With hybrid workforces and cloud-based operations now the norm, the conventional hardware-based approach to network security is ready for a fresh look. Legacy firewalls and VPNs – designed for static office environments – are not equipped to meet the needs of today’s mobile landscape. Meanwhile, security threats are more pervasive than ever, increasing the pressure on businesses to protect users and data wherever they live.
In this article, we break down the key differences between traditional firewall-based security and next-gen, cloud-native security models like SASE, as well as highlight potential use cases for modern workforces looking for a security approach that protects the expanding network edge.
Traditional Firewalls: Understanding the Basics (and their Limitations)
A firewall is a network security system that monitors and controls traffic entering and leaving the corporate network. Traditional network security models require the installation and configuration of a physical firewall device at an office location or other site to establish a barrier between the corporate network and the outside world.
Common limitations of traditional firewalls:
- Requires the purchase of expensive physical hardware which is often a barrier to entry for SMBs and results in significant capital outlays
- Built to protect the physical network perimeter, which is less prevalent in today’s hybrid workforce model
- Not designed to provide security for remote users
- Scalability is limited to what can be supported by the physical device, potentially leading to performance issues or frequent upgrade cycles
- Requires firmware upgrades and routine maintenance which could require an on-site presence at times
What is SASE? Explaining Secure Access Service Edge
SASE, or Secure Access Service Edge, is a solution that integrates networking and security services under one unified solution. Originally coined by Gartner, SASE was introduced in the wake of dramatic cloud adoption and the need for a modern approach to security that extends protection beyond the traditional office or data center and across the broader network edge.
Typical features of a SASE solution include:
- Cloud-based firewall or firewall-as-a-service (FWaaS)
- Software-defined perimeter (SDP) or SD-WAN capabilities
- Zero Trust Network Access (ZTNA)
- Secure Web Gateway (SWG)
- Global connectivity through multiple points of presence (PoPs)
- Cloud-based virtual private networking (VPN)
Key Differences: SASE vs. Traditional Firewalls
Determining the best network security approach for your organization will likely come down to several factors, including your unique security needs, budget and user footprint. Here’s a general breakdown of how physical firewall models and SASE solutions compare on key criteria.
| |
Traditional Hardware Firewall
|
SASE or Cloud-Native Firewall
|
| Deployment Model |
On-premise hardware appliance required |
Cloud-native, agent-based model |
| Remote Access |
SSL VPN with static tunneling |
Zero trust access with identity and device validation |
| Security Architecture |
Centralized, location-based perimeter |
Decentralized, user/device-based security |
| User Experience |
Required manual VPN logins |
Always-on connectivity is built-in |
| Scalability |
Limited to physical infrastructure and hardware capacity |
Easily scale across users, locations and devices |
| Cost Model |
High CapEx for necessary hardware purchase |
Predictable OpEx, no physical firewall device needed |
Common SASE Use Cases for Flexible Network Security
While each organization’s use case is different, there are several common scenarios in which a SASE model may be beneficial.
- You have a growing remote/hybrid workforce. SASE is inherently flexible and delivers secure access for users whether they are in-office, fully remote or have hybrid schedules.
- You’re moving applications to the cloud or SaaS. If your IT infrastructure is mostly comprised of cloud resources, storage and applications, SASE may be a better fit than an on-site firewall.
- You want to eliminate or avoid expensive firewall hardware. Already have physical firewalls but want to reduce your capital expenditures? Depending on your on-site needs, SASE could offer an affordable alternative.
- You’re seeking stronger access control without manual VPNs. Because SASE is agent-based and always on, users don’t need to log in and out of a VPN client every day, leading to greater productivity and a more enjoyable user experience.
- You need a security solution that scales without complexity. Growth-oriented companies can easily outgrow their on-site firewall hardware over time; SASE offers simple deployment and management for organizations planning to scale rapidly.
