SASE vs. traditional network security: Which one is right for your business?

As organisations keep relying on cloud services and remote workforces more day by day, understanding the right security model is important for protecting digital assets.

Traditional network security, with its perimeter-based approach, is struggling to keep pace with the dynamic needs of modern businesses. On the other hand, SASE (Secure Access Service Edge) offers a more flexible, integrated solution that adapts to the distributed nature of today’s networks.

This article will critically analyse the differences between these two security models, helping you determine which is best suited for your organisation’s needs. Keep reading!

What is SASE?

Secure Access Service Edge (SASE) is a modern approach to network security that combines both security and networking functions into a cloud-based service. This model eliminates the need for a fixed security perimeter, making it suitable for increasingly distributed work environments.

With SASE, organisations can secure access to data and applications from anywhere, on any device, while ensuring that their digital assets are safeguarded against cyber threats.

SASE integrates various security services, such as firewalls, secure web gateways, and Zero Trust Network Access (ZTNA), into one platform. This unified approach simplifies security management and improves the overall security posture of the organisation.

By using cloud-native infrastructure and automation, SASE offers real-time threat intelligence, automated updates, and adaptable security policies, allowing businesses to respond quickly to emerging threats.

What is traditional network security?

Traditional network security relies on a perimeter-based model, where organisations protect their internal networks using firewalls and other security appliances. This approach creates a fortified boundary that is meant to defend against external threats. While effective in many cases, traditional security has struggled to adapt to the changes brought about by cloud computing and the rise of remote work.

In traditional models, security measures often include separate systems for different functions, such as Virtual Private Networks (VPNs) for remote access and various hardware solutions for firewall protection. This results in a complex security architecture that can be challenging to manage and also leads to inefficiencies.

Moreover, as businesses expand their operations beyond fixed locations, the limitations of perimeter-based security become clear. Users accessing company resources from remote locations or using personal devices can bypass traditional security measures, leaving organisations vulnerable to attacks.

Differences between SASE and traditional network security

Now that you have a good understanding of each security architecture, let’s look at the differences between SASE vs traditional network security:

1. Location of security perimeter

Traditional network security focuses on a defined boundary, typically around your corporate data centre. This means all users must connect through secure methods, like Virtual Private Networks (VPNs), to access resources. However, many employees do not follow this protocol when working remotely, which creates security gaps.

In contrast, SASE adopts a decentralised approach. It offers secure access from any location, allowing users to connect directly to applications and data without needing a defined perimeter. This flexibility is essential for modern businesses that embrace remote work and cloud services.

2. Network architecture

SASE integrates network connectivity and security services into a single cloud platform. This allows for better management and visibility across your entire network. Traditional security, however, relies on a complex setup that requires users to connect through VPNs or proxies to access corporate resources. This setup can slow down performance and complicate security measures.

With SASE, security protocols are executed at the nearest Point of Presence (PoP), enhancing efficiency and speed. In traditional models, traffic must return to a central server for inspection, which is often less effective.

3. Security services

SASE combines various security functions, like firewalls and data loss prevention, into one cloud-based service. This integration simplifies the management of your security framework. 

Traditional network security often requires multiple, separate solutions for different needs, which can increase complexity and costs. By using SASE, you streamline your security operations, making it easier to protect users and data regardless of their location.

4. Authentication

SASE uses identity and context-based policies for authentication. This means access is granted based on who you are and the context of your request, ensuring only authorised users can access sensitive data. Traditional security methods often rely on rigid rules that do not consider the specific situation of users or devices, which can lead to inefficiencies.

SASE adopts a zero-trust model, where no user or device is automatically trusted. Every access request is validated, improving security for remote workers and distributed systems.

5. Flexibility

SASE provides greater flexibility compared to traditional security models. Since it operates in the cloud, it easily adapts to changing business needs. You can scale your security services up or down without the need for physical hardware.

Traditional models, in contrast, often involve on-premises equipment that can be difficult and costly to manage. This flexibility allows you to implement and manage security measures more efficiently.

6. Scalability

With traditional network security, scaling up can be a complicated and expensive process. Adding new users or applications often requires significant investment in hardware and software.

SASE, however, is designed to be scalable. It adjusts to your organisation's needs, allowing you to respond quickly to changing circumstances. This capability is essential for businesses facing a rapidly evolving threat landscape.

7. Cost model

SASE offers significant cost savings over traditional security solutions. Because it combines multiple security functions into a single cloud service, you can reduce the number of physical devices and their maintenance costs. Traditional security approaches often involve high capital and operational expenses due to the need for numerous separate systems.

By adopting SASE, you shift costs from capital expenditures (upfront costs for physical assets) to operational expenditures (ongoing costs), making budgeting more predictable.

Which one is right for your business?

While traditional security methods have relied heavily on a perimeter-based strategy, they struggle to keep pace with the demands of cloud computing and remote work. As businesses expand beyond conventional boundaries, the limitations of legacy systems become increasingly evident.

SASE offers a dynamic, user-centric approach that integrates network and security functions into a unified cloud-based service. This flexibility allows organisations to secure their digital assets effectively, ensuring consistent protection across all users and devices.

Additionally, its ability to adapt to the rapidly changing security landscape positions SASE as a future-proof solution that addresses the needs of a distributed workforce.

Conclusion

Ultimately, choosing between SASE and traditional network security comes down to aligning security strategies with business goals. For those looking to implement a more agile and comprehensive approach to cybersecurity, SASE represents a significant opportunity to enhance protection and streamline operations in an increasingly complex digital environment. 

Tata Communications offers a complete SASE portfolio, including both managed and hosted SASE solutions designed to address your specific needs. Our Managed SASE solution ensures seamless deployment with expert-led assessments, AI-powered management, and a modular approach that provides flexibility and scalability.

By choosing Tata Communications, you gain access to over 1,000 certified SASE experts worldwide, industry-leading technologies, and a solution that offers 25%+ TCO reduction, 99.8% first-time-right deployment, and 95% fault resolution within 6 minutes. Explore how our Managed SASE solutions can help your business achieve a streamlined and secure digital transformation. Contact us today to schedule a conversation and learn how Tata Communications can empower your SASE journey.