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About

Sassy SASE

Tarryn Maarschalk, Head of Cloud and Security Solutions at Echo Service Provider (Echo)
Sassy SASE.
Sassy SASE.

Perhaps the superhero we all need?

In a world where cyber threats loom like supervillains, every organisation needs a superhero to protect its operations. Enter SASE (pronounced sassy) – the secure access service edge that will soon be the talking point hanging on everyone’s lips!

This cloud-based security model is here to save the day, offering a slew of benefits that make it a force to be reckoned with in the cyber security universe.

SASE’s simplified awesomeness is like a breath of fresh air in the world of cyber security. It simplifies network security and provides a unified solution that combines network security and wide-area networking into one, neat, cloud-based package. Forget about deploying an army of point products, managing different vendors and deciphering complicated set-ups. SASE swoops in to save you from all that chaos.

Zero trust network access (ZTNA) and traditional virtual private networks (VPNs) have tried to don the cape, but they lack SASE's agility and versatility. SASE brings together networking and security, making it a formidable adversary.

SASE is not a new concept, but it is certainly gaining some fantastic traction. No longer just for large enterprises, the cost-effectiveness and ease of use make this masked hero a fit for small and medium enterprises (SMEs) too. With remote work remaining prevalent, this reliable framework ensures secure access from anywhere in the world.

While SASE is a superhero in its own right, it's essential to consider a few things before letting it loose to save the day! Any good hero needs a dependable sidekick (insert your trusty service provider here) and must outwit the villains to remain relevant. Here are some things you need to think about before claiming world peace.

Cost: SASE isn't free, but it does offer cost savings through the elimination of hardware and the reduction of operational expenses. Consider your budget and risks and weigh them up against the benefits.

Integration: Ensure SASE fits seamlessly into your existing infrastructure. You don't want it to clash with your other tools like oil and water.

Bandwidth: SASE relies heavily on internet connectivity, so make sure your bandwidth can handle the increased traffic.

Training: Your team might need some training to master this new tool. Don't worry, SASE is user-friendly and the learning curve isn't too steep.

Hang on… there is always a plot twist, right… So, what is it really, and why SASE?

This architectural framework really is that good. SASE combines software-defined WAN (SD-WAN), cloud access security broker (CASB), NGFW and firewall as a service (FWaaS), zero trust network access (ZTNA) and secure web gateways (SWG). SASE is a shapeshifter, adapting to your organisation's evolving needs. You can add or remove services, scale up or down and change policies with ease. It guards your data and users, even more so with a trusty sidekick's help.

Say goodbye to those bulky on-premises appliances – tin huggers move aside. SASE operates in the cloud, which means automatic updates and real-time threat protection. It is as a service, simple to use and lightning fast too.

SASE also slashes your operational costs, reducing the need for hardware, maintenance and support.

The best part: employees, no matter where they are, enjoy a seamless and secure connection, boosting productivity and morale (happy citizens = happy city).

This superhero is here to stay; as your organisation grows, SASE grows with you. No need to replace it with a more potent superhero.

In a nutshell, be on the lookout for more and more people talking about SASE. SASE truly is the superhero of network security, armed with simplicity, flexibility and the power to protect your organisation from cyber threats.

While it may not wear an actual cape, it brings unparalleled benefits to the table, making it the preferred choice for businesses of all sizes. So, if you want to keep your network safe and your IT team smiling, let SASE come to the rescue. Don't wait for the Clark Kent-Signal; SASE is here to save the day!

To end off, I’d like to use the words of Batman: "It's not who I am underneath, but what I do that defines me." 

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