NGFW vs. SASE

Attribute	NGFW	SASE
Definition	Next-Generation Firewall	Secure Access Service Edge
Functionality	Firewall, intrusion prevention, application control	Combines network security functions with wide area networking capabilities
Deployment	On-premises or cloud-based	Cloud-native architecture
Scalability	May have limitations in scalability	Designed for scalability and flexibility
Integration	May require additional solutions for full integration	Integrated security and networking functions

Network security is a critical aspect of any organization's IT infrastructure. With the increasing number of cyber threats and the rise of remote work, it has become more important than ever to have robust security measures in place. Two popular solutions for network security are Next-Generation Firewalls (NGFW) and Secure Access Service Edge (SASE). Both offer unique features and benefits, but they also have their differences. In this article, we will compare the attributes of NGFW and SASE to help you understand which solution may be best for your organization.

NGFW Overview

Next-Generation Firewalls (NGFW) are an evolution of traditional firewalls, offering advanced features beyond simple packet filtering. NGFWs provide deep packet inspection, intrusion prevention, application awareness, and more. They are designed to protect networks from a wide range of threats, including malware, ransomware, and advanced persistent threats. NGFWs are typically deployed at the network perimeter to monitor and control traffic entering and leaving the network.

SASE Overview

Secure Access Service Edge (SASE) is a newer approach to network security that combines network security functions with wide-area networking (WAN) capabilities. SASE converges network security and networking into a cloud-native service, providing secure access to applications and data from any location. SASE is designed to address the security challenges of the modern workforce, which increasingly relies on cloud-based applications and remote work.

Security Features

NGFWs offer a wide range of security features, including intrusion prevention, antivirus, URL filtering, and application control. These features help protect networks from various threats and ensure that only authorized traffic is allowed. NGFWs are known for their ability to provide granular control over network traffic, allowing organizations to create detailed security policies based on user identity, application, and content.

SASE, on the other hand, also offers a comprehensive set of security features, including secure web gateways, cloud access security brokers, and zero-trust network access. SASE is designed to provide security for users and devices regardless of their location, making it ideal for organizations with remote or mobile workforces. SASE's cloud-native architecture enables organizations to scale their security capabilities as needed and provides flexibility in deployment.

Scalability

NGFWs are typically deployed on-premises and are limited by the capacity of the hardware they run on. Scaling an NGFW can be challenging, as organizations may need to invest in additional hardware or upgrade existing devices to handle increased traffic. This can lead to higher costs and complexity in managing multiple devices.

SASE, on the other hand, is designed to be highly scalable and flexible. SASE solutions are cloud-native and can be easily deployed and managed from a central console. This makes it easier for organizations to scale their security capabilities as their needs evolve, without the need for additional hardware or complex configurations.

Performance

NGFWs are known for their high performance and low latency, making them ideal for organizations with high-speed networks and demanding security requirements. NGFWs can handle large volumes of traffic and provide real-time threat detection and prevention. However, the performance of an NGFW can be affected by the complexity of security policies and the number of security features enabled.

SASE solutions also offer high performance and low latency, thanks to their cloud-native architecture and global points of presence. SASE can provide secure access to applications and data from any location, with minimal impact on performance. SASE's ability to dynamically route traffic based on security policies and user identity helps optimize performance and ensure a seamless user experience.

Management and Deployment

NGFWs require manual configuration and management, which can be time-consuming and complex. Organizations need to define security policies, monitor network traffic, and update firewall rules regularly to ensure effective protection. NGFWs also require regular software updates and patches to address new threats and vulnerabilities.

SASE solutions, on the other hand, offer centralized management and automated deployment capabilities. SASE providers handle the infrastructure and security updates, allowing organizations to focus on their core business activities. SASE's cloud-native architecture enables organizations to quickly deploy new security capabilities and scale their network security as needed, without the need for manual intervention.

Conclusion

Both NGFW and SASE offer advanced security features and benefits for organizations looking to protect their networks from cyber threats. NGFWs are well-suited for organizations with high-speed networks and complex security requirements, while SASE is ideal for organizations with remote or mobile workforces that require secure access to cloud-based applications and data.

Ultimately, the choice between NGFW and SASE will depend on your organization's specific needs and requirements. It is important to evaluate the features, scalability, performance, and management capabilities of each solution to determine which one is the best fit for your organization's network security needs.