Cloud computing has brought widespread change to the business world, creating global virtual networks of an unprecedented scale.
Nevertheless, as business networks become larger, more complex and more cloud-centric with multiple applications, services and devices, they also become more susceptible to vulnerabilities.
Enterprises need to ensure that their network security can keep up with the pace of cloud growth. Threats to business networks are only going to become more prevalent, and enterprises need to find new networking solutions that can optimise their cloud strategies, without sacrificing security.
One of the most popular models is software-defined wide-area networking (SD-WAN). SD-WAN has been adopted by millions of enterprises around the world, with the global market expected to grow from a current value of $3.4 billion to $13.7 billion by 2027, according to Markets and Markets.
Many are adopting SD-WAN due to its flexibility, reliability, efficiency, and performance compared to traditional networking methods. SD WAN is a virtual overlay network that enables enterprises to easily scale their cloud capabilities across multiple aspects of their business, without the hassle of implementing physical infrastructure.
Taking a step further, there is Secure Access Service Edge (SASE), a cloud-based security framework that brings together SD-WAN, security, and remote access into a unified model. Markets and Markets project the SASE market to grow from $1.9 billion in 2023 to $5.9 billion by 2028. It is an approach that is growing in popularity amongst all kinds of enterprises when trying to secure and optimise their networks.
It is vital for enterprises to upgrade their network security in line with their cloud connectivity roadmap. Network security should be at the forefront of cloud and digital transformation strategies to minimise risks and maximise success.
Network Challenges and Vulnerabilities
According to Statista, in the first quarter of 2023, more than six million data records were exposed worldwide through data breaches. The most common forms of attack orchestrated by bad actors are Distributed Denial-of-Service (DDoS) and ransomware attacks.
Without the right security measures, digital transformation and cloud growth can inadvertently heighten network risks for enterprises. With the rise of remote working, modern networks present a larger attack surface and can be accessed more easily by hackers if organisations are not careful.
Enterprises must invest in network technologies and services that can keep up with global cloud growth. However, separately adopting SD-WAN, security, and remote access from multiple providers can be expensive and inefficient for businesses. One way of overcoming this challenge is by partnering with a single expert provider that can offer all these services as a bundled solution.
Staying Secure with SASE
Selecting the right SASE partner can help enterprises overcome many issues they face in today’s cloud market, and comes with a multitude of benefits:
- Optimised Business Functions – SASE removes the need for IT teams to maintain on-premises infrastructure since it provides security via the cloud. This simplifies adaptation and upgrades, without the complexities of implementing physical infrastructure. This enables enterprises to allocate more time and resources toward optimising their core business operations.
- Agility and Scalability – SASE automates network optimisation while delivering robust security across all locations, applications, and users within the network. It makes it simple for IT teams to add new resources, services, and capabilities to scale operations according to demand, boosting user experiences.
- Cutting-edge Network Security – SASE combines multiple advanced security functions including firewalls, Virtual Private Network (VPN), threat protection, Zero Trust Network Access (ZTNA), Data Loss Protection (DLP) and more. It reduces the attack surface and improves overall security by consolidating these security functions into a single solution.
- Brand Protection – SASE’s centralised, cloud-based network security management ensures businesses can react more quickly and easily to evolving malware and ransomware threats. Cloud-based analytics can also help enterprises monitor and predict network and security vulnerabilities, in turn safeguarding brand reputation and critical resources.
- Superior Performance – By combining SD-WAN and Secure Service Edge (SSE) technology, SASE optimises network performance through advanced traffic routing. It selects the fastest and most efficient path for traffic according to current network conditions, resulting in potential cost-savings and improved application performance, reducing latency and enhancing user experiences.
- Accelerated Digital Transformation – SASE enables IT teams to manage all network and security features and policies using a single interface and terminology. This heightened visibility promotes cross-team collaboration and improves service delivery, consequently expediting digital transformation across the organisation.
- Reduced Cost – SASE reduces the cost and complexity associated with managing network infrastructure by combining multiple endpoint solutions into a single cloud-based solution.
Thrive in the Face of Change
The cloud landscape is constantly changing as new technologies and security threats arise.
Businesses that are willing to pivot their networking strategies with new approaches like SASE are the ones best positioned to thrive in the face of change.
Working with an expert partner can make it much faster and easier for enterprises to enhance and secure their cloud networks, without the cost or complexity that comes with managing their own infrastructure end-to-end.
No matter how much the digital economy evolves, the right partner and a well-crafted SASE strategy will provide enterprises with a secure foundation for sustainable, long-term success.
About the Author
Simon Waller is the Regional Director, EMEA & US at Epsilon. He leads the region’s sales and business development activities including channel partnership and enterprise sales. Simon has over 22 years of experience in IP data sales with a proven history of building successful sales teams, developing new markets and closing high value opportunities.
