Real-time threat detection and prevention features in SASE solutions with firewall enforcement

Introduction to SASE solutions with firewall enforcement

There is great scope for SASE security solutions, as studies show that the total market opportunity will grow at a 36% CAGR by 2026. SASE solutions are becoming more secure and ensure real-time threat prevention with Zero-Trust Network Access (ZTNA), Cloud Access Security Broker (CASB), firewall, Software Defined WAN (SD-WAN), and more.

Businesses worldwide can use a range of SASE solutions to ensure real-time security against any real-time and advanced cyber-attack threat.

The blog will analyse the importance of real-time security and prevention and discuss how firewall enforcement works. It will also discuss the benefits of this real-time security to organisations and protecting their private data in the world of frequent cyber threats.  

Importance of real-time security in SASE architecture 177

Securing your SASE architecture isn't just a box to tick on your IT to-do list; it's a strategic move that can yield significant advantages. Here are some key benefits:

• Rapid threat response: It allows well-time, i.e., when the attacker can access the platform without getting noticed and execute the virus. Further, a real-time automated blocking system is enhanced. Suspicious activities will be blocked, and the compromised devices will be isolated.   
• Adaptive protection: The SASE architecture automatically adapts its security package to new evolving threats based on cyber environment analysis and remains effective in real-time. The system can analyse operational behaviours and identify unusual activities, detecting new threats that have not been discovered before. 
• Enhanced visibility and control: 24/7 real-time monitoring ensures that any unusual activity and sudden automated actions are notified to the owner for immediate action. Organisations can also enforce granular security policies into the system; these specific elements and component-based security improve security posture.
• Compliance and risk management: Real-time security with SASE solutions adhere to many industrial standards for real-time threat detection and audit trials.
• Quantitative Data and technical aspects: Real-time security protection merged with SASE detects and defends threats within milliseconds or seconds. SASE can lower the false positive rate and allow the IT team to focus on significant threats. 

Firewall enforcement in SASE

Firewall enforcement is essential to SASE as it enhances and improves security. It is integrated into SASE solutions and platforms as an Integration of the Firewall as a Service (FWaaS). 

Firewall enforcement leverages cloud-native architecture to provide agile security controls that can scale up as needed. Firewall allows us to ensure a uniform security policy for offices, online users, cloud platforms, etc. Reviewing connections has become possible with proper firewall integration with SASE, thus improving security. Advanced firewalls in SASE developed by Tata Communications in the form of dynamic firewall policy management ensure granular-level inspection of data and network packets to look for threats that were missed earlier.

Firewall enforcement in SASE allows control access based on user identity, device type, security posture, etc. As discussed above, advanced firewalls focus on intelligent traffic routing that prioritises important applications and thus ensures speed and performance.

Integration with threat intelligence feeds and other AI-based algorithms makes a firewall that can block malicious IPs, alert the IT team, quarantine compromised devices, and more. It also allows access to detailed reports on security concerns, threats, actions taken, actions needed, and more.      

Integration of firewall and threat detection in SASE

As shown below, integrating threat detection and the firewall improves security and privacy. 

Unified security framework

The primary role of SASE architecture is to integrate threat detection and firewall and provide a common cloud platform when operating over a network. The centralised control approach allows for defining and integrating control policies across all networks.  

Firewall as a foundation

The prime security gate is optimised to implement security policies and prevent data breaches. 

Advanced threat detection 

Continuous monitoring is used to look for abnormal application behaviour for security reasons. It is designed and trained to look for behavioural changes in applications and analyse them for threat reasons.  

Context-aware security policies

Granular levels of security are ensured by defining access based on device type, user identity, and locations as defined by the management. This is better for detecting any other device or signs of threat. SASE in cyber security can adapt to security needs and real-time events by merging security needs with threat intelligence. 

Benefits of real-time threat detection and prevention in SASE

There are numerous benefits any organisation can seek from SASE solutions integrated with threat detection and prevention.

Proactive threat mitigation

Since the overall threat identification and response process takes a few seconds, attackers do not have enough time to execute infections. Further, the system is designed to take automated actions to prevent and overcome such attacks and send alerts to the IT team. 

Enhanced security posture 

Real-time protection and monitoring against a range of threats ensures secure and resilient systems for the data privacy of the business and its growth. 

Rapid incident response 

The system takes just a few seconds to identify and take relevant protection actions such as blocking, isolating, and more. It ensures speed to prevent such attacks so they don't impact regular operations, downtime, or performance.

Conclusion

As organisations increasingly rely on cloud services to handle sensitive information, the integration of SASE solutions with advanced threat detection and prevention has become crucial. This unified approach, combining IAM and CASB functionalities within SASE platforms, provides real-time monitoring and rapid automated responses to security threats.

By merging intelligent threat feeds and artificial intelligence, these integrated systems can adapt to new threats and uncover hidden risks more effectively. Tata Communications' Managed SASE Solutions offer this comprehensive integration, aligning with the growing trend of SASE-based security in cloud computing. Our solutions address the complex security needs of modern enterprises, providing robust protection for distributed workforces and cloud-based assets.