Why it’s time to embrace a single vendor SASE solution or risk confusion

In 2023, the cyber threat landscape evolved with an unprecedented scale of challenges, including more targeted and sophisticated ransomware attacks, an increase in Internet of Things (IoT) exploits, and threat actors exploiting new vulnerabilities faster while also reusing "old" attacks. With organisations across the globe facing artificial intelligence (AI)-driven attacks that have grown in both complexity and frequency, the need for adaptive cybersecurity strategies has never been more critical.

The adoption of secure access service edge (SASE) in Australia and New Zealand has emerged as a key framework for ensuring a consistent security posture while improving user experience. This shift reflects a broader recognition of the need for better convergence and integration across security and network solutions capable of responding to the demands of a digital-first environment.

SASE is a transformative cybersecurity framework that converges networking and security services into a cloud-delivered platform. It incorporates elements like software-defined wide area network (SD-WAN), cloud access security broker (CASB), secure web gateway (SWG), firewall-as-a-service (FWaaS), and zero trust network access (ZTNA). SASE is designed to provide secure access to any applications and resources for users and systems, irrespective of their location. However, the success of a SASE implementation largely depends on selecting the right vendor and navigating the associated challenges with informed decisions and strategic planning. While single-vendor SASE is the ideal approach because it leverages a single vendor to deliver all SASE functionality under a single, unified management console, many SASE vendors have poorly integrated elements, leaving the user experience wanting.

Enterprises often face internal conflicts when choosing vendors due to differing preferences and requirements between security and networking teams, while managed service providers may use multiple vendors for a SASE-like solution, leading to manageability complexities. However, a fully converged and integrated, single-vendor approach can streamline this process, reducing the complexities involved in managing separate devices, analytics, and vendor contracts.

Businesses need to focus on a few critical areas for a successful SASE deployment:
1. Opt for single-vendor SASE solutions to streamline integration, simplify management, and enhance security by reducing the risks associated with complex configurations and potential errors.
2. Ensure coordinated efforts between networking and security teams for a cohesive SASE implementation strategy.
3. Invest in training and upskilling IT teams to manage the diverse technologies within a SASE framework.
4. Choose a SASE solution that offers flexibility to manage solutions across cloud and on-premises environments that empower organisations to customise their SASE deployment to meet specific needs and scenarios.
5. Engage with vendors that have a proven track record in networking and security and that are committed to continuously innovating their SASE solutions.
6. Prioritise selecting a SASE vendor known for a comprehensive global network and robust support systems, ensuring reliable, high-performance service for users everywhere and readily available assistance when needed.

Deploying SASE effectively requires, first and foremost, careful planning, understanding what your requirements and needs are, choosing a solution that truly fits the organisation's requirements, and teamwork both internally and with the chosen SASE vendor. The goal is to avoid pitfalls such as insufficient preparation, selecting a provider that doesn't provide flexibility, lacks true integration and doesn't align with the organisation's requirements. By focusing on these practical aspects, organisations can navigate the complexities of SASE implementation more effectively, ensuring a secure, efficient, and adaptable network infrastructure, while also reducing cost through vendor consolidation.