SASE for business

The power of SASE for business networking

Business IT networks are more distributed – and more threatened by attack – than ever before. The rise of work-from-anywhere employees and reliance on cloud-based SaaS applications have created sprawling networks that expand far beyond the traditional corporate perimeter. At the same time, the landscape of cyberthreats has continued to grow in volume and sophistication, making the task of mitigating risk more difficult for IT teams.

Secure access service edge (SASE) architecture was designed to address these network realities. Combining software-defined wide area networking (SD-WAN) and a collection of proven security technologies, a SASE network enables remote workers to securely connect to corporate resources from anywhere, on any device, while reducing the risk of data breach and improving performance of cloud-based applications.

To simplify the task of deploying and managing SASE for business networking, Spectrum Enterprise offers a fully managed SASE platform in Cloud Security.

The benefits of SASE for business productivity

A SASE network decentralizes networking and security functions by making them available at the edge, eliminating the need to backhaul traffic to a corporate data center to filter traffic, block threats and apply policy. At the same time, SASE solutions enable IT teams to deploy security capabilities like threat detection, Secure Web Gateways (SWG) and Firewall as a Service (FWaaS) anywhere that users, applications workloads or devices are located.

When implementing SASE for business networks, IT teams can achieve several business-critical objectives.

• Strengthen security for distributed networks. Organizations that implement SASE for business security can improve threat prevention with content filtering throughout the network. SASE architecture also improves data protection by making it easy to apply security policies across the entire IT ecosystem.
• Enhanced performance for cloud applications. As organizations increase reliance on cloud-based SaaS applications, SASE architecture improves performance by eliminating network between users and the applications they use throughout the day.
• Provide secure access for remote workers. Support for Zero Trust Network Access enables identity-centric security that allows workers to connect to the internet, cloud applications and other network resources from any location, on any device.
• Streamline network security management. SASE providers help reduce the complexity of IT architecture by consolidating key functions into a single cloud-based platform.
• Lower total cost of ownership. By delivering essential networking and security functions as a service throughout the IT system, SASE technology enables IT teams to avoid capital expenditure and reduce operational expenses.

Cloud Security: SASE for business competitiveness

Spectrum Enterprise Cloud Security is a managed services offering that combines network and security services on a cloud-based platform, simplifying SASE for business networking. Powered by Cisco, Cloud Security comprises multiple identity-centric security technologies that enable IT teams to deliver secure access for work-from-anywhere employees while protecting the organization from a wide range of cyber threats.

With Spectrum Enterprise Cloud Security, IT teams can:

• Simplify SASE for business IT ecosystems. Cloud Security provides template policies and profiles with quick-start service options to accelerate deployment. A single point of contact for managed WAN + cloud security helps to streamline design, installation, billing, support, CPE maintenance and MACD activities.
• Gain greater visibility into users and devices. With full visibility and control, IT teams can configure, manage and monitor users, services and devices across the entire network. Cloud Security makes it easy to enforce network compliance regulations and guidelines and to protect end users with Zero Trust Network Access.
• Lower TCO with flexible solutions. A range of options for managed services, dynamic pricing and flexible deployment deliver the flexibility that IT teams need when deploying SASE for business networking. Organizations can rely on Cloud Security to lower total cost of ownership (TCO) by providing predictable operational costs and access to premium tools without capital investment.
• Rely on exceptional support. Spectrum Enterprise’s dedicated Client Service Managers provide support 24/7/365. Service is backed by local resources and technicians with an understanding of business challenges.

Spectrum Enterprise’s SASE platform

Offered in partnership with Cisco, Cloud Security from Spectrum Enterprise is available in two configurations.

• Cloud Security Cisco Secure Connect Now comprises the essential components of SASE for business security: Secure Web Gateway (SWG), Cloud Access Security Broker (CASB), Firewall as a Service (FWaaS) and Zero Trust Network Access (ZTNA). This configuration also includes secure malware analytics, DNS layer security and inline data loss prevention technologies. With Cloud Security Cisco Secure Connect Now, IT teams can minimize risk of security threats from end-user access to corporate applications and apply and manage firewall policies wherever end users are located. Spectrum Enterprise enables secure access to cloud applications regardless of location of user or device. IT teams gain detailed insight into malicious domains, IPs and URLs as well as real-time context on malware, botnets, phishing attacks and other threats.
• Cloud Security Cisco Duo combines identity management and multifactor authentication (MFA) services to enable secure remote access without an endpoint VPN client. With this Cloud Security configuration, IT teams can implement single sign-on to critical business apps and easily monitor the health of end-user devices. Cloud Security Cisco Duo enables workers to securely access the network regardless of location. IT teams can flag risky devices and block access to applications until users have updated their software or devices. MFA capabilities enforce strong authentication to block lateral movement and prevent data breaches.

Why choose Spectrum Enterprise?

America’s largest businesses and communications service providers rely on Spectrum Enterprise to realize their boldest ambitions. Our scalable, fiber technology solutions enable teams to work together, even when they can’t be together. End-to-end support and fully managed services offer the performance our customers need to compete in rapidly evolving marketplaces. Our teams of experts identify needs, design solutions and manage technologies that allow our clients to grow and succeed. From networking and high-speed connectivity to reliable voice trunking and HDTV offerings, our broad portfolio of solutions helps our customers to stay ahead of competitors and to capitalize on new opportunities. 

FAQs

What is SASE?

SASE is an acronym for secure access service edge, a model for enterprise networking and security. SASE converges software-defined wide area networking (SD-WAN) and a handful of security functions into a cloud-based service that improves management and security for highly distributed networks, users, data and applications.

What are the benefits of SASE for business networking?

With SASE for business networking and security, IT teams can ensure secure access for work-from-anywhere employees while reducing latency in the network and improving access to cloud-based SaaS applications. The SASE model also improves protection for the organization by deploying identity-centric security solutions that can be accessed from anywhere on the network.