Cybersecurity is evolving in such giant leaps and bounds that calling it “dynamic” is an understatement. Digital enterprises, in reality, must grapple with not only the technical but also the legal aspects of security. And the various regulatory demands are likely to increase as time goes on. In this article, we delve into how Secure Access Service Edge (SASE) can support organizations  achieving compliance with the European Union NIS2 Directive.

What is SASE?

Secure Access Service Edge, or SASE, converges networking and security services into a single cloud-based platform. It integrates wide-area networking (WAN) capabilities with comprehensive security functions, including secure web gateways (SWGs), cloud access security brokers (CASBs), firewalls as a service, and zero trust network access (ZTNA). This convergence simplifies management, enhances security, and improves performance by delivering security services directly to the source of access. Coined by Gartner, SASE essentially represents a paradigm shift in the way organizations approach network security.

What is NIS2?

The NIS2 Directive is an evolution of the original Network and Information Systems Directive, aimed at bolstering cybersecurity across the European Union. It requires organizations to ensure that they have basic cybersecurity measures in place, namely incident reporting, and risk management practices for a broad range of critical sectors, including energy, transportation, health, and digital infrastructure. In short, NIS2 seeks to improve the overall cybersecurity posture of essential service providers and digital service providers.

Main areas of NIS2 focus are:

• Policies on risk analysis and information system security
• Incident handling
• Business continuity such as backup management and disaster recovery, and crisis management
• Supply chain security
• Security in network and information systems acquisition, development and maintenance, including vulnerability handling and disclosure
• Policies and procedures to assess the effectiveness of cybersecurity risk management measures
• Cyberhygiene practices and cybersecurity training
• Policies and procedures regarding the use of cryptography and encryption
• HR security, access control policies and asset management
• Use of multifactor authentication or continuous authentication solutions

Overlap of SASE and NIS2 concepts

Although SASE is predominantly to do with technology and NIS 2 is all about regulations, they strive to achieve similar ends. Here is an overview:

• Convergence and Integration
  Both SASE and NIS2, each in their own way, emphasize the importance of convergence and integration in cybersecurity frameworks. NIS2 advocates for a holistic approach to cybersecurity, requiring organizations to adopt comprehensive security measures that span across their entire infrastructure. SASE delivers this by integrating networking and security services into a unified platform. This alignment underscores the necessity of breaking down silos and fostering collaboration among different security functions. It also ensures that cybersecurity is a strategic priority at the governance and steering committee levels.
• Risk Management
  Risk management is a fundamental concept that creates synergy between NIS2 requirements and SASE capabilities. Principally, NIS2 mandates organizations to implement robust risk management frameworks, conduct regular risk assessments, and adopt appropriate measures to mitigate identified risks. In answer, SASE architecture inherently supports risk management by enabling real-time threat detection and response, ensuring that security policies are consistently applied across all access points. This enhances an organization’s ability to manage and mitigate cybersecurity risks effectively.
• Scalability and Flexibility
  In digital transformation, scalability and flexibility are particularly important. That’s why NIS2 requires organizations to demonstrate flexibility in adapting to evolving threats and regulatory changes. Meanwhile, SASE’s cloud-native architecture provides inherent scalability and flexibility, as well as accommodating growing data volumes and an expanding digital footprint. It gives organizations the capability to remain compliant while evolving their security strategies.

Enhanced Security Posture

SASE’s integrated security services enhance an organization’s security posture by providing comprehensive threat protection and data security. Its zero-trust model ensures that all users and devices are continually authenticated and authorized whenever they access any network resources, reducing the risk of unauthorized access. This aligns with the NIS2 requirement for more stringent access control measures and robust authentication protocols.

Streamlined Incident Response

Centralized management and real-time monitoring capabilities of SASE streamline incident response by providing a unified view of the network and enabling rapid identification and mitigation of threats. And indeed, incident response is a main area of focus for NIS2 compliance, requiring organizations to report incidents promptly and effectively manage them, which in the long run, minimizes the impact of security incidents on business operations.

Simplified Compliance Management

On top of the usual office politics, managing compliance can be a fiddly, thankless, and daunting task. SASE simplifies it by consolidating security policies and controls into a single platform. This centralization facilitates the consistent application of security measures across the organization, ensuring that NIS2 requirements are met efficiently. In addition, SASE’s reporting and analytics capabilities enable organizations to demonstrate adherence to regulatory standards. The proof is in the pudding, so to speak.

Challenges and Considerations

Integration with Existing Infrastructure

Despite numerous SASE benefits, integrating it with existing infrastructure can be challenging. Organizations need to carefully assess their current network and security architecture to ensure a seamless transition to a SASE model. Collaboration between IT teams and security vendors is essential to address compatibility issues and optimize deployment.

Balancing Security and Performance

Security is paramount. But it should not come at the expense of network performance. And vice versa. Optimal performance must not compromise security. It is a balancing act that requires continuous monitoring and adjustment of security policies to align with business objectives and regulatory requirements.

To conclude

In the backdrop of professional cybersecurity, organizations can leverage SASE capabilities to achieve NIS2 compliance and enhance their overall security posture. Embracing integrated, flexible, and scalable solutions such as SASE will become crucial in navigating the complexities of cybersecurity compliance.

SASE is not just a technological advancement; it is a strategic enabler that empowers organizations to meet regulatory requirements, manage risks effectively, and secure their digital assets in an increasingly interconnected world. It holds the key to unlocking a future where cybersecurity is not merely a defensive measure but a proactive strategy for digital resilience.