5 core SASE components

Simplifying network security with SASE components

IT ecosystems are rapidly evolving away from the traditional network. In the past, IT teams were concerned with securing data and applications in an on-premises data center and protecting employees who worked inside the office. Today, teams must protect assets and people that may reside anywhere in the world. A secure access service edge (SASE) model for network architecture enables IT teams to accomplish this task more effectively and with less effort.

A SASE network combines networking and security services in a decentralized cloud-based platform that makes it easy to provide secure access for any user and any device at any location. Combining wide area networking (WAN) and key security technologies, the SASE model shifts security functions from a central data center to the edge, improving protection for every digital asset while enhancing network performance.

For IT teams that want to implement SASE security quickly and easily, Spectrum Enterprise provides a solution that augments the 5 core SASE components with options for managed services, flexible deployment and additional technologies to simplify management of the modern network.

The 5 core SASE components

The SASE model is a convergence of networking capabilities and security services that protect against advanced threats, prevent data breaches, promote secure access and enable uniform management of security policies. While there is no standard definition of a SASE implementation, there are 5 core SASE components that are part of nearly every deployment.

• Software-defined wide area networking (SD-WAN) enables teams to connect highly distributed users and devices with greater flexibility and lower cost. SD-WAN technology improves application performance, increases agility, simplifies management and optimizes user experiences.
• Secure Web Gateway (SWG) technology enforces security policies, filters web traffic for unwanted content and blocks unauthorized user behavior.
• Cloud Access Security Broker (CASB) solutions deliver greater visibility into cloud usage to uncover shadow IT, prevent data loss, detect malware and other threats, encrypt data, and ensure compliance with regulations.
• Firewall as a Service (FWaaS) solutions provide URL filtering, intrusion prevention and security policy management for all network traffic, without requiring physical hardware.
• Zero Trust Network Access (ZTNA) technologies prevent malicious activity by requiring every user and device to be authenticated on every request for access to data, applications, networks and resources.

These 5 core SASE components enable users to securely access the corporate network and cloud applications from any location on any device. They provide IT teams with greater visibility into activity and devices while blocking threats from reaching the network and users. And by eliminating the need to backhaul traffic to a central data center for filtering and inspection, SASE solutions improve availability, application performance and user experiences.

While these benefits are substantial, many IT teams find it highly time-consuming and complex to deploy and manage the 5 core SASE components and other technologies in a SASE network. That’s why Spectrum Enterprise now delivers comprehensive SASE features in a managed service offering.

SASE solutions from Spectrum Enterprise

Spectrum Enterprise Cloud Security provides all the networking and security functions IT teams need from a SASE solution, packaged in a managed services offering that can be administered through a single cloud-based portal. Powered by Cisco, Cloud Security comprises gives security teams access to the 5 core SASE components plus additional technologies for Identity and Access Management (IAM) and Multifactor Authentication (MFA).

Cloud Security enables IT teams to:

• Simplify management of SASE components. Cloud Security provides a single point of contact for design, installation, support, billing, CPE maintenance and MACD activities. Template policies and profiles and quick-start service options accelerate deployment of SASE architecture. Managed service options enable teams to focus on business growth while Spectrum Enterprise experts handle network and security tasks.
• Improve visibility into the IT network. With this Spectrum Enterprise offering, IT teams have visibility into users, their devices and how they access applications. Teams can flag risky user devices and block or notify users to update outdated software before accessing applications. Cloud Security also provides detailed visibility into malicious domains, URLs and IPs as well as real-time context on threats such as malware, phishing, botnets and trojans.
• Lower total cost of ownership (TCO). With options for managed services, dynamic pricing and flexible deployment, Cloud Security makes it easy for organizations to lower TCO. Cloud Security eliminates the need to invest in separate security services like endpoint protection and provides access to premium tools without requiring capital investment.
• Rely on expert assistance and exception support. Cloud Security is supported by responsive and dedicated client service managers 24/7/365, backed by local resources and technicians who understand business challenges. IT teams can also count on 1200+ MEF-certified professionals who have decades of experience solving the toughest security challenges.

A platform for the 5 core SASE components and more

Spectrum Enterprise Cloud Security is available in multiple configurations that allow IT teams to access the 5 core SASE components plus other technologies to improve security and performance. Technologies include:

• Remote Access/Zero Trust Network Access
• Secure Web Gateway
• Secure Malware Analytics
• Cloud Access Security Broker
• Cloud Malware detection
• L3 – L4 Cloud Firewall
• DNS Layer Security
• L7 cloud delivered firewall + IPS
• Inline Data Loss Prevention (DLP)
• Multifactor Authentication
• Support for Password-Less Authentication

Cloud Security provides a portal view of all network devices, with visibility into security health of user devices. IT teams can enforce per-app security policies based on authorized network, end user location, group or security health of end-user devices.

Why choose Spectrum Enterprise?

Spectrum Enterprise offers scalable, fiber technology solutions for America’s largest businesses and communications service providers. We partner with companies in many industries to build plans and develop unique technology solutions to meet their goals. Our reliable and scalable technology provides a seamless experience for our customers and their users to drive productivity and foster business growth.

As the foundation for all our offerings, our wholly owned fiber network is engineered to provide dependable, reliable service with a 100% uptime SLA.¹ Our nationwide network spans more than 245,000+ fiber-route miles and connects more than 317,000 fiber-lit buildings.

In addition to SASE solutions, we offer services and solutions for high-speed Internet, voice and unified communications, networking, TV services and cloud-based security.

FAQs

What is SASE?

SASE, or secure access service edge, is a model for networking and network security that enables IT teams to ensure secure access for work-from-anywhere employees while protecting a highly distributed network. SASE for business networking delivers combines WAN and security capabilities in a cloud-based service that enables access based on the identity of people, groups, devices, applications, services, IoT systems or edge computing locations.

What are the 5 core SASE components?

The 5 core SASE components of network security are software-defined wide area networking (SD-WAN), Secure Web Gateway (SWG), Zero Trust Network Access (ZTNA), Cloud Access Security Broker (CASB) and Firewall as a Service (FWaaS).

What are the benefits of a SASE network?

SASE benefits include simpler management of network security, secure access for remote workers, stronger protection against evolving cybersecurity threats and improved performance of cloud-based applications.

¹100% uptime SLA guarantee applies only to Dedicated Fiber Internet, Secure Dedicated Fiber Internet, Ethernet Services, Cloud Connect and Enterprise Trunking.