What is Cisco SASE

Converging Security and Networking with Cisco SASE

Cisco Secure Access Service Edge (SASE) is a converged framework that combines software-defined networking with cloud-delivered security to provide secure access to any application, anywhere.

What is Cisco SASE?

Cisco SASE represents a fundamental shift in how enterprise security is delivered. In the past, security was a "perimeter" concept, where users inside the office were trusted and those outside were funneled through a VPN. As users moved to the home office and applications moved to the cloud, this model broke. Cisco SASE solves this by moving security functions to the cloud edge, closer to the user. It integrates Cisco’s industry-leading SD-WAN capabilities with a comprehensive suite of security services, including Secure Web Gateways and Zero Trust Network Access. This creates a unified "as-a-service" model where security and performance are no longer at odds, but are instead managed as a single, cohesive entity that follows the user regardless of their location.

What is Cisco SASE used for?

The SASE framework is primarily used to support the security and connectivity requirements of a modern, decentralized workforce. It allows CTOs to enforce a "Zero Trust" posture, where every user and device must be verified before accessing specific applications, significantly reducing the attack surface. It is also used to simplify the IT stack; by consolidating multiple point products—like standalone firewalls, VPNs, and web filters—into a single cloud platform, organizations can reduce management complexity and overhead. Furthermore, it is used to provide a "Direct-to-Cloud" experience for employees, ensuring that they can access cloud tools securely and quickly without the performance bottlenecks associated with traditional hardware-centric security models.

Key Security Components

• Zero Trust Network Access (ZTNA): Granting access to applications based on identity and context rather than network location.
• Cloud-Delivered Firewall: Providing robust Layer 7 protection for all internet and branch traffic without local hardware.
• Secure Web Gateway (SWG): Filtering malicious web content and enforcing corporate usage policies at the cloud edge.
• Cloud Access Security Broker (CASB): Gaining visibility into and control over data residing in third-party SaaS applications.
• Digital Experience Monitoring: Using ThousandEyes integration to see and troubleshoot the entire path from the user to the app.

Need professional Cisco SASE help?

Protect your distributed enterprise with a unified, cloud-native security strategy. We are STAND 8 an IT Services and Solutions company with over 15 years in business, 99% Client Retention for the Past 15 Years and Over 350+ employees World Wide. We help organizations navigate the complexity of SASE migration to ensure seamless connectivity and total security. Reach out today to see how we can secure your hybrid future.

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