Cato Networks SASE and ZTNA

What’s for Lunch?  

Cybersecurity Acronym Alphabet Soup!

Gartner gives us all these acronyms, and I’m pretty sure somehow they make money off them every time we use them, like an artist who earns royalties for every song sampled. If that’s the case, they might earn enough from what I’m writing to buy me lunch, and if not, maybe someone else will (wink, wink, Cato). So, let’s dive into Cato Networks and what I like about them and then digest some cybersecurity alphabet soup.

Cato Networks: Transforming Enterprise Networking and Security

Cato Networks was founded in 2015 with the vision of transforming enterprise networking and security. They are recognized as a leader by Gartner in SASE (Secure Access Service Edge) and have quickly climbed to that role after first hitting the charts in 2019. After spending some time talking with them and running my own PoC, I tend to agree.

They have a global private backbone to provide high-quality, low-latency connectivity to all of their Points of Presence (PoPs)—not music-related, even though I said they were a chart-topper. With over 80 PoPs worldwide, their entire suite of services operates from every PoP, ensuring that traffic takes the fastest path from point A to B.

Cato focuses on providing a single pane of glass to manage their networking and security functions, reducing frustration for IT teams. They also provide real-time stats and visibility into the security state of your environment.

All in all, Cato is a product worth your time. But if you need further convincing, let’s dive into some cybersecurity alphabet soup.

SASE and ZTNA: The Acronyms You Need to Know

What is SASE?

SASE (Secure Access Service Edge) combines multiple security components into a layered security cake to support the ever-changing secure access needs of today’s world. The big components include:

• Secure Web Gateways (SWG): Act as filters to protect against online threats by monitoring and controlling the websites users can access. They primarily block nefarious or inappropriate websites but can be configured for stricter access control.

• Cloud Access Security Brokers (CASB): These tools do for cloud applications what SWG does for the web. They enforce policies around cloud apps like ServiceNow, Salesforce, Google Workspace, and Office 365.

• Firewall as a Service (FWaaS): A cloud-based firewall that provides the same protection as a traditional firewall without the need for physical hardware. Rather than remotely managing firewalls on various operating systems, you can utilize FWaaS.

• Data Loss Prevention (DLP): Prevents sensitive data from being shared, lost, or stolen, ensuring it stays within the organization. It monitors data in motion, not just internet or cloud apps, and is often configured alongside policies for those.

• Advanced Threat Protection (ATP): Detects and responds to threats like malware, viruses, and phishing attacks—all in flight, when you click a link or interact with the internet.

• Zero Trust Network Access (ZTNA): Requires every user to be verified before accessing network resources, ensuring only authorized users get in. Think of ZTNA as the overzealous security guard at the office, checking everyone’s badge before they enter. AUTHORIZED ACCESS ONLY – NO TAILGATING ALLOWED!

By converging these services into a single, cloud-delivered solution, SASE emerges as a flexible, scalable, and efficient way to secure the network edge.

SASE is sassy (it’s pronounced that way) and tells all would-be threats to take a hike. It’s like a web bodyguard—I know that makes no sense because bodyguards are physical and the internet is digital, but I remember Second Life, and Meta tried to make it happen again, so maybe just call it a VR bouncer.

Key Benefits of SASE

• Enhanced Security Posture: By integrating multiple security functions into a single framework, SASE reduces complexity and potential gaps in security coverage. This ensures all traffic is inspected and secured.

• Support for Remote Work: The rise of remote work has made traditional perimeter security models mostly obsolete. SASE provides secure access to applications and data regardless of location.

• Scalability and Flexibility: Cloud-native SASE solutions scale with your needs, providing consistent security policies across all locations and users.

• Cost Efficiency: Consolidates multiple security services, reducing costs and simplifying security policy management. No more multiple VPNs, web security software, or firewall management headaches.

• Improved User Experience: Optimizes network performance by routing traffic through the most efficient paths. There’s even visibility into where connection issues originate—spoiler: it’s usually the device or Wi-Fi.

A Little More on ZTNA!

ZTNA (Zero Trust Network Access) assumes that no user or device—whether inside or outside the network—should be trusted by default. Goodbye “Trust but Verify”, hello continuous verification.

Key Principles of ZTNA:

• Least Privilege Access: Users get the minimum level of access necessary to perform their tasks, reducing damage potential.

• Micro-Segmentation: Divides access into smaller segments, making lateral movement for attackers difficult.

• Continuous Monitoring: Analyzes user behavior and device health in real time. Many solutions have built-in End User Behavior Analytics—use them!

Users are constantly moving between networks, from coffee shop Wi-Fi to airport Wi-Fi. ZTNA ensures security is maintained at all times by verifying every access request.

Why Cato Networks?

Cato Networks has been successfully deployed across industries, including:

• Global manufacturing companies securing remote workforces.

• Financial services firms ensuring compliance and secure access to sensitive data.

• Healthcare organizations securing patient data and remote access for traveling nurses and contractors.

In Closing

SASE and ZTNA are redefining network security. They offer a dynamic, flexible, and robust approach to securing data and ensuring safe access.

Cato Networks is a leading provider in the space. With them, you get:

• A proven, effective, and easy-to-use solution

• Industry-leading support

• A bowl of cybersecurity acronym alphabet soup

So, get sassy and hit up Cato for some SASE. (I know, terrible. Even I’m ashamed of that one, and I wrote it.)