Safeguarding Tomorrow: Seamlessly Embrace SASE Framework for a Resilient Transition from Legacy Proxies
Introduction
In the dynamic realm of modern cybersecurity, the imperative is clear - organizations must adopt advanced solutions to adeptly safeguard their data. While traditional security measures, like on-premises proxies, have played a role, they now fall short in the face of ever-evolving cyber threats, the wide usage of cloud applications and the democratization of remote working. This is where the Secure Access Service Edge (SASE) framework, particularly the Secure Service Edge (SSE) stack, emerges as a game-changer.
As cybersecurity professionals at Thales, we know how to deliver SASE security solutions. In this article, we will discuss about the journey of transitioning from an aging on-premises proxy to a modern SASE-friendly security device. We explore why this shift is primordial for enhancing your organization's security posture and productivity.
Understanding the SASE framework and its Advantages over Legacy Proxies
The first pillar of the SASE framework is the SSE stack. It focusses on the security enforcement applied on all internet flows. It has key elements like:
▪️ Secure Web Gateways (SWG)
▪️ Zero Trust Network Access (ZTNA)
▪️ Data Loss Prevention (DLP)
▪️ Cloud Access Security Broker (CASB)
The second pillar is the SASE framework, known as the Connectivity pillar, addresses the dynamic connectivity needs crucial for a modern, dispersed workforce. It includes :
▪️ Software-Defined Wide Area Networking (SD-WAN)
▪️ Secure Internet Access (SIA)
▪️ WAN Optimization
▪️ Identity-Defined Perimeter (IDP)
Let's delve into the advantages the SASE stack offers over traditional on-premises proxies:
▪️ Enhanced Security: Leveraging cloud-native technologies, SSE delivers superior protection against advanced cyber threats, ensuring resilience in the face of evolving dangers. For example, you will be able to block certain activity or certain cloud instances (a non-corporate instance of OneDrive for instance).
▪️ Improved Performance: Unlike legacy proxies introducing latency due to the monolithic approach, SASE solutions optimize performance and minimize latency for users across the globe, thanks to a global network of points of presence (PoPs).
▪️ Scalability: Scalability is inherent in SSE since all solutions are cloud-based. They are allowing seamless adaptation to change network demands, ensuring your security infrastructure evolves with organizational growth.
▪️ Simplified Management: SSE solutions come equipped with intuitive dashboards and centralized management capabilities, simplifying policy configuration, network traffic monitoring, and effective response to security incidents.
The 4-Stage Migration Process
Migrating from an old proxy to a new SASE solution may seem daunting, but with our expertise and by breaking it down into four stages, it simplifies the process:
▪️ Deploy: Initiative the migration by deploying the solution alongside your existing proxy infrastructure, ensuring a smooth transition and coexistence of both systems.
▪️ Activate: After deployment, activate essential security features such as SWG, CASB and DLP. Customize security policies to gradually phase out old proxy functionalities.
▪️ Adopt: Successful migration depends on user adoption. By adopting a SASE solution, you will block less but block better. It will reduce any attempt to bypass the proxy and increase productivity.
▪️ Improve: Continuously assess security policies, utilizing analytics features and reporting capabilities to optimize and refine, enhancing your organization's security posture.
Migration Points of Attention
Throughout the migration, pay close attention to key areas:
▪️ Native Applications: Some Native applications have their own certificate embedded. For those applications we recommend bypassing the SSL decryption to not break the chain of trust.
▪️ Sensitive Data Flows: Identify sensitive data flows or category and you can choose to not decrypt them or bypass them.
Conclusion
Migrating from an outdated on-premises proxy to a SASE solution is a strategic move towards fortifying your organization's cybersecurity posture.
At Thales, we are committed to facilitating a seamless transition to the SSE stack. By addressing considerations related to native applications and sensitive data flows, we ensure a successful and minimally disruptive migration, ensuring maximum security.
Embark on your journey towards a secure SASE framework with Thales. Reach out to us, and let's create a brighter and more secure digital future for your organization.
Author
Pierre Gouth
