With more and more business operations shifting to cloud computing, companies are now reconsidering their approach to network security. Although firewalls still play an essential role in ensuring the safety of the company’s network, businesses also require security solutions capable of securing remote users and cloud-based applications.
Understanding the difference between SASE vs firewall security models can help businesses make more informed decisions about their network protection strategy. Both technologies play an important role in controlling access and securing it; however, they use a different approach to connectivity and security in the modern world. This paper will describe what SASE is, how it differs from the firewall, and where its applicability lies.
What Is a Firewall?
A firewall is a form of security control that examines the traffic passing through it according to certain criteria. The traffic might be allowed, rejected or analyzed based on criteria including IP addresses, ports, protocols, applications and security policy.
Traditional firewalls are usually used at network boundaries, for instance where a network interfaces with the internet. Next generation firewalls have features such as application recognition, intrusion prevention and web filtering.
While firewalls continue to be crucial in terms of controlling traffic and securing networks, servers, applications and endpoints, they may not be sufficient in addressing all needs due to remote users, cloud applications and distributed infrastructure.
What Is SASE?
SASE is an overarching architecture that integrates both networking and security functionalities via a cloud-based delivery approach. SASE provides for secure connectivity between users, devices, applications, and resources irrespective of their locations.
SD-WAN, secure web gateways, cloud access security brokers, firewall-as-a-service, and zero trust network access can be integrated under the umbrella of SASE. This may result in less technology sprawl.
For a comprehensive understanding, SASE vs Firewall highlights SASE functioning and security services provided by SASE.
SASE vs Firewall: Key Differences
The simplest method to differentiate between SASE and Firewall is to understand that while the firewall is a security technology, SASE is a methodology. The firewall, in fact, can also become a part of the SASE framework, especially in cases where firewall functionality is delivered as a cloud service.
Key differences:
| Factor | Firewall | SASE |
| Primary role | Controls and inspects network traffic | Combines networking and security |
| Deployment | Hardware, virtual, or cloud-based | Primarily cloud-delivered |
| Security boundary | Often network or site focused | User, device, application, and edge focused |
| Remote access | May require additional technologies | Designed for distributed access |
| Networking | Primarily security focused | Combines security with networking |
| Zero trust | Can support zero-trust controls | Commonly incorporates ZTNA |
| Management | May involve multiple appliances | Can centralize networking and security |
| Scalability | May require additional infrastructure | Designed to scale through cloud services |
Does SASE Replace a Firewall?
This does not have to be the case necessarily. This is a key consideration when considering the comparison between SASE and Firewall. SASE does not imply getting rid of all firewalls. It can include firewall capabilities within the overall framework.
For instance, firewall as a service would offer cloud-delivered traffic inspection, whereas SASE would include identity-based access, secure web access, cloud application controls, and zero trust network access.
It all comes down to the environment. A static organization operating from its office location and having no or minimal cloud presence would find firewall solutions very useful.
Why Traditional Network Security Is Changing
Perhaps the most significant difference is the placement of both the users and the resources. While companies used to be able to manage traffic and apply security measures at a single data center, this approach is not always the best in today’s world where people working for an organization use cloud apps from different locations.
Today, companies should take into account:
- Users who access resources from remote and hybrid locations.
- Cloud and SaaS apps that reside outside the corporate network.
- Unmanaged personal devices which can also connect to business resources.
- Distributed branch locations where there is a need to apply unified security policies.
This means that the perimeter becomes less effective when it comes to security, and the controls will have to track users, their devices, applications and data. Zero trust also changes the dialogue as the security measures will no longer be based on network but rather on user authentication and verification.
According to NIST, zero trust is a move away from the static network-based perimeters to protecting users, assets, and resources.
How SASE Supports Modern Access
SASE architecture is based on the principle of mobility and flexibility because users and applications can exist almost anywhere. It makes it possible to enforce policies much nearer to the users and destinations rather than force traffic through the central location.
It could be a good solution for organizations having a hybrid workforce, branch offices, cloud workloads, and lots of SaaS. The organization can take a more centralized way to manage access and security policies.
SASE can also provide consistency in enforcing policies in the head office, home office, or branch locations. SASE and other modern network access technologies have been recommended by CISA.
When a Firewall May Be Enough
A firewall is still a suitable option if there is some centralization within the organization and network boundaries are well defined. There might be no immediate need to have a SASE strategy for a business that uses mostly on-premise apps and whose employees work out of its offices.
A firewall can secure network segments, manage traffic, monitor connections, and enforce security policies.
Nevertheless, it is advisable to analyze if there is a proper fit between the business architecture and the way people work and the location of the applications.
When SASE Makes More Sense
SASE becomes useful where consistent security for the users and devices becomes necessary from multiple locations. It will be useful for organizations having hybrid workforce, branch offices, use of software-as-a-service, cloud workload or even modernization of remote access.
With cloud-delivered services, the policies can be enforced closer to the user and destination, making the traditional perimeter less dependent. With SASE, the networking and security can be managed together.
It should not be taken as yet another security tool but as an architecture which can help in supporting the existing operations along with being flexible to changes in users, applications and infrastructure.
How Should Businesses Choose?
The question about the winner between SASE and Firewall is not applicable on a global level since different companies have different needs when it comes to the security architecture that should be implemented.
A company should look at:
- Present infrastructure – where the applications, users, and data are stored;
- How employees, partners, and customers connect to the network;
- What security threats currently exist in terms of remote access, cloud visibility, identity, and application security;
- If the use of multiple security tools complicates management;
- The future vision of a business in terms of cloud adoption, hybrid model of work, and branches.
In this way, it will be possible to avoid choosing just a technology because it is more recent.
Conclusion
The debate between SASE and Firewall is not really which technology is better but rather the application of each technology. A firewall is useful for traffic management and network security. SASE, on the other hand, has a different perspective that sees networking and security together.
SASE may be applied to cloud-based and hybrid operations for the purpose of security beyond the perimeter concept. Firewalls are important controls that can be included in the SASE strategy.
The correct decision depends on understanding the existing situation and what the future holds. Through analysis of users, applications, access methods, infrastructure, and processes, better security can be attained without making things too complicated.
FAQs
1. Is SASE the same as a firewall?
Not really. Firewalls are a type of security technology used for controlling network traffic. However, SASE is an architectural framework that could have firewalls and other networking capabilities included within it.
2. Can SASE work with an existing firewall?
Yes. SASE can be used in combination with firewalls by organizations, particularly when they are implementing the modernization process in phases. The actual configuration will depend upon enforcement location and connectivity of users, applications, and traffic.
3. Is SASE better for remote workers?
The SASE model will help ensure that distributed users receive security and access control via cloud services. This way, it is possible to offer higher levels of security for users accessing cloud, internet, and private applications from different places.
4. Should a small business move from a firewall to SASE?
No, not necessarily. A small business will need to evaluate its end-users, applications, cloud usage, remote access, and current security posture. While SASE might prove useful in a more distributed environment, a good firewall might still suffice for a more straightforward network setup.
