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Best SASE (Secure Access Service Edge) Solutions – 2023
SASE is an emerging architecture integrating network security and wide-area networking (WAN) features into a unified cloud-based solution.
SASE solutions promise to give modern enterprises comprehensive security, improved performance, and easier network management.
Traditional security methodologies and network designs struggle to satisfy evolving expectations as firms increasingly employ cloud services, remote work patterns, and dispersed networks.
SASE tackles these issues by combining networking and security tasks in a single cloud-native platform.
Secure web gateways, firewall-as-a-service, cloud access security broker (CASB) capabilities, data loss prevention (DLP), zero-trust network access (ZTNA), and WAN optimization are common characteristics of Best SASE vendors.
By combining these functions, organizations can minimize complexity, improve security, and boost network performance.
The finest SASE systems integrate sophisticated networking capabilities like SD-WAN with comprehensive security features like next-generation firewalls, secure web gateways, and threat intelligence.
These solutions include centralized policy administration, real-time threat detection and prevention, scalability, and secure access.
What is SASE (Secure Access Service Edge)?
SASE stands for Secure Access Service Edge. It is an emerging architecture combining network security and wide-area networking (WAN) capabilities into a unified cloud-based solution.
SASE vendors aim to provide organizations with comprehensive security, improved performance, and simplified network management.
Traditionally, organizations would have different solutions for networking (such as SD-WAN) and security (such as firewalls, secure web gateways, and VPNs).
However, this approach has become more complex and less efficient with the rapid adoption of cloud services, remote work, and mobile devices.
SASE integrates networking and security functions into a single cloud-native platform, allowing organizations to access network resources securely from any location while ensuring data protection and compliance.
It leverages cloud-based technologies and offers services on-demand, eliminating the need for hardware appliances and reducing infrastructure costs.
Difference Between Traditional Network Solutions & SASE Solutions
| Traditional Network Solutions | SASE (Secure Access Service Edge) Security |
|---|---|
| Network-Centric: Traditional network solutions use routers, switches, and firewalls to build and manage a network infrastructure. | Cloud-Centric: SASE security is a cloud-native approach that combines networking and security capabilities in a single cloud-based platform. |
| On-Premises: The network equipment is typically deployed on-premises, requiring organizations to invest in hardware, maintenance, and physical infrastructure. | Integrated Security: SASE integrates multiple security functions, such as secure web gateways, firewall-as-a-service, data loss prevention, and zero-trust network access, into a unified solution. |
| Backhauling Traffic: Traditional solutions often backhaul traffic to a central data center for security inspection and policy enforcement, which can introduce latency and impact performance. | Software-Defined: SASE leverages software-defined networking (SDN) to provide flexible and agile network connectivity and security policies. |
| Limited Scalability: Scaling traditional network solutions can be challenging, especially in distributed environments or for organizations with remote workers. | Direct-to-Cloud Access: SASE enables organizations to connect users and devices directly to cloud applications and services, reducing the need for backhauling traffic. |
| Point Solutions: Different security functions are handled by separate appliances or software, increasing complexity and management overhead. | Edge-based Architecture: SASE brings security closer to the edge of the network, providing protection and inspection at the point of access, regardless of the user’s location. |
| Hub-and-Spoke Architecture: Traffic flows through a central hub, where security measures are applied, before reaching its destination. | Zero Trust: SASE incorporates a zero-trust security model, where access to resources is based on continuous authentication and authorization, reducing the risk of unauthorized access. |
How Do We Choose The Best SASE Solutions?
Experts from Cyber Security News choose the Best SASE solutions based on several factors of the following:
- The comprehensive set of Security Capabilities
- Network performance capabilities
- Select a SASE solution that can scale accordingly
- Integration and Compatibility
- User experience across different devices and locations.
- Management and Orchestration
- Service Level Agreements (SLAs)
- Vendor Reputation and Support
- Evaluate the pricing structure of the SASE solutions.
Best SASE Solutions and its Features
| Best SASE Solutions | Features |
|---|---|
| 1. Perimeter81 | Secure Network Access Zero Trust Network User and Device Authentication Secure Web Gateways Network Segmentation |
| 2. Cisco Umbrella | DNS-based protection Threat intelligence via web filtering Web gateway security Integration of a firewall Malware Defense |
| 3. Zscaler | Cloud-first architecture Next-generation firewall with secure web gateway Network access with no trust Data loss avoidance intelligence on threats |
| 4. Palo Alto Networks Prisma Access | Cloud-based security Web gateway security Network access with no trust Protection against data loss Next-generation firewall Threat intelligence |
| 5. Akamai Enterprise Application Access (EAA) | Network access with no trust Access control based on identity Cloud-first architecture Secure remote access Application-level protection Authentication with many factors |
| 6. Netskope | CASB stands for cloud access security broker. Data loss prevention (DLP) is the prevention of data loss. Cloud-first architecture Threat protection and web filtering Shadow IT detection and control Insider threat defense |
| 7. Fortinet Secure SD-WAN | Secure connectivity SD-WAN administration Firewall integration Application enhancement WAN path control via traffic steering |
| 8. Cato Networks | Cloud-first architecture Next-generation firewall for secure SD-WAN Network safety Global private network Network access with no trust |
| 9. Cloudflare One | Network access with no trust Web gateway security Firewall hosted in the cloud VPN as an alternative for DDoS protection Content filtering |
| 10. Proofpoint Meta | Email safety Advanced threat protection based on threat intelligence Data loss avoidance Encrypting emails Detection and response to phishing |
10 Best SASE Solutions in 2023
Determining the best SASE solutions depends on various factors, including specific organizational requirements, industry regulations, budget, and scalability needs. However, some leading vendors in the SASE market that offer comprehensive and highly regarded solutions include:
- Perimeter81
- Cisco Umbrella
- Zscaler
- Palo Alto Networks Prisma Access
- Akamai Enterprise Application Access (EAA)
- Netskope
- Fortinet Secure SD-WAN
- Cato Networks
- Cloudflare One
- Proofpoint Meta
1. Perimeter81
The SASE solutions from Perimeter 81 take a cloud-native approach to network security, doing away with on-premises hardware and allowing for scalability and flexibility.
Organizations may scale and adjust their security architecture as their needs change by utilizing cloud-native security services.
Secure online gateways, data loss prevention, firewall-as-a-service, secure DNS, and threat intelligence are just a few security services integrated into these solutions.
Perimeter 81 streamlines the security architecture by combining various services into a single platform, lowering complexity and boosting operational effectiveness.
The Software-Defined Perimeter (SDP) architecture is crucial to Perimeter 81’s SASE solutions. Using a zero-trust strategy, SDP ensures that all users and devices are allowed and authenticated before accessing network resources.
This method improves security by dynamically enforcing granular access limits based on user identity, device posture, and contextual factors.
Features
- Cloud-Native Security: The SASE solutions from Perimeter 81 deliver security services via the cloud, doing away with the requirement for on-premises hardware and allowing for scalability and flexibility.
- Integrated Services: The system combines many security services into a single platform, including firewall-as-a-service, data loss prevention, and web gateways.
- Zero-Trust Network Access: The SASE vendors from Perimeter 81 takes a zero-trust stance, ensuring that users and devices must first authenticate and authorize themselves to access network resources.
- WAN Optimization: The solution has features that boost network efficiency and reduce latency.
- Cloud Integration: Major cloud service providers are easily integrated by Perimeter 81, enabling secure access and connectivity to cloud services while upholding uniform security standards throughout environments.
Pros
- Perimeter 81 offers full, cloud-native security services to protect your network and data.
- The solution is simply expandable and adaptable to meet the evolving needs of your organization.
- A centralized console is offered by Perimeter 81 to make network security administration and monitoring easier.
Cons
- As Perimeter 81 is cloud-based, a steady internet connection is necessary for uninterrupted access.
- A new network security solution could involve a learning curve for IT staff and users.
- For certain firms, the expense of deploying comprehensive SASE vendors may be a consideration.
Price
You can get a free trial and personalized demo from here.
2. Cisco Umbrella
Cisco Umbrella Secure Access Service Edge (SASE) is a comprehensive cloud-native security solution that combines network security and wide-area networking (WAN) capabilities into a unified platform.
It integrates security functions such as secure web gateways, firewall as a service, secure access service edge, and DNS-layer security to provide advanced protection for users and devices regardless of location.
Cisco Umbrella SASE leverages a global cloud infrastructure to deliver secure access to applications and resources while enforcing security policies consistently across the network.
It offers threat intelligence, malware protection, URL filtering, and data loss prevention to mitigate risks and safeguard against web-based threats.
Features
- DNS-based security: Blocks harmful domains and IP addresses at the DNS level to protect against malware, ransomware, and other threats.
- Web filtering: Enforces policy-based online access control by limiting access to improper or malicious websites.
- Threat intelligence: Utilizes global threat intelligence to prevent access to known harmful locations.
- Secure web gateway: As a secure gateway between users and the internet, it inspects and filters online traffic in order to prevent attacks and enforce policies.
- Firewall integration: Integrates seamlessly with Cisco firewalls to offer security controls and rules to all users, regardless of location.
Pros
- Comprehensive security
- Cisco Umbrella SASE vendor’s scalability, flexibility, and easy deployment.
- Cisco Umbrella SASE integrates network security and WAN capabilities into a single platform
- Secure access anywhere
Cons
- Implementing Cisco Umbrella SASE involves subscription-based pricing.
- Cisco Umbrella SASE relies on Internet connectivity for its services
- Adopting and configuring Cisco Umbrella may require technical expertise
- Limited control over infrastructure
Price
You can get a free trial and personalized demo from here.
3. Zscaler
Zscaler Secure Access Service Edge (SASE) is a cloud-native security framework that combines network security and wide-area networking (WAN) capabilities into a unified platform.
It provides organizations with secure access to applications and data for users, regardless of their location or device.
Zscaler SASE leverages a global cloud infrastructure to deliver security services, including secure web gateways, firewall as a service, data loss prevention, and zero-trust network access.
It ensures consistent security policies and protection against web-based threats across the entire network.
The unified platform of Zscaler SASE simplifies network management by integrating network security and WAN capabilities. It provides a centralized console for policy management, visibility, and control, improving operational efficiency.
Zscaler SASE enables secure access to applications and data for users, regardless of their location or device. It ensures consistent security policies and protection across the entire network, regardless of the network connection.
Features
- Cloud-native architecture is built on a scalable and internationally distributed cloud platform for efficient and effective security.
- Secure web gateway: For secure internet access, it offers comprehensive web filtering, threat protection, and policy enforcement.
- Next-generation firewall: Granular application control, user-based policies, and advanced threat protection capabilities are all available.
- Zero trust network access: Allows secure access to applications and resources regardless of location depending on user identity and device posture.
- Data loss prevention: To protect against data breaches, it detects and blocks the unlawful transmission of sensitive data.
Pros
- Cloud-native architecture
- Comprehensive security
- Simplified management
- Secure access anywhere
Cons
- Dependency on Internet connectivity
- Cost considerations
- Limited control over infrastructure
Price
You can get a free trial and personalized demo from here.
4. Palo Alto Networks Prisma Access
Palo Alto Networks Prisma Access is a cloud-delivered SASE Solution that provides secure access to the internet, cloud, and data center applications for remote users and branch offices.
Prisma Access uses a global network of cloud-based security gateways to deliver consistent security regardless of where users are located. Prisma Access is a scalable and cost-effective solution for organizations of all sizes.
It is easy to deploy and manage and provides high security for remote users and branch offices.
Features
- Cloud-native architecture is built on a scalable and internationally distributed cloud platform for efficient and effective security.
- Secure web gateway: For secure internet access, it offers comprehensive web filtering, threat protection, and policy enforcement.
- Next-generation firewall: Granular application control, user-based policies, and advanced threat protection capabilities are all available.
- Zero trust network access: Allows secure access to applications and resources regardless of location depending on user identity and device posture.
- Data loss prevention: To protect against data breaches, it detects and blocks the unlawful transmission of sensitive data.
Pros
- Consistent security
- Cost-effectiveness
- Prisma Access is easy to deploy and manage.
- High level of security
Cons
- Prisma Access can be complex to deploy and manage for some organizations.
- Prisma Access can hurt performance
- Single point of failure
Price
You can get a free trial and personalized demo from here.
Palo Alto Networks Prisma Access – Trial / Demo
5. Akamai Enterprise Application Access (EAA)
Akamai Enterprise Application Access (EAA) is a cloud-based solution that provides secure access to applications hosted in data centers and hybrid cloud environments.
EAA uses a global network of edge servers to deliver application access to users, regardless of their location. EAA is a scalable and cost-effective SASE Solution for organizations of all sizes. It is easy to deploy and manage, and it provides a high level of security for applications.
Features
- Zero Trust Network Access (ZTNA): Akamai EAA adheres to the Zero Trust security paradigm, which implies treating every access request as potentially untrusted and checking users’ and devices’ identification and security posture before giving application access.
- Cloud-native Architecture: EAA is based on a cloud-native design that uses Akamai’s global network infrastructure. It enables secure remote access to applications housed in a variety of environments.
- Secure Application Access: EAA guarantees secure application access by adopting various security mechanisms. For user authentication, it enables multifactor authentication (MFA) and integration with identity providers (IdPs).
- Granular Access Controls: Organizations can utilize EAA to build granular access controls that regulate which users or groups can access certain applications and resources. User identification, device posture, geolocation, and application context can all be used to determine access restrictions.
- User and Device Authentication: EAA uses various authentication mechanisms, including username/password, smart cards, biometrics, and third-party identity suppliers.
Pros
- Secure access to applications
- Cost-effectiveness
- EAA is easy to deploy and manage.
- High level of security
Cons
- EAA can hurt the performance of some organizations.
- EAA is a single point of failure for some organizations.
- Some organizations may be concerned about vendor lock-in with EAA.
Price
You can get a free trial and personalized demo from here.
Akamai Enterprise Application Access (EAA) – Trial / Demo
6. Netskope
Netskope is a cloud security platform that provides visibility, real-time data, and threat protection when accessing cloud services, websites, and private apps from anywhere on any device.
Netskope delivers a modern cloud security stack with unified data, threat protection capabilities, and secure private access. Netskope’s cloud security platform helps organizations to:
- Protect data in the cloud.
- Control cloud app usage
- Prevent data loss
- Secure access to cloud apps and data
- Detect and respond to threats
Netskope is a leading provider of sase solutions and has been named a leader in the Gartner Magic Quadrant for Cloud Access Security Brokers. Netskope is also a member of the Cloud Security Alliance (CSA) and the Cloud Security Forum (CSF).
Features
- Cloud Application Visibility and Control: Netskope provides detailed visibility into an organization’s cloud apps and services. It assists administrators in identifying and assessing the risk associated with various cloud apps by offering insights into usage patterns, data access, and potential security concerns.
- Data Loss Prevention (DLP): Netskope offers comprehensive data loss prevention features to protect sensitive data from unwanted exposure or leaking.
- Threat Protection: Netskope incorporates powerful threat security technologies to protect against a variety of cloud-based threats.
- Cloud Access Security Broker (CASB) Integration: Netskope connects with numerous cloud services and platforms as a CASB solution to enable seamless security and data protection.
- Secure Web Gateway (SWG) Capabilities: Netskope serves as a secure web gateway with full web security capabilities. It allows enterprises to enforce web filtering policies, manage website access based on categories, and guard against online-based threats.
Pros
- Comprehensive security coverage
- Netskope is easy to use and deploy.
- Netskope is scalable to meet the needs of any organization.
- Netskope is a cost-effective solution for securing cloud applications and data.
Cons
- Netskope can have a negative impact on performance from remote locations.
- Netskope can be complex to manage
Price
You can get a free trial and personalized demo from here.
7. Fortinet Secure SD-WAN
Fortinet Secure SD-WAN is a software-defined wide area network (SD-WAN) solution that provides organizations with a secure, reliable, and cost-effective way to connect their distributed networks. Fortinet Secure SD-WAN uses a variety of technologies.
Fortinet SASE Solutions simplifies SD-WAN infrastructure implementation and maintenance. It offers zero-touch deployment, which allows remote locations to be readily provisioned and connected to the core network without requiring on-site IT employees.
Fortinet Secure SD-WAN uses software-defined networking (SDN) to abstract the underlying network hardware and make it easier to manage and configure.
Features
- SD-WAN Functionality: Fortinet Secure SD-WAN provides powerful SD-WAN capabilities that enable businesses to maximize network performance and dependability.
- Security Integration: Fortinet Secure SD-WAN adds security features to the SD-WAN infrastructure. It integrates characteristics such as a next-generation firewall (NGFW), intrusion prevention system (IPS), antivirus, web filtering, and other security features.
- Application Aware Routing: Fortinet Secure SD-WAN optimizes application performance by leveraging deep application visibility and management. It detects network applications and applies appropriate QoS policies to prioritize key apps and ensure consistent performance.
- WAN Optimization: Fortinet Secure SD-WAN incorporates WAN optimization techniques to improve network speed and reduce latency. It optimizes bandwidth use and improves application response times by utilizing protocols such as WAN route repair, protocol optimization, and data deduplication.
Pros
- Improved performance
- Increased security
- Simplified management
Cons
- Fortinet Secure SD-WAN can be expensive.
- Negative impact on performance, from remote locations.
Price
You can get a free trial and personalized demo from here.
Fortinet Secure SD-WAN – Trial / Demo
8. Cato Networks
Cato Networks is a cloud-native network security company that provides a secure access service edge (SASE) platform.
Cato’s SASE vendors converge networking and security into a single cloud-based service that can be deployed globally in minutes.
Cato’s SASE solutions is a good choice for organizations that are looking for a secure, scalable, and easy-to-manage networking and security solution.
It help organizations to improve their security posture, reduce costs, and improve employee productivity.
Features
- SD-WAN: Cato Networks’ SD-WAN technology enables businesses to create and manage secure connections between branch offices, data centers, and cloud environments.
- Network Security: Cato Networks’ platform incorporates multiple security functions to protect the entire network infrastructure. This includes firewall protection, a secure web gateway (SWG), an intrusion prevention system (IPS), and SSL decryption.
- Cloud-Native Architecture: Cato Networks’ architecture is cloud-native, meaning the entire network infrastructure is hosted and managed in the cloud.
- Global Backbone: Cato Networks has created its own global private backbone network, which connects numerous Points of Presence (PoPs) around the world.
- Secure Remote Access: Cato Networks provides secure remote access to corporate resources, enabling employees to connect to the company network from anywhere.
Pros
- Improved security
- Reduced costs
- Improved performance
Cons
- more expensive than some other SASE solutions.
- complex to deploy and manage
Price
You can get a free trial and personalized demo from here.
9. Cloudflare One
Cloudflare One is a comprehensive security and networking suite that provides Zero Trust Network Access (ZTNA), Secure Web Gateway (SWG), Next-Generation Firewall (NGFW), and a global network.
It is a good choice for organizations of all sizes that are looking for a secure, scalable, and easy-to-use solution.
Cloudflare One provides a comprehensive security solution that can help to protect organizations from a wide range of threats, including malware, ransomware, and data breaches.
Cloudflare One can help to simplify management by providing a single pane of glass for managing all aspects of the network and security infrastructure.
Features
- Zero Trust Network Access (ZTNA): Cloudflare One employs a Zero Trust network security strategy. It gives users secure access to applications and resources based on their identity and device posture, regardless of where they are.
- Cloudflare Access: Cloudflare Access is a Cloudflare One feature that allows secure access to internal applications without the use of a traditional VPN.
- Secure Web Gateway (SWG): Cloudflare One comes with a Secure Web Gateway that protects against web-based threats. It filters and inspects web traffic, preventing data exfiltration and enforcing acceptable use policies while blocking malicious websites.
- Cloudflare Gateway: Cloudflare Gateway is a DNS-based security service that prevents users from accessing potentially harmful websites by blocking access to known malicious domains.
- Distributed Denial of Service (DDoS) Protection: Cloudflare One provides strong DDoS protection to protect networks and applications from large-scale DDoS attacks.
Pros
- Improved security
- Reduce costs by consolidating their networking
- Simplified management
- Cloudflare One is a scalable solution
Cons
- Not all features are available in the free plan
- Some features may not be suitable for all organizations
- Deployment may be complex
Price
You can get a free trial and personalized demo from here.
10. Proofpoint Meta
Proofpoint Meta is a cloud-based security solution that provides email and web protection, as well as data loss prevention (DLP) and insider threat detection.
It is designed to help organizations protect their data and users from various threats, including phishing, malware, and data exfiltration.
Features
- Network Security: Advanced security features such as secure web gateways, firewall as a service (FWaaS), data loss prevention (DLP), threat intelligence, and malware protection are frequently included in SASE vendors.
- Secure Access: Secure remote access to corporate resources and applications is typically provided by SASE vendors . Technologies such as zero-trust network access (ZTNA) and multi-factor authentication (MFA) may be used to ensure secure user authentication.
- WAN Optimization: WAN optimization techniques are frequently included in SASE vendors to improve network performance and user experience. Traffic optimization, bandwidth management, and Quality of Service (QoS) controls are examples of this.
- Cloud-native Architecture: SASE solutions are usually built on a cloud-native architecture, which allows for scalability, flexibility, and ease of deployment across multiple locations and cloud environments.
- Centralized Management and Visibility: SASE solutions provide administrators with centralized management consoles and reporting tools that enable them to monitor and manage the network, security policies, and user access.
Pros
- Proofpoint Meta scans all incoming emails for malicious content
- Proofpoint Meta classifies data based on its sensitivity.
- Proofpoint Meta discovers where sensitive data is stored within the organization.
- Data exfiltration prevention
Cons
- Expensive for large organizations.
- Proofpoint Meta is a complex solution
- Proofpoint Meta can sometimes generate false positives
Price
You can get a free trial and personalized demo from here.
Proofpoint Meta – Trial / Demo
Wrap Up
Secure Access Service Edge (SASE) is a new approach to security that combines networking and security into a single, cloud-based platform. This allows businesses to simplify their security infrastructure, improve performance, and reduce costs.
There are many different SASE solutions on the market, so choosing the right one for your business can be difficult. Here are a few factors to consider when making your decision:
- Your security needs: What are your specific security requirements? Do you need a solution to protect against a wide range of threats, or are you seeking a more specialized solution?
- Your budget: SASE solutions can range in price from a few hundred dollars to several thousand dollars per month. It’s important to find a solution that fits your budget.
- Your user base: How many users do you have? Do you have a lot of remote users? If so, you’ll need SASE vendors supporting remote access.
- Your IT infrastructure: What kind of IT infrastructure do you have? Do you have a lot of on-premises devices? If so, you’ll need a SASE solution to integrate with your existing infrastructure.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a SASE solution?
Secure Access Service Edge (SASE) is a cloud architecture model that combines network and security-as-a-service functions together and delivers them as a single cloud service.
What are the 5 Pillars of SASE?
WAN optimization
content delivery network (CDN)
caching, SD-WAN
SaaS acceleration
and bandwidth aggregation
What is the difference between Zero Trust and SASE?
Zero Trust provides a strategy for managing access and authorization controls for authenticated users.
In contrast, SASE is broader and more complex.