In the current landscape, organizations are confronted with dual challenges. On one front, security architectures with disjointed applications struggle to match the relentless growth in volume and complexity of cyber threats. Simultaneously, the widespread adoption of Cloud solutions and the rise of remote work are fuelling increased requirements for resilience, scalability, and flexibility.

These combined factors compel companies to embrace integrated security approaches, such as Secure Access Service Edge (SASE), capable of evolving in tandem with business processes, ensuring enhanced protection, and operational cost savings. SASE is a Cloud-based architecture that integrates advanced SD-WAN (Software Defined Wide Area Network) management functionalities with security features, including Secure Web Gateway (SWG), Cloud-Access Security Broker (CASB), Firewall-as-a-Service (FWaaS), and Zero Trust Network Access (ZTNA).

 

Currently, companies are expediting the adoption of such security architectures. According to Gartner,  by 2025, 80% of companies will have already embraced a strategy for unifying access to the Web, Cloud services, and on-premises applications using a SASE architecture.

 

Palo Alto Networks Prisma SASE, a leader in the single-vendor solutions market

 

However, adopting the SASE model comes with a significant challenge—the heterogeneity of solutions within the architecture. Without their seamless integration at a deep level, anticipated gains diminish, complexity increases, and operating costs remain high. To preventively address these risks, Datanet Systems recommends the adoption of the Prisma SASE de la Palo Alto Networks, a leader in the single-vendor SASE market niche. Currently adopted by over 2,500 organizations globally, Prisma SASE has demonstrated, according to Forbes, a 45% reduction in the risk of security breaches and an investment return exceeding 240%.

All these gains are ensured through the native integration of SD-WAN, SWG, CASB, FWaaS, and ZTNA 2.0 functionalities with AI technologies. Prisma SASE is the first solution of its kind to incorporate Autonomous Digital Experience Management (ADEM) functionalities, aiding IT teams in detecting network and security issues using artificial intelligence and predictive analysis.

 

Prisma SASE’s competitive strengths

 

Here is a concise overview of the main functionalities delivered by Prisma SASE: Prisma SASE:

• SD-WAN: Prisma SD-WAN eis the industry’s first next-generation solution delivered from the Cloud, automating network traffic management based on QoS requirements and the criticality level of applications and services.
• Cloud SWG: Secures web threats using advanced analysis mechanisms and machine learning, while simplifying integration for clients transitioning from traditional proxy-based solutions to SASE. Through the Explicit Proxy feature, companies no longer need to make changes to the network architecture, benefiting from a more secure solution that protects all applications, ports, and protocols.
• CASB: Applies security policies in the Cloud, classifies data, and stops security threats in hybrid environments..
• FWaaS: Protects remote locations using Palo Alto Networks Next-Generation Firewall functionalities delivered as a Cloud service.
• Zero TrustNA 2.0: Combines least privilege access control with continuous verification of end-user behavior, security inspections, and Data Loss Prevention (DLP) functionalities to consistently protect all users, devices, applications, and data, no matter where they are accessed from.

 

In addition to these, there are several core features, including:

• VPN (IPsec, SSL, and VPN clientless);
• Threat Prevention (blocking exploits, malware, and C2C traffic using AI technologies and information from the entire Palo Alto network);
• DLP (keeping sensitive data safe through classification and protection);
• DNS Protection (utilizing advanced analysis and machine learning to detect threats in DNS traffic).

 

Next-Generation Features

 

Moreover, a suite of exclusive capabilities establishes Prisma SASE as a frontrunner in this specialized market:

• AIOps for SASE: Native AIOps capabilities prevent network issues and enhance security posture by detecting configuration errors, automatically resolving issues, managing configuration changes, and analyzing security policies.
• ADEM: Provides detailed insights into end-user categories through intelligent traffic analysis, enabling proactive issue remediation. ADEM automates complex IT operations to boost productivity, reduce Mean Time to Resolution (MTTR), offer end-to-end visibility, and deliver actionable insights.
• CloudBlades: Allows automated integration of third-party services and facilitates multicloud connectivity within the SASE framework without requiring device updates or service interruptions, thereby reducing network operation complexity.
• IoT Security: Allows automated integration of third-party services and facilitates multi-cloud connectivity within the SASE framework without requiring device updates or service interruptions, thereby reducing network operation complexity.

 

Moreover, Palo Alto’s solution employs machine learning mechanisms throughout the entire security architecture to deliver proactive, real-time protection against zero-day events and automatic policy recommendations.

 

Extended Use Cases

 

Prisma SASE covers a wide range of use cases stemming from the increased adoption of hybrid work and multi-Cloud services. It also addresses the transition from traditional “Hub and Spoke” architectures to “decentralized” ones, enabling the harnessing of SD-WAN advantages.

Datanet Systems is a strategic Palo Alto Networks partner in Romania, with extensive competency and expertise in advanced security and networking projects, including numerous implemented SD-WAN projects. As a system integrator, Datanet’s capabilities allow its clients to benefit from an integrated approach and the optimization of existing investments from the outset.

The service package provided by Datanet Systems includes analyzing the client’s technical requirements, recommending an optimal SASE architecture, designing the technical solution, installing, commissioning, configuring, and integrating all components, as well as knowledge transfer to the client. Additionally, Datanet offers technical support services for operating the SASE architecture or any of its components, along with post-implementation technical support. These services are available nationally, with multiple Service Level Agreement (SLA) options, providing remote or on-site assistance.

For more information about SASE and Palo Alto Prisma SASE, please contact us at sales@datanets.ro.