When many of us think about distributed workplaces today, we imagine knowledge workers who operate in a hybrid environment and people logging into video calls from remote locations. In many ways, this is a new assumption that we have. Large companies in retail, construction and mining industries have always operated across multiple locations and on networks connecting each location. These industries, too, have struggled with cyber attacks and need secure solutions to stay connected.
Secure Access Service Edge (SASE) and Software-Defined Wide Area Network (SD-WAN) have become necessities for flexibility, performance and security. Gartner predicts that the SASE market will increase at an annual compound annual growth rate of 29%, reaching over $25 billion by 2027.
Sectors impacted by ransomware-related cyber security incidents
Source: ASD.
What is SASE?
SASE combines network security services with wide area networking (WAN) to offer a unified, cloud-native service for modern, cloud-based enterprises. Integrating these services becomes particularly useful to replace traditional network architectures, which typically separate security and network services and fall short of addressing complex security challenges.
In FY 2023, the Australian Signals Directorate (ASD) notified 158 entities of ransomware activity on their networks, marking a roughly 7% increase from the 148 notifications in the previous year. This uptick underscores the growing need for robust network security solutions like SASE.
Traditional network security models cannot meet the needs of today’s distributed workforces. SASE provides a scalable, location-independent framework that ensures consistent security policies and access controls, regardless of user or resource location.
SASE architecture includes secure web gateways, cloud access security brokers, zero-trust network access and firewall-as-a-service. These integrated components provide security coverage, from data encryption to access control and threat prevention, simplifying network security management and strengthening organisational security.
What is SD-WAN?
SD-WAN modernises network connectivity by using software to control connections between data centres, branches, and cloud instances. It separates networking hardware from its control functions, enabling more efficient traffic routing and improved network performance for distributed organisations.
SD-WAN offers agility, improved performance and reliability in modern network management. It handles cloud-based applications and services to ensure optimal network traffic management and consistent application performance across various locations.
Unlike traditional WAN technologies, which are hardware-centric and less adaptable, SD-WAN employs a software-based approach for smarter traffic routing. As a result, it improves bandwidth use, reduces costs and enhances network adaptability to meet the evolving needs of modern workplaces.
How do SASE and SD-WAN work together?
SASE and SD-WAN serve different roles in network management. SD-WAN optimises network connectivity and performance by managing traffic across locations. SASE, in contrast, focuses on secure network access, integrating security functions like firewalls and secure web gateways into a cloud-native service.
SD-WAN enhances network efficiency, which is ideal for environments needing high-quality connectivity across dispersed sites. SASE addresses the security element by providing safe network resource access regardless of user location by integrating security into the network infrastructure.
Together, SASE and SD-WAN offer a comprehensive network solution. SD-WAN’s connectivity supports SASE’s secure access, creating a unified architecture that boosts performance and security. This combination is especially useful for cloud-centric and remote work environments.
What are the benefits of SASE and SD-WAN?
Enhanced security: SASE is one method of improving your business’ cyber security. It integrates security services like secure web gateways into a unified solution, ensuring consistent security across the network. SD-WAN supports this with secure, encrypted connections, mitigating data breaches and cyber threats.
Improved performance: SD-WAN optimises traffic for better performance and reduced latency, especially for cloud applications. SASE enhances this by providing direct access to cloud services, reducing bottlenecks and speeding up connectivity.
Scalability and flexibility: SASE and SD-WAN easily accommodate network expansion and new locations, which is essential for businesses in growth or digital transformation. Cloud-native design allows for quick deployment and integration with existing systems.
Cost-effectiveness: By merging network and security functions, SASE and SD-WAN reduce the need for multiple hardware and software solutions, cutting IT costs. Improved network efficiency and reduced downtime also increase productivity, enhancing financial benefits.
Conclusion
SASE and SD-WAN significantly improve network management by catering to the needs of modern, cloud-based enterprises. Combining SASE’s secure access with SD-WAN’s efficient connectivity, they offer a robust solution for today’s remote work and cloud-centric environments. Adopting SASE and SD-WAN brings clear benefits: security, network performance, scalability, flexibility, and cost savings. Together, they enhance network security and performance and align with the flexibility required for today’s hybrid workforces.
Why choose a SASE and SD-WAN solution from Wyntec and Cato?
We have proudly partnered with Cato Networks to bring our customers elevated network security and performance. With over twenty years in data analytics and management, we specialise in enhancing network capabilities for mid to enterprise-level businesses in sectors like Financial Services, Mining and Construction, and Retail.
Our collaboration with Cato Networks is a commitment to delivering reliable and efficient network security solutions. Visit our Cato Network Security page for more information.
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