S9|E25 SD-WAN and Ubiquitous Cloud Security: Essential to a Complete SASE Architecture

With applications and users everywhere, the networks are now, more than ever, being tasked with delivering consistent protection while providing an exceptional user experience across multicloud environments (public, private, and hybrid cloud). The accelerated adoption of cloud-based applications and expanded remote workforce have also created significant challenges, including security and connectivity gaps, as well as unprecedented levels of network complexity that NetOps and SecOps teams could not have anticipated. Organizations are rethinking their networking and security strategies to meet the agenda of delivering a secure cloud-first and seamless hybrid work experience. Organizations now require a solution where networking and security functions are completely integrated into a single service. The solution – that intelligently and securely connects their users to the applications they need, regardless of where they are located. These organizations now turn to Secure Access Service Edge (SASE) to reduce complexity, bring security and connectivity closer together, and optimize experiences for users everywhere. The integration of existing networking, such as software-defined WAN (SD-WAN), and cloud-delivered security technologies (such as SWG, CASB, FWaaS and ZTNA) into a unified cloud-based secure connectivity solution is what constitutes SASE. The essence of a true SASE platform is built on SD-WAN architecture, bringing together SD-WAN’s core benefits with increased cloud security. SD-WAN extends the network perimeter to the end-user and safely connects the distributed users to distributed resources, all without compromising on the application performance. Figuring out the best approach for your network security can be tricky. Which technology should you adopt? How can you reduce costs and complexity, improve user experience, simplify WAN management, and ultimately secure your network better? With over 30 years of experience in networking and security, and recognition as the leader in WAN edge and zero-trust security, Cisco is the trusted partner for your organization wherever you are on your SASE journey. SASE isn’t a one-size-fits-all initiative — and Cisco is uniquely positioned to meet your needs at a pace that is right for you with a complete secure access service edge portfolio. In this episode, we dive into how Cisco+ Secure Connect Now (a turnkey SASE solution powered by the Cisco Security Cloud and the Meraki platform) brings together our best-in-class networking, client connectivity, security, and monitoring capabilities into a single subscription service that will deliver seamless, secure access to any application, over any network, anywhere users work. This turnkey SASE solution is a great option for organizations who want to transition to a single subscription model where they can pay for what they need. No upfront investment or set-up required – just take it and go to everything you need for SASE now. Related links SD-WAN: https://www.cisco.com/c/en/us/solutions/enterprise-networks/sd-wan/index.html Cisco Plus Secure Connect Now: https://www.cisco.com/c/en/us/products/plus-as-a-service/secure-connect.html Follow us: twitter.com/ciscochampion Cisco Champion Hosts Dan Kelcher (twitter.com/ipswitch), Merdian IT, Enterprise Network and Cybersecurity Solutions Architect Michael Witte (twitter.com/themikewitte), WWT, Technical Solutions Architect Ryan Harris (twitter.com/bridgeisroot), Presidio, Senior Engineer Guest Matt Gillies, Cisco, Cisco Fellow and Chief Architect, WW Systems Engineer and Technology Moderator Amilee San Juan (twitter.com/amileesan1), Cisco, Customer Voices and Cisco Champion Program