Breaking Down the Real Meaning of an XDR Solution
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Learn why SASE alone isn’t enough and how combining SASE and NDR
Wondering if SASE vs VPN is the better choice for your network security? This article compares SASE’s integrated, cloud-based approach to VPN’s traditional methods. We’ll break down their key differences, benefits, and use cases to help you make an informed decision.
Secure Access Service Edge (SASE) is a cloud-native architecture that revolutionizes the way network security is managed. SASE unifies Software-Defined Wide Area Networking (SD-WAN) with essential security functions like Secure Web Gateway (SWG), Cloud Access Security Broker (CASB), Firewall as a Service (FWaaS), and Zero Trust Network Access (ZTNA) to offer a comprehensive, integrated network security approach, including security service edge and network edge.
The SASE framework is designed to adapt to the needs of cloud data, remote work, and digital transformation. As the traditional network perimeter dissolves, SASE steps in to provide secure connections to necessary services, data, and applications from anywhere, making it particularly crucial for hybrid work environments. This unified model not only enhances performance and productivity through a zero-trust approach but also addresses the complexities and costs associated with traditional, hardware-based networks.
Consolidating multiple security functions into a single, cloud-delivered service, SASE provides a more manageable and scalable solution than traditional point solutions. This paradigm shift in network security management not only simplifies the overall process but also ensures a higher level of security services delivered and efficiency for organizations of all sizes.
A Virtual Private Network (VPN) is a well-established technology that provides a secure connection between a user’s device and the internet. Virtual private networks use encryption and tunneling techniques to ensure that data transmitted over the internet remains protected from interception and unauthorized access.
VPNs have traditionally been used to bypass geographical content restrictions and access sites that may be blocked in certain regions. They provide secure remote access to corporate network, allowing employees to connect to their work resources from anywhere in the world. This makes VPNs a valuable tool for maintaining productivity and ensuring data security, especially for remote workers.
However, the traditional approach to network security that VPNs offer comes with its own set of limitations. While VPNs create encrypted tunnels for secure data transmission, they often lack the visibility and policy enforcement capabilities that are essential for modern network security. Additionally, VPNs can be complex to configure and manage, especially when dealing with multiple hardware devices and configurations.
| Category | SASE (Secure Access Service Edge) | VPN (Virtual Private Network) |
|---|---|---|
| Core Design | Cloud-native architecture combining networking and security into a single service | Focused on creating secure data tunnels |
| Infrastructure | Eliminates need for perimeter-based appliances; centralized in the cloud | Relies heavily on hardware-based perimeter devices |
| Scalability | Highly scalable due to cloud-native design | Limited scalability; dependent on hardware |
| Management | Centralized and simplified network and security management | Complex configurations with multiple hardware devices |
| Integration | Combines SD-WAN, ZTNA, FWaaS, CASB, etc., into one unified platform | Standalone solution focused on secure access |
| Security Model | Built on Zero Trust principles—continuous verification of users and access | Basic encryption and tunneling; limited inspection once connected |
| Access Control | Identity-based and context-aware access to specific resources | Broad network access once connected |
| Zero Trust Network Access (ZTNA) | Integral part of the SASE model; enforces policies based on identity and application context | Not inherently supported; access control is minimal once connected |
| Policy Enforcement | Granular, real-time policy enforcement with visibility into user and application behavior | Limited policy enforcement capabilities |
| Threat Protection | Continuous monitoring and threat detection via cloud-delivered security | Focuses on secure tunneling but lacks integrated threat protection |
| Data Protection & Compliance | Ensures higher levels of data protection and compliance through integrated security stack | Basic data encryption; lacks tools for compliance and data governance |
| Performance Optimization | Utilizes SD-WAN for intelligent traffic routing; real-time optimization at internet exchanges | Centralized routing through VPN servers; potential bottlenecks and latency issues |
| Latency | Low latency through local PoP (Point of Presence) connectivity | Higher latency due to backhauling traffic to centralized data centers |
| Global Connectivity | Optimized for global access; connects users to nearest PoP | Poor global performance; centralized gateways slow down access |
| User Experience | Consistently fast, secure, and reliable user experience | Inconsistent performance; potential degradation with high loads |
| Support for High-Bandwidth Apps | Supports and optimizes high-bandwidth applications using local internet offloading and dedicated circuits | Often results in poor performance with high-bandwidth or real-time applications |
| Security Posture | Reduces attack surface through identity-aware access and cloud-based enforcement | Broader attack surface due to unrestricted network access post-authentication |
| Deployment Complexity | Simplified deployment through centralized, cloud-native services | Higher deployment complexity due to hardware and manual configuration |
| Suitability for Modern Business | Ideal for modern, distributed, and remote workforces | Less effective for hybrid or cloud-native environments |
| Overall Advantage | Unified, scalable, secure, and performance-optimized solution for modern enterprise environments | Basic secure access, but lacks comprehensive security and performance features needed in dynamic, cloud-first organizations |
The advantages of SASE over VPN are manifold, offering enhanced security, reduced complexity, and cost efficiency. By integrating multiple security functions into a single platform, SASE provides a unified approach that enhances operational efficiency and simplifies network management. This comprehensive security framework is crucial for protecting against the escalating threats faced by organizations today.
SASE’s ability to scale and adapt to business needs further enhances its appeal. With simplified bundles and managed services available for smaller businesses, SASE offers a flexible and cost-effective solution for organizations of all sizes.
The following subsections will delve deeper into the specific benefits of SASE, including enhanced security, reduced complexity, and cost efficiency.
SASE employs a Zero Trust security model that continually verifies users and devices throughout their session, ensuring a higher level of security compared to traditional VPNs. Zero Trust Network Access (ZTNA) provides continuous verification and inspection capabilities, significantly improving threat detection and prevention.
Consolidating security functions like Secure Web Gateway (SWG), Cloud Access Security Broker (CASB), Firewall as a Service (FWaaS), and advanced threat protection, secure web gateways offer robust protection against cyber threats. The use of AI and ML features further enhances threat detection, providing a more proactive security posture.
Fidelis Elevate® offers integrated Zero Trust enforcement and advanced threat detection through its unified platform—combining network, endpoint, and deception capabilities to monitor, detect, and respond in real-time across hybrid and cloud environments.
SASE applies precise security policies directly to data as it moves across the network, ensuring the protect data of sensitive data. With visibility across data centers, headquarters, branches, remote locations, and clouds, SASE provides comprehensive security oversight, making it particularly beneficial for organizations with dispersed teams.
Before you choose between SASE and VPN, see how leading organizations gain an edge with Fidelis Elevate®, the open, active XDR platform that detects more, automates faster, and defends smarter.
What’s inside the brief:
SASE significantly reduces the complexity of network and security management by integrating various network and security functions into a single SASE platform. This centralized management approach allows organizations to efficiently manage security policies uniformly, reducing the administrative burdens associated with multiple point solutions.
Utilizing a cloud service-centric architecture, SASE minimizes the complexity associated with managing multiple security solutions, facilitating a smoother transition from traditional network security models to a more agile and adaptable approach with a SASE cloud service and cloud security.
The streamlined network governance offered by SASE reduces complexity, resulting in reduced administrative time and effort, enhancing overall service delivery.
SASE operates on a subscription-based model, offering flexibility in costs and reducing the need for significant capital expenditures on hardware and software licenses. This pay-as-you-go subscription framework allows organizations to scale their security solutions according to their needs, making it a cost-effective option.
The transition to SASE can lower infrastructure costs by consolidating networking and security functions into a single platform. This reduces long-term operational costs and enhances overall network performance, providing reliable access and improved efficiency for organizations.
SASE and VPN each have their own unique use cases, depending on the specific needs of an organization. SASE is particularly effective in supporting secure access for remote workers and hybrid work environments, addressing the unique challenges of security, scalability, and compliance. On the other hand, VPNs remain relevant for organizations with legacy systems that require secure remote access.
The following subsections will explore the specific use cases for SASE and VPN, highlighting how each solution can be effectively utilized to meet different organizational needs.
SASE is crucial for supporting secure access in hybrid work environments, where employees need to access applications and data from various locations. The unique architecture of SASE provides consistent secure access to applications from any location, ensuring that remote and hybrid users can work efficiently and securely.
By facilitating efficient resource mobile access corporate resources regardless of user location, cloud-based SASE solutions enhance the overall productivity and security of remote workers. SASE’s support for diverse device types ensures that security is maintained regardless of the user’s location or equipment, making it an ideal solution for organizations with a dispersed workforce.
Fidelis Halo® delivers secure access for hybrid and remote users by enforcing identity-aware policies and inspecting encrypted traffic, enabling Zero Trust across multi-cloud and remote environments without degrading performance.
The ability of SASE to provide uninterrupted and secure connections for remote workers accessing cloud services further enhances its suitability for hybrid workforces. This makes SASE a critical component in ensuring seamless and secure operations in today’s dynamic work environments.
VPNs continue to play a vital role in providing secure remote access for organizations with legacy systems. Remote access VPNs are especially suitable for individual users requiring access to outdated infrastructure, ensuring secure connectivity without compromising functionality.
Maintaining secure access to older technology, VPNs allow organizations to continue leveraging their legacy systems while ensuring data protection and network security. This makes VPNs a relevant and necessary solution for organizations that have not yet transitioned to more modern security frameworks.
Choosing between SASE and VPN depends on an organization’s specific requirements and future needs. Factors such as scalability, security capabilities, and the ability to adapt to emerging technologies play a crucial role in this decision. Organizations must carefully evaluate their current and future needs to determine which solution best aligns with their strategic goals.
Future-proofing is a critical consideration, as selecting a solution that can evolve alongside emerging technologies and business strategies ensures long-term viability and effectiveness. Assessing the scalability and adaptability of SASE and VPN solutions allows organizations to make informed decisions that support their growth and security objectives.
Transitioning to a SASE framework can present several implementation challenges that organizations must navigate to ensure a successful rollout. One of the primary challenges is evaluating the integration capabilities of SASE within existing IT frameworks. Organizations need to ensure that their current infrastructure can support the unified networking and security approach that SASE offers.
Another significant challenge is managing the integrating security of networking and security into a cohesive framework. This often requires overcoming architectural inconsistencies, as mismatched policies and enforcement can create security gaps. Additionally, the transition to SASE can be costly and time-consuming, particularly when replacing legacy systems that are deeply embedded into the organization’s operations.
Fidelis provides expert-led threat response and architectural consulting to support organizations transitioning from legacy systems to SASE, helping streamline integration while minimizing risks and downtime.
Collaboration among security teams, network, and IT teams is crucial for successful SASE implementation. However, many organizations encounter operational silos and skill gaps that hinder this collaboration. Ensuring compliance with regulatory requirements across different regions and accommodating increasing network traffic during scaling are other key components that need careful management.
Secure Access Service Edge (SASE) offers a modern, integrated approach to network security that addresses the limitations of traditional VPNs. With its cloud-native architecture, Zero Trust security model, and comprehensive security services, SASE provides enhanced security, reduced complexity, and cost efficiency. These benefits make SASE a compelling choice for organizations looking to secure their network in an increasingly digital and remote work environment.
While SASE presents several advantages, it also comes with its own set of implementation challenges. Organizations must carefully evaluate their current infrastructure, future needs, and the collaboration capabilities of their IT teams to ensure a successful transition. By understanding the key differences, benefits, and use cases of SASE and VPN, organizations can make informed decisions that align with their strategic goals and enhance their overall network security posture.
SASE offers superior performance and reduced latency compared to traditional VPNs by utilizing SD-WAN technology for optimized traffic flow and real-time connection management. This results in a smoother and faster user experience.
SASE is particularly suitable for hybrid workforces because it offers secure and consistent access to applications from any location, efficiently supporting remote users. Its cloud-based framework ensures uninterrupted and secure connections for those accessing cloud services, making it a perfect fit for such work environments.
Organizations often face challenges such as evaluating integration capabilities, managing the convergence of networking and security, and architectural inconsistencies. Furthermore, the transition can be costly and time-consuming, necessitating careful attention to compliance with regulatory requirements.
See Fidelis in action. Learn how our fast and scalable platforms provide full visibility, deep insights, and rapid response to help security teams across the World protect, detect, respond, and neutralize advanced cyber adversaries.