The rise of remote work has fundamentally changed how organizations operate, necessitating robust security measures to protect sensitive data and applications. As employees increasingly access private corporate applications, Software as a Service (SaaS) platforms, and the internet from various locations, the need for a comprehensive security solution becomes paramount. Secure Access Service Edge (SASE) has emerged as a potential answer to these challenges. This article explores the use cases of remote workers, associated cybersecurity risks, required security features, and the options available for securing remote users. While SASE includes the SDWAN at the networking layer, in this article we focus on the Security functionalities.
Use Cases of Remote Workers
1. Accessing Private Corporate Applications and Intranet
Remote workers often need to access corporate applications hosted in data centers (DCs) or public clouds. This access allows them to perform essential tasks such as:
- Collaboration: Using internal company applications and platforms hosted in internal DCs and Internal VPCs on AWS/Azure and GCP.
- Data Management: Accessing databases or internal systems for data entry and retrieval.
Cybersecurity Risks:
- Unauthorized Access: If proper authentication measures are not in place, unauthorized users may gain access to sensitive corporate data.
- Data Breaches: Insecure connections can lead to data interception by malicious actors.
2. Accessing SaaS Applications
Many organizations rely on SaaS applications for various functions, including:
Office Applications: Like M365, Google Workspace, Zoom etc.
- Customer Relationship Management (CRM): Tools like Salesforce.
- SAAS Business Applications: ERP, HR applications provided by SAAS providers.
- Document Storage and Sharing: Like OneDrive, Google Drive or Dropbox.
Cybersecurity Risks:
- Phishing Attacks: Employees may fall victim to phishing attempts targeting their SaaS credentials.
- Inadequate Security Posture: SaaS providers may not implement sufficient security measures, leaving organizations vulnerable.
3. Browsing the Internet
Remote workers frequently browse the internet for research, communication, and other tasks. This activity can expose them to various threats:
Cybersecurity Risks:
- Malware Infections: Visiting compromised websites can lead to malware downloads.
- Rogue Websites: Employees may inadvertently visit malicious sites designed to steal credentials or install harmful software.
Required Security Features
To address these risks effectively, organizations must implement a comprehensive security framework that includes several critical features:
1. Firewalling
A robust firewalling is essential for monitoring and controlling incoming and outgoing network traffic from/to the remote worker endpoint, based on predetermined security rules. It acts as a barrier between trusted internal networks and untrusted external networks.
2. URL Filtering
URL filtering helps prevent access to harmful websites by blocking known malicious URLs. This feature is crucial for protecting remote workers from phishing sites and other online threats.
3. Anti-Malware Protection
Anti-malware solutions detect and remove malicious software that can compromise devices and networks. This protection is vital for safeguarding endpoints used by remote employees.
4. Intrusion Prevention System (IPS)
An IPS monitors network traffic for suspicious activity and takes action to prevent potential breaches. It provides an additional layer of security against attacks targeting corporate resources like remote worker endpoints.
5. DNS Security
DNS security solutions protect against DNS-based attacks by filtering out malicious domains, sanitising DNS responses that are likely to be manipulated by attackers to ensure that the remote worker endpoint is protected from DNS based attacks.
6. Cloud Access Security Broker (CASB)
A CASB acts as an intermediary between users and cloud service providers, enforcing security policies and providing visibility into cloud application usage. It helps mitigate risks associated with shadow IT and ensures compliance with data protection regulations.
Options Available for Enterprises to Secure Remote Users
Organizations have several options when it comes to securing remote users, including traditional remote access VPNs and modern SASE solutions.
1. Traditional Remote Access VPN
Virtual Private Networks (VPNs) have long been the go-to solution for secure remote access:
- How It Works: VPNs create encrypted tunnels between remote users and corporate networks, allowing secure access to internal resources.
- Limitations:
- Performance Issues: VPNs can introduce latency due to backhauling traffic through centralized servers.
- Limited Visibility: Traditional VPNs often lack visibility into user activities once connected, making it difficult to monitor potential threats.
- Scalability Challenges: As organizations grow, scaling VPN infrastructure can be cumbersome and costly.
2. Secure Access Service Edge (SASE)
SASE is an emerging framework that combines networking and security functions into a unified cloud-delivered service:
- Key Features of SASE:
- Zero Trust Architecture: SASE operates on a zero-trust model, verifying every user and device before granting access to resources.
- Integrated Security Services: Combines firewalling, URL filtering, anti-malware protection, CASB functionality, and more into a single platform.
- Optimized Performance: By routing traffic through the nearest Points of Presence (PoPs), SASE reduces latency and enhances user experience.
- Benefits of SASE:
- Comprehensive Threat Protection: Provides end-to-end security across all user activities regardless of location.
- Scalability: Easily scales with the number of remote users without compromising performance or security.
- Improved Visibility: Offers centralized visibility into user activities across all applications and devices.
Scenarios for Enterprises
When considering whether to adopt SASE or stick with traditional VPN solutions, enterprises should evaluate their specific scenarios based on the number of remote users, geographical spread, and branches.
Scenario 1: Small Enterprise with Limited Remote Users
- Remote Users: 50-500
- Geographical Spread: Localized within one region
- Recommendation: A traditional VPN may suffice if the organization has limited remote users accessing internal resources primarily within a single region. However, if they plan on scaling quickly or expanding geographically in the future, considering SASE could be beneficial.
Scenario 2: Medium Enterprise with Growing Remote Workforce
- Remote Users: Between 500 to 2000
- Geographical Spread: Multiple regions within the country
- Recommendation: A medium-sized enterprise would benefit from SASE due to its scalability features and integrated security capabilities. This approach would allow them to manage increasing numbers of remote users effectively while maintaining robust security measures.
Scenario 3: Large Enterprise with Global Operations
- Remote Users: Over 2000
- Geographical Spread: Global presence with multiple branches
- Recommendation: For large enterprises with significant global operations, SASE is the ideal choice. Its ability to provide secure access across diverse geographical locations while ensuring consistent security policies makes it well-suited for complex environments.
Conclusion
As organizations adapt to the realities of remote work, securing their workforce becomes increasingly critical. The choice between traditional VPN solutions and modern SASE frameworks hinges on various factors including organizational size, geographical spread of employees, and specific security needs. While traditional VPNs may offer a temporary solution for smaller enterprises with limited remote users, they often fall short in scalability, performance, and visibility as businesses grow. In contrast, SASE provides a comprehensive solution that integrates networking and security into a unified framework designed specifically for today’s hybrid work environments. By adopting SASE, organizations can ensure secure access for their remote workers while enhancing overall cybersecurity posture—an essential step in navigating the complexities of modern business operations in an increasingly digital world.
