Protecting your organization’s data can feel like defending a fortress with walls that are constantly shifting. The old network perimeter is disappearing, almost by the hour, as remote work becomes a new standard and cloud services continue to expand. This is a brave new world that will require a more intelligent approach to security. This is where two major frameworks, Zero Trust and Secure Access Service Edge (SASE), come into the picture. In this new world, a security virtual appliance is necessary to provide agility and scalability for security.
Both Zero Trust and SASE are important for cybersecurity in the modern era, but they’re not the same. Knowing which ones are different and, more importantly, how those differences work together to contribute to your stack is key to building a security infrastructure that’s prepared for the challenges of today. Let’s dissect these acronyms and find out why they might help shore up your defences.
What is Zero Trust?
Zero Trust is a security-based philosophy that revolves around the principle of “never trust, always verify.” It ditches the old “castle-and-moat” model, where anything inside your network perimeter was considered trusted by default. Zero Trust, however, acknowledges that those dangers may be found inside or outside the network.
According to this model, all users and hardware must authenticate for an application or the data behind it to be accessed. This validation is not a one-time event, but a continuous evaluation that constantly monitors for secure configurations and potential risks. Compare it to, say, a high-security building in which you have to present your ID at every door, not just the front entrance.
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What is SASE?
SASE, coined by Gartner, is an expanded architectural model that consolidates network and security services into a single, cloud-based delivery model. It is designed to provide users with fast and secure cloud access, wherever they may be.
A SASE architecture leverages a number of critical technologies, such as:
- Zero Trust Network Access (ZTNA): This is the bit that manages Zero Trust-based secure access.
- CASB (Cloud Access Security Broker): Protects cloud data and apps.
- SWG (Secure Web Gateway): Protects users from threats on the web.
- Firewall as a Service (FWaaS): Offers firewall security from the cloud.
- Software-Defined Wide Area Networking (SD-WAN): Improves network performance.
By combining these capabilities, SASE provides uniform security and a significantly improved end-user experience for a distributed workforce.
Zero Trust and SASE: Key Differences
And, although SASE is based on Zero Trust, there’s a lot of confusion that if you deploy SASE, you get Zero Trust. They are different, but related.
| Feature | Zero Trust | SASE |
| Scope | A security philosophy focused on granular access control and continuous verification. | A comprehensive architectural framework that integrates networking and multiple security services. |
| Focus | “Who” is accessing resources? It’s all about verifying identity and device posture. | “How” secure access is delivered. It provides the infrastructure to enforce security policies. |
| Function | Provides the strict rules of engagement for network access. | Delivers the platform and tools (like FWaaS and SWG) needed to apply those rules efficiently. |
Zero Trust, in short, is the strategy, while SASE is a delivery vehicle for it. A product such as Cisco Firepower Threat Defence may be an important part of a SASE model, while enforcing the granular policies enforced by a Zero Trust approach.
The Power of Integration
The authentic secret sauce is when you meld Zero Trust with SASE. By combining these two approaches, a strong yet efficient security posture is developed. SASE gives you the highway, and Zero Trust is how you deliver traffic rules onto that highway.
Here are the advantages of uniting them:
- Tighter Security: When you combine Zero Trust’s granular access controls with a SASE architecture, you build an all-around security model that secures your organization from the edge right through to the core. This minimises the potential for attackers to gain access and move laterally within the environment.
- Simplified Complexity: SASE eliminates the need to cobble together disparate security and networking products. This streamlines policy management and enables consistent enforcement.
- Better Efficiency: SASE is also better for network traffic, decreasing the latency for off-premises users. This holds particularly when employees can work securely and directly access from Zero Trust the things they need to do their jobs productively.
Building Your Modern Security Strategy
Zero Trust and SASE adoption is a journey, not a destination. It requires a reframing of philosophy and a tactical approach to execution. Begin by determining what your most important assets are and apply Zero Trust at the asset level. From there, you can begin to construct a SASE framework that works for your business.
When you realize that Zero Trust is the guiding philosophy and SASE serves up the architectural blueprint, you can then build a security stack ready to play in the mud of today’s workplace. This holistic strategy keeps your business safe, nimble and viable.
