The 6 SASE Myths that might catch you out

Solutions

SASE, or Secure Access Service Edge to use the full name, could potentially revolutionise your network security and connectivity, but like all emerging technologies there’s a lot of noise around it that is not necessarily helpful.

So we thought it might be useful to debunk a few of the myths before you explore a SASE deployment for your organisation.

Defining what SASE is and why you might want to adopt it

Before we get into the myths, let’s briefly explain what SASE is.

SASE combines SD-WAN capabilities with comprehensive security functions like Secure Web Gateway (SWG), Cloud Access Security Broker (CASB), Firewall as a Service (FWaaS), and Zero Trust Network Access (ZTNA) into a unified, cloud-native platform.

In doing that, SASE enables you to scale as your business evolves, optimising the user experience with faster, more secure connectivity from any device, anywhere. It helps you to securely connect people, things and applications, whilst simplifying the overall management experience for your IT and support teams.

THE MYTHS

1: SASE is just SD-WAN with bells on

In the early days, many SD-WAN solutions with basic security features marketed themselves as “SASE” – you may well have deployed these – but this was just hype that regrettably has a lingering legacy.

SASE is not a single product; it is a revolutionary new approach. Rather than bolting security solutions onto existing network infrastructure like SD-WAN, SASE combines role-based security with scalable networking into a single, manageable service. Your SD-WAN with its marketed SASE capability may well be a part of that, but it will only be one part.

2: SASE only works in the cloud

The emphasis on “cloud-native” could make you think that SASE is only for cloud-first organisations, but in reality, the cloud-native approach is designed to enhance hybrid environments.

True, SASE leverages cloud-native architecture, but it’s designed to be deployment-agnostic and highly flexible. This could include cloud infrastructure, on-premises data centres, legacy systems, and edge computing environments.

SASE can handle direct inter-office traffic, secure connections to legacy data centres, and IoT devices across various locations. The goal is to provide consistent security and performance, regardless of where your resources are hosted or where your users are connecting from.

3: SASE supersedes the need for high-performance connectivity

The “as-a-service” nature of SASE could lead you to think that it is a solution for networking, but in truth SASE solutions are only as good as the underlying network connections that support them.

High-performance, reliable connectivity remains absolutely critical.

SASE flexibility means it will operate in any environment. High-reliability backbone networks, MPLS connections, broadband internet, or mobile connectivity solutions are all fine, as long as the quality of these connections are sound.

To make the most of any SASE implementation you will definitely want to take a look at your connectivity strategies and ensure they are capable of maximising SASE performance, so you can enjoy all the advantages you are expecting.

4: SASE automatically delivers Zero Trust security

People often talk about Zero Trust as a key SASE benefit but the reality is that deploying a SASE solution doesn’t automatically create a Zero Trust security posture.

SASE, as a technology platform, is the foundation, and makes Zero Trust easier to deploy and manage, but you still need to apply the principles across user roles, device types, application access patterns, and policies. Different types of users (employees, contractors, IoT devices) and unique organisational environments will also require specialised approaches to avoid security gaps.

Effective Zero Trust implementation through SASE then requires continuous monitoring, policy refinement, and adaptation to changing business needs. It’s an ongoing process, not a one-time deployment, but SASE makes it easier to attain – and maintain – across your enterprise.

5: SASE completely eradicates management complexity

The promise of “single pane of glass” management can overshadow the reality that complex networks require sophisticated management, regardless of the underlying architecture.

While SASE aims to simplify network management by consolidating multiple functions into a single platform, SASE will still require significant customisation, ongoing fine-tuning, and deep expertise to meet your specific organisational needs.

The complexity shifts from managing multiple point solutions to optimising a comprehensive platform. That can definitely simplify the process – but it still requires the right expertise.

6: SASE is a one-off deployment

If you are building a brand-new enterprise network you would undoubtedly start with SASE as a ground-up strategy, but very few of us have that luxury.

You probably have a broad range of legacy systems and applications. You may have multiple physical premises and a burgeoning collection of IoT devices on your network. You will undoubtedly have hybrid working practices to support, and diverse user- experiences for workers, customers and suppliers. How can you apply SASE across all that?

Best practice is to think of SASE as a journey. Prioritise your objectives and then start to deploy SASE in phases, perhaps starting with specific use cases or user groups before expanding organisation-wide.

As with any transformative technology, success with SASE comes down to matching the right solution to your specific needs, implementing it properly, and managing it effectively over time. When done right, SASE will deliver on its promise of more secure, agile, and manageable network infrastructure. What’s more it will continue to do so for years to come, regardless of how your organisation adapts and changes.