SASE vs. ZTNA: What’s the Difference?

In a rapidly evolving digital landscape, network security is a top priority for organizations worldwide. With the rise of cyber threats and an increasing number of employees working remotely, secure and flexible access to resources has become essential.

According to recent studies, cybercrime costs are expected to reach $10.5 trillion annually by 2025, underscoring the critical need for robust network security solutions. Two powerful frameworks—Secure Access Service Edge (SASE) and Zero Trust Network Access (ZTNA)—have emerged to address these security challenges.

In this article, we’ll explore the key differences and similarities between SASE and ZTNA and offer insights into their individual strengths and use cases to help organizations determine which solution—or combination of solutions—best fits their needs.

What is SASE?

Secure Access Service Edge (SASE) is a cloud-native network architecture that converges wide-area networking (WAN) and network security into a unified, scalable service. Conceived by Gartner, SASE aims to streamline and secure access to applications and data for organizations with distributed and cloud-based networks. By delivering security functions from a centralized cloud environment, SASE addresses the growing demands of remote work and cloud adoption, which require secure and flexible access.

SASE simplifies complex network infrastructure by combining various security functions under one roof, which reduces the need for multiple standalone security solutions. This approach minimizes latency and boosts efficiency, especially for organizations with global workforces. Through its centralized management, SASE also provides enhanced visibility and control, allowing IT teams to monitor and manage access across multiple environments seamlessly.

Core Components of SASE

• Secure Web Gateway (SWG): An SWG functions as a web-based firewall that inspects and filters traffic to protect users from web threats. By blocking malicious sites and controlling access to risky content, SWGs safeguard users from potential vulnerabilities as they access online resources.
• Cloud Access Security Broker (CASB): A CASB enforces security policies on cloud-based applications. It offers visibility into cloud activity and provides tools to detect risky behavior. This component manages data flow between users and cloud platforms, which helps organizations secure sensitive data and meet compliance requirements.
• Firewall as a Service (FWaaS): This cloud-based firewall solution enables organizations to apply robust firewall policies across distributed networks without requiring physical hardware. FWaaS provides traffic inspection and threat detection, facilitating consistent security policy enforcement across all endpoints.
• Zero Trust Principles: Built into SASE’s foundation, Zero Trust principles limit implicit trust in the network by verifying users and devices at every access attempt. These principles reduce the risk of unauthorized access and enhance security even for users accessing applications from outside the traditional corporate perimeter.

How SASE Works

SASE routes all network traffic through a centralized cloud service where both networking and security functions are hosted. This integration enables seamless access management, allowing organizations to secure data and resources without compromising speed or user experience. By using a cloud-native model, SASE adapts to dynamic changes in traffic, workload distribution, and application access needs.

The operational model of SASE aligns with the Zero Trust philosophy, where access is granted based on identity verification and continuous risk assessment rather than traditional perimeter-based security. This method supports the needs of modern organizations, especially those with remote employees, as it provides secure and direct access to cloud services and applications. By combining networking and security into a single service, SASE eliminates complexity and enhances scalability, helping organizations manage growing security needs as they expand globally.

What is ZTNA?

Zero Trust Network Access (ZTNA) is a security framework designed to restrict access based on identity and trust verification rather than location or network access. With a “never trust, always verify” philosophy, ZTNA only permits authenticated users to access specific applications or data. This strategy is especially valuable for securing sensitive data, as it limits exposure to only those with verified credentials and approved devices.

ZTNA shifts away from traditional security models, which assume implicit trust within network boundaries. Instead, it continuously evaluates each access request, even for users within the internal network. This ensures precise control over resource access and reduces potential risks associated with unauthorized or lateral movements across the network.

Core Components of ZTNA

• Identity Verification: Each user undergoes identity verification before accessing resources, typically through multi-factor authentication (MFA). This process adds an additional layer of security, as users must verify their identity at every session, thereby lowering the risk of unauthorized access.
• Device Trust: ZTNA also verifies the compliance and security status of devices, ensuring they meet required security standards before granting access. This step adds a safeguard against vulnerabilities by limiting access to devices that are up-to-date with security policies, minimizing risks posed by potentially compromised or outdated devices.
• Continuous Authentication: Rather than granting prolonged access, ZTNA continuously monitors user activity to detect unusual patterns or potential threats. If any risks are identified, it can immediately restrict access or trigger reauthentication, preventing unauthorized access and protecting sensitive applications or data.

How ZTNA Works

ZTNA enforces access based on individual user identity and device compliance, employing advanced authentication and continuous monitoring for each access request. This security model enables organizations to isolate specific applications and grant access only to users who meet the set security criteria. By doing so, ZTNA creates highly controlled environments that protect sensitive data while supporting flexible access from various locations and devices.

Unlike traditional network access models, ZTNA operates by connecting users only to the resources they need based on predefined policies. This granular approach prevents unauthorized access and limits the risk of lateral movement within the network, which is crucial for organizations dealing with sensitive or regulated data. Its design aligns with modern security needs, especially for organizations supporting remote work or bring your own device (BYOD) policies, as it allows secure access without exposing entire networks.

SASE vs. ZTNA: Key Differences and Similarities

SASE and ZTNA both aim to enhance security, particularly in distributed and cloud environments, but their methods and structures differ. Below is a side-by-side comparison of these frameworks across key aspects:

Benefits and Limitations of SASE and ZTNA

When comparing SASE vs. ZTNA, each solution offers unique advantages and faces specific limitations. Understanding the differences can help organizations choose the right approach for their needs. Here is a breakdown of the benefits and limitations of both SASE and ZTNA.

Use Cases: When to Choose SASE vs. ZTNA

Deciding between SASE and ZTNA depends on an organization’s specific security requirements, infrastructure, and operational needs. Here are some scenarios where each solution provides distinct advantages.

When to Choose SASE

• Global Network Connectivity: For organizations with a widely distributed workforce, SASE’s integrated approach to security and network management is ideal. It allows secure, seamless connectivity across multiple regions, supporting global operations while reducing latency and enhancing control over data flow.
• Complex Cloud Environments: SASE provides a unified security solution for businesses operating within multi-cloud and hybrid cloud architectures. Its cloud-native design enables secure access to resources across various platforms and ensures that users and applications remain protected without complex network adjustments.
• High Data Traffic and Scalability Needs: Companies that experience significant data traffic across numerous sites benefit from SASE’s scalable, cloud-based infrastructure. By centralizing security and access management, SASE efficiently supports large user bases and high-volume traffic, making it well-suited for industries like finance, healthcare, and retail.

When to Choose ZTNA

• Access to Sensitive Data: ZTNA’s identity-based access controls add a critical layer of security, perfect for companies handling highly confidential data. By verifying user identity and device status for each access request, ZTNA restricts access to sensitive resources, making it valuable for sectors such as legal, healthcare, and government.
• Application-Specific Security: ZTNA excels in securing specific applications, a priority for companies using cloud services or implementing BYOD policies. With ZTNA, organizations can control access at the application level and safeguard critical resources without granting broad network access.
• Enhanced Remote Access Management: ZTNA is a strong choice for businesses focused on securing remote access for dispersed teams. Its focus on strict access controls and device compliance aligns well with remote and hybrid work models, minimizing risks associated with unauthorized access in decentralized environments.

Sangfor’s Approach to SASE and ZTNA Solutions

Sangfor offers comprehensive solutions tailored to both SASE and ZTNA to meet modern security and connectivity needs.

• Sangfor Access SASE: Sangfor’s SASE solution integrates cloud-native security and network capabilities, providing secure, scalable access for distributed workforces. The Sangfor Access SASE is designed to help organizations embrace flexible working models without compromising on security or performance.
• Sangfor Zero Trust Guard (ZTG): The Sangfor Zero Trust Guard ensures secure access to applications by enforcing strict access control based on user identity and device compliance. This ZTNA solution is especially beneficial for organizations managing sensitive information or high-security requirements.

With these solutions, Sangfor addresses diverse organizational needs for both broad network security and specific application-level security, delivering tailored protection in an increasingly complex threat landscape.

Benefits of Combining SASE and ZTNA

Integrating SASE and ZTNA provides a comprehensive security framework that supports both secure network connectivity and precise access control. SASE’s cloud-based network protection complements ZTNA’s identity-based access, which enables organizations to safeguard data across distributed environments while restricting access at the application level based on user roles and device compliance.

This combination is particularly valuable for organizations with remote or hybrid workforces, as it allows for seamless access to cloud applications without exposing the entire network. Additionally, combining SASE and ZTNA simplifies regulatory compliance by centralizing security policies, improving visibility into network activity, and reducing the risk of unauthorized access.