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Secure Access Service Edge - SASE: Modernising Network Security

The convergence of network perimeters

 

Remote working, an expanding international footprint and increased use of cloud as well as Software as a Service (SaaS) solutions have become today’s new normal for most companies. All this introduces challenges in securing data in transit over the public internet while offering seamless connectivity. Secure Access Service Edge (SASE) is a comprehensive approach to addressing these challenges effectively, transforming the IT network infrastructure of many companies.

How long can legacy perimeter systems remain relevant?

 

The threat landscape has been evolving at a rapid rate over the past decade and attackers have demonstrated their ability to ingeniously circumvent security measures and exploit vulnerabilities in organisations’ network infrastructures. Meanwhile, security professionals have put considerable effort into remediating gaps in their legacy systems. Traditional architectures have incorporated numerous security concepts over the years, but this has also made them increasingly complex to manage. Have we reached a breaking point?

At many companies in Switzerland and globally such a point has indeed been reached. The wide adoption of cloud-based applications and the emergence of a hybrid workforce have fundamentally altered our operational methods, necessitating a strategic shift in network security approaches. With the boundaries between the corporate network and public networks blurred, SASE brings substantial benefits that can help organisations strengthen access to their applications and workloads.

Secure Access Service Edge (SASE) enables organisations by addressing rapidly shifting business requirements. It offers:

  • Secure remote access: Provides safe access to corporate resources from any location, eliminating the need for traditional VPNs.
  • Seamless user experience: Integrates security and networking to optimise performance and minimise latency for cloud applications.
  • Continuous authentication: Utilises a Zero Trust model to verify users and devices in real-time, enhancing security.
  • Context-aware access: Grants access based on identity, device status, and contextual factors, ensuring compliance with security policies.
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Common secure access related challenges in companies

 

Through our work with clients in Switzerland and across the globe, we've identified recurring security challenges connected with secure access:

  • Challenge: With the widespread shift to remote work, ensuring secure access to corporate resources is a major concern. Traditional VPNs often have latency, limited scalability, and sometimes provide more access than necessary, increasing security risks. 

    • Example: We support clients in designing SASE architectures that replace traditional VPNs with direct, secure access pathways. This approach reduces latency and bottlenecks, enhancing connectivity while enforcing a consistent security posture tailored to remote work requirements.
  • Challenge: Managing security in complex IT environments is challenging when control is fragmented across different systems. This fragmentation can lead to delayed threat detection and inconsistent policy enforcement, exposing organisations to risks such as phishing, malware, and insider threats.

    • Example: We implemented a unified SASE framework that integrates secure web gateways, cloud access security brokers, and zero-trust network access. This provides centralised control, real-time threat monitoring, and consistent enforcement of security policies across all user devices and networks.
  • Challenge: Organisations often operate across hybrid environments that span on-premises infrastructure, cloud services, and remote access. Ensuring consistent security policies and compliance across these diverse environments is a significant challenge that can lead to potential security gaps and vulnerabilities.

    • Example: We support clients with SASE integration to unify security policies across hybrid environments. By consolidating network and security functions, clients achieve seamless policy enforcement, reducing complexity and ensuring a unified security posture across on-premises, cloud, and remote locations.

  • Challenge: As organisations expand, they need scalable security solutions that can grow with them. Traditional security infrastructures often require costly and time-consuming upgrades to support new users, devices, and applications, which can slow down digital transformation efforts.

    • Example: After an implementation clients benefit from cloud-native SASE architectures that provide the flexibility to scale quickly and cost-effectively. SASE solutions are deployed to adapt to evolving needs, ensuring security infrastructure grows in line with business demands without the need for significant hardware investments.

  • Challenge: Enhancing security without compromising network performance is a delicate balance. Traditional models that route traffic through centralised data centers can introduce latency, affecting the performance of critical cloud applications and services, particularly for remote and distributed users.

    • Example: Clients experience optimised network performance and reduced latency by leveraging SASE's global Points of Presence (PoPs). This approach establishes direct, secure connections between users and applications, improving access speeds and user experience while maintaining strong security controls.
  • Challenge: Managing a mix of separate security and networking solutions can lead to increased costs, complexity, and inefficiency. Multiple point solutions require dedicated resources for management and maintenance, resulting in higher operational overhead.

    • Example: Clients achieve cost savings by consolidating networking and security functions into a single SASE platform. This consolidation reduces the need for multiple security products, lowering hardware, maintenance, and operational expenses while providing comprehensive protection through a unified approach.

How can Deloitte help?

 

Deloitte’s secure digital transformation services provide comprehensive coverage across all security aspects of digital transformation—from advisory to implementation and ongoing operational support. Leveraging deep expertise in SASE implementations, along with strong partnerships with leading technology providers, Deloitte helps organisations secure their cloud and hybrid environments holistically.

By partnering with Deloitte, you gain not only access to expert advice but also seamless end-to-end implementation and operational services. We ensure your transformation journey is secure, scalable, and optimised for success in the digital age.

Reto Haeni

Partner
+41 79 345 01 24

Ashish Gupta

Director
+41 79 898 90 32

Guy Florian Seka

Senior Manager
+41 58 279 89 40

Marc Beierschoder

AI & Data lead Partner
+41 58 279 6778

Jan Seffinga

Partner
+41 58 279 6928

Hannah Hayward

Partner, CIO Programme Chair
+41 58 279 6175

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