemented closer to the data source and destination. This lowers latency and improves the overall user experience, particularly for remote and mobile users.

Conclusion

Cloud-native SASE network architecture, incorporating integrated CASB and firewall capabilities, provides a comprehensive security solution for modern enterprises. This approach combines network security and wide-area networking into a single cloud-based service, offering robust threat prevention while maintaining seamless resource accessibility.

Tata Communications' Managed SASE Solutions embody this integrated approach, offering a unified platform that simplifies security management while improving agility, scalability, and overall security posture. This is particularly crucial in today's dynamic and distributed business environments, where traditional perimeter-based security falls short.