As SASE deployments grow in popularity, there are still some common misconceptions about what it does and who it’s for.
Isn’t SASE Just a VPN in the Cloud?
No. SASE and VPNs take different approaches to access. A VPN creates an encrypted tunnel that puts the user on the network. VPNs grant broad access without continuous verification.
SASE enforces zero trust by limiting access to specific apps and by continuously verifying identity and context. Unlike VPN, SASE automatically includes a full security stack to grant secure remote access.
Doesn’t Adopting SASE Mean Giving Up Other Security Tools?
SASE doesn’t require a rip and replace approach. Many enterprises implement a phased SASE rollout where they adopt SSE before adding SD-WAN. This approach is a great opportunity to integrate SASE with existing security tools like endpoint detection and response.
SASE proposes an ideal end state for an organization’s architecture. It doesn’t require that you abandon your existing security tools.
Doesn’t SASE Just Add Security to SD-WAN?
SD-WAN optimizes networking, but it doesn’t include a native security stack.
Enterprises that use SD-WAN still need firewalls, secure web gateways, or backhauling for traffic inspection. SASE provides a single pane of glass view into networking and security, which SD-WAN alone can’t provide.
Isn’t SASE Unnecessary for Smaller Organizations?
Large enterprises pioneered SASE adoption, but they’re not the only organizations that benefit from SASE. Without SASE, smaller organizations can’t get the networking optimization or security they need to drive digital transformation.
Because SASE is a cloud-delivered service, it’s easier for small IT teams to adopt. SASE doesn’t require the capital investment or staffing needed to maintain physical appliances.
Doesn’t SASE Eliminate All Security Risks?
SASE reduces the attack surface and consistently applies security policy, but it’s not a guarantee of complete security. SASE must be configured correctly, and security teams must implement strong identity and access policies with continuous monitoring in order to gain the full benefit of SASE.
Aren’t SASE, SD-WAN, SSE, ZTNA, and VPN All the Same?
SASE, SD-WAN, SSE, and other security models each have different deployment focuses, benefits, and ideal implementation scenarios. Comparing these technologies helps clear up where SASE fits in the broader networking and security landscape.
