Companies are not confined to an office space and all applications residing in one company network anymore. Workers are accessing systems from their home addresses, branches use cloud platforms, and data flows from one environment to another. All that has led to changes in companies’ views on network security.
In case you have been searching for what is a SASE firewall, you are probably looking for the way firewall security would fit into this new security concept. SASE is a combination of networking and security solutions delivered via the cloud.
Understanding SASE
Secure Access Service Edge (SASE) is an architectural model that provides a cloud-native integration of networking and security services. This allows applying security measures not in one data center but closer to users, devices, branches, and applications.
The components of a SASE architecture may include:
- Firewall as a Service (FWaaS) to filter and control traffic
- Zero Trust Network Access (ZTNA) to control access to private applications
- Secure Web Gateway (SWG) to protect internet traffic
- Cloud Access Security Broker (CASB) to gain visibility into cloud applications
- Software-Defined Wide Area Networking (SD-WAN) for networking
This allows the security team to control access in distributed environments. SASE guidelines emphasize the importance of combining networking and security features for modern cloud-based environments.
What Is a SASE Firewall?
SASE firewall is a firewall capability provided by a cloud service provider which works in conjunction with other capabilities offered under SASE architecture. Rather than having to depend solely on the physical firewall present at their corporate office, businesses can make use of a cloud-based firewall solution.
To gain a better understanding of the SASE firewall definition, many providers provide a comprehensive overview of SASE, including its security and networking capabilities such as FWaaS, ZTNA, SWG, CASB, and SD-WAN.
The distinction does not lie in the fact that the firewall works using the cloud but in the type of security model that the firewall works within.
Depending upon the device, some features may be included:
- Application-aware traffic inspection
- Intrusion prevention
- Web and content filtering
- DNS security
- Threat detection
- Access policy enforcement
How Does a SASE Firewall Work?
The SASE architecture will analyze the request by comparing it with the security policies that have been established. This analysis may look at things like the identity of the user, the state of the device, applications, locations, or any other context.
After the analysis, the cloud security service will evaluate the request, deciding whether it will be allowed to proceed further or not.
The above strategy would help distributed companies to avoid unnecessary backhaul traffic. A distant worker can undergo a security test without directing all traffic through the company’s headquarters. In addition, a company’s branch can also connect to the cloud while enforcing centralized policy management.
An explanation of SASE outlines the way that cloud-based security and networking services could help users and applications in distributed environments.
SASE Firewall vs. Traditional Firewall
Both technologies can inspect traffic and enforce security rules, but they differ in how they deliver those controls.
| Feature | Traditional Firewall | SASE Firewall |
| Deployment | Physical or virtual appliance | Cloud-delivered service |
| Security focus | Network perimeter | Users, devices, applications, and context |
| Remote access | Often relies on VPNs | Can support cloud-based and Zero Trust access |
| Scaling | May require added hardware | Cloud resources can scale with demand |
| Management | Often managed as a separate security layer | Can integrate with other SASE services |
| Cloud access | May require traffic backhauling | Designed for distributed cloud access |
| Policy enforcement | Often linked to network location | Can use identity and context |
Firewalls remain important in many cases. Data centers, branch offices, and other internal systems can continue to be protected using appliances.
The SASE approach does not mean that these controls are outdated. On the contrary, it allows the development of an additional approach for organizations where users, applications, and data are not contained within a single physical perimeter anymore.
Why Are Businesses Considering SASE Firewalls?
The emergence of cloud technology and the hybrid working model has raised new security concerns. One user may access a SaaS application via his home network, while another user accesses the same SaaS application via his branch office network.
The deployment of a SASE firewall provides security in the cloud irrespective of the user’s location.
SASE is considered in organizations which would like to:
- Secure users working at different locations
- Provide secure access to cloud applications directly
- Maintain consistent policy for different branches
- Minimize dependency on central infrastructure
- Simplify security management
- Implement Zero Trust models
Also, SASE can help minimize complexity in the management of separate networking and security solutions. Organizations will be able to achieve better consistency in policies and enhance visibility through integration of different capabilities.
The Role of FWaaS in SASE
The Firewall-as-a-Service (FWaaS) is an application of firewall functionality using cloud infrastructure. This is one of the most essential security elements in the SASE framework.
The FWaaS can analyze data, enforce security policies, and detect any suspicious activity. Since this service uses cloud infrastructure, companies can ensure protection for users located anywhere without deploying firewall devices.
Nevertheless, it is used in combination with other services instead of acting as a replacement for them. The ZTNA is responsible for controlling access to private applications according to policies and identities. The SWG is meant to protect web traffic. The CASB ensures monitoring and management of cloud application usage. The SD-WAN takes care of network connectivity.
When Should an Organization Consider a SASE Firewall?
It might be worth considering a SASE firewall for businesses with remote employees, multi-branch offices, extensive cloud use, or increased demand for secure access. SASE firewalls will be helpful to teams who wish to minimize the operational complexity arising out of disconnected network and security solutions.
Prior to implementing SASE, it is recommended that security professionals consider:
- The location of users and applications
- How employees access corporate resources
- The hosting environment for important data
- How remote traffic is routed
- What security technologies are already in place
- If such technologies can interoperate with the SASE solution
- How anticipated business expansion might affect future security needs
Not all controls must be changed in one fell swoop; in fact, this can give organizations time to assess their SASE services in conjunction with their current protection methods that are still effective.
For some organizations, consistency can make the most difference, allowing for the same level of protection to be provided wherever users may be accessing resources.
Conclusion
The answer to the question, what is a SASE firewall, will be more obvious by considering it as one of the elements of the bigger SASE architecture. SASE provides firewall functionality from the cloud together with networking, identity, web, and cloud security services.
In addition to leaving traditional office infrastructure and centralizing applications, security should also leave the concept of fixed perimeter. The SASE approach allows flexibility in terms of protection of users and resources in distributed environments.
For organizations that consider this approach, learning about FWaaS may serve as an entry point. After this, security teams can assess how the other SASE elements can work together.
FAQs
1. Is a SASE firewall the same as a traditional firewall?
Incorrect. Both can monitor traffic and policies, however, the SASE firewall provides this functionality using cloud infrastructure tailored for dispersed users and applications.
2. Can a SASE firewall protect remote employees?
Yes. With a SASE firewall, cloud-based security controls can be provided to users even when they are outside the corporate network. With the help of identity-based systems, it can also help enforce finer access policies.
3. Does a SASE firewall replace a VPN?
Not necessarily. SASE may help reduce dependence on legacy methods of connecting via a VPN because it uses technologies such as ZTNA to connect to applications only. Organizations may still use VPN connections where appropriate.
4. Is SASE useful for small businesses?
This is possible. Organizations that employ many cloud applications, teleworking, and distant offices might find SASE useful. The choice should not be based solely on the size of the organization but on other factors as well.
