SASE vs XDR: Differences in Components and Deployment Models

Published on: September 30, 2024

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10 min read

The cybersecurity solutions Extended Detection and Response (XDR) and Secure Access Service Edge (SASE) are meant to improve network and endpoint security without huge additional operational costs. But they function differently and have various functions. SASE gives users, whether they are onsite or off, secure, dependable, and consistent access to data and applications. On the other hand, XDR monitors, analyses, and handles advanced threats in a range of contexts and endpoints. It protects data regarding possible risks to a broad IT ecosystem. XDR involves managing the flow of data within the company and carrying out a data loss prevention (DLP) task by preventing the spread of sensitive data via email or cloud apps. It is going to be discussed how SASE and XDR have differences in components and deployment models. The following topics are going to be covered in this article:

• What is the core difference between SASE and XDR?

• How do SASE and XDR complement each other in a cybersecurity strategy?

• What are the key components of SASE?

• What are the key components of XDR?

• Which of SASE or XDR is more suitable for remote working environments?

• What are the deployment models for SASE?

• What are the deployment models for XDR?

• How do SASE and XDR address security challenges differently?

• Can SASE replace XDR in an organization's cybersecurity infrastructure?

• What industries benefit most from implementing SASE over XDR?

• What are the key advantages of SASE and XDR for modern enterprises?

• How do SASE and XDR handle threat intelligence and analytics?

What is the core difference between SASE and XDR?

Secure Access Service Edge (SASE) is a cloud-native architecture that integrates networking and security services into a single framework. It focuses on identity-centric security for users regardless of their location. SASE is designed to support remote workforces by providing consistent security policies across all endpoints. In terms of the deployment model, SASE is delivered as a single cloud service. It is scalable and flexible. SASE components include SD-WAN, Secure Web Gateway (SWG), Cloud Access Security Broker (CASB), Zero Trust Network Access (ZTNA), and Next-Generation Firewall (NGFW).

Extended Detection and Response (XDR) is a cybersecurity system that combines several data sources and security capabilities. It aims to provide comprehensive threat detection and response. It collects data from endpoints, networks, and cloud services. XDR enhances visibility and reduces response times by breaking down silos between different security layers. XDR Deployment can be done as native XDR, which means single vendor, or open XDR, which integrates third-party tools. This means tailored security strategies are allowed. To contextualize and correlate security alarms, XDR combines security analytics with threat information and telemetry data from many sources. XDR gets power from technologies such as EDR, NDR, CWPP, and SIEM. XDR is handy for those who need to identify and react to complex cyberattacks. It can be implemented on-site, in the cloud, or in a hybrid format. When compared to a scenario without XDR, it offers broader protection and incorporates native sensors. XDR's core functionalities are data collection, threat detection using machine learning (ML) analytics, and automated response.

A detailed information on differences between SASE and XDR is shown in the following table.

Feature	SASE	XDR
Primary Focus	Secure access to applications and data	Detection, investigation, and response to advanced threats
Core Components	Secure Web Gateway (SWG), Cloud Access Security Broker (CASB), Zero-Trust Network Access (ZTNA), Firewall as a Service (FWaaS)	Endpoint Detection and Response (EDR), Network Detection and Response (NDR), Cloud Workload Protection Platform (CWPP), Security Information and Event Management (SIEM)
Deployment Model	Typically cloud-based	On-premises, cloud-based, or hybrid
Security Coverage	Network-level security, remote access, and application access	Endpoint, network, cloud, and hybrid environments
Integration	Integrates with various network and security components	Integrates with various endpoint, network, and security components
Use Case	Secure remote access, branch office connectivity, and cloud adoption	Threat hunting, incident response, compliance
Threat Prevention	Prevents unauthorized access and malicious activity	Detects and responds to advanced threats
Scalability	Designed for scalability to accommodate growing user bases and workloads	Designed for scalability to handle increasing data volumes and complexity
Management	Centralized management console	Centralized management console
Vendor Approach	Typically offered as a comprehensive service	Can be offered as a standalone product or as part of a broader security platform

Table 1. Differences between SASE and XDR

SASE is in an innovative enterprise networking technology category. SASE is a global, cloud-native service that combines networking and security point solutions. It is an architectural advancement in networking and enterprise security that enables IT teams to provide flexible and quick service. Point solutions for organizational problems lead to expensive and difficult-to-manage technical silos. SASE challenges this paradigm by utilizing a cutting-edge, globally distributed, cloud-native, identity-driven networking and security platform. This platform links and safeguards all edges, including mobile, WAN, cloud, and IoT. It offers safe access to any application from any place or device and offers resilience through a distributed architecture with numerous Points of Presence (PoPs) across the globe.

XDR, on the other hand, is a platform for identifying and responding to security incidents. Information from several levels of the IT environment is automatically gathered and correlated by the platform. Correlation and integration of security data obtained from cloud workloads, endpoints, internal and external network boundaries (east/west and north/south traffic), and adaptive decoys are all made possible by XDR. Wide-ranging visibility into hybrid, heterogeneous networks is made possible by XDR. This visibility, in conjunction with advanced deception, real-time and retrospective threat analysis, advanced analytics, and machine learning, leads to enhanced detection of evasive threats. Additionally, it aids in an organization's search for unintentional security configuration errors and insider risks. XDR enables warnings to be connected and integrated, boosting the actionability and accuracy of alerts and leading to the proactive identification of attacks. XDR increases security analyst productivity by enabling incident investigation, hunting, and active threat response on a single pane of glass. It eliminates the requirement for various tool certification and training.

How do SASE and XDR complement each other in a cybersecurity strategy?

Secure Access Service Edge (SASE) and Extended Detection and Response (XDR) are meant to serve distinct purposes, but they can work synergistically to provide comprehensive cybersecurity protection for broad IT ecosystems. This collaboration addresses the complexities of modern cyber threats by integrating network security and threat detection capabilities. SASE elevates XDR by providing cleaner data for analysis. Traditional XDR solutions often struggle with data normalization issues, which can dilute the quality of threat data. By utilizing native sensors within the SASE framework, XDR can ingest high-quality data without the need for extensive normalization. This leads to more accurate threat detection and reduces false positives.

To provide a layered security SASE acts as the first line of defense. Secure web gateways (SWGs) and cloud access security brokers (CASBs) can block known threats and enforce access policies. XDR acts as the second line of defense. It focuses on detecting and responding to threats that have bypassed the perimeter defenses. Its components, like endpoint detection and response (EDR) and network detection and response (NDR), can identify advanced threats, investigate incidents, and contain breaches.

To provide synergy in endpoint protection, SASE can provide context to XDR by sharing information about network traffic, user behavior, and device health. This enables XDR to prioritize alerts and focus on more suspicious activities and enhanced threat detection.

When a threat is detected by XDR, SASE can help isolate infected devices or restrict access to compromised resources and limit the potential damage.

To provide synergy in network security, SASE can provide threat intelligence to XDR, such as information about emerging threats and attack trends. This helps XDR stay updated and detect new attack techniques. For coordination in incident response, when a network-based attack is detected by XDR, SASE can assist in containing the breach by blocking malicious traffic or quarantining affected devices.

SASE and XDR are examples of new models that are made possible by a more integrated approach to security. SASE enables quick and adaptable network edge security by leveraging contextual data instead of flimsy login credentials for authentication. Through the autonomous gathering and correlation of data from various security systems made possible by XDR, threats can be identified more quickly, and investigation and response times can be expedited through quick analysis. As threats get more sophisticated and working habits become more dispersed, these kinds of distributed, intelligent, and autonomous capabilities become crucial. SASE and XDR can be used separately to combine best-of-breed functionality with loosely linked integration and security staff attention. Combined approaches have many advantages. Organizations can reduce the risks that lie between and across main attack surfaces by providing email, web, and cloud application security with identity and context all in one package.

What are the key components of SASE?

The key components of SASE are as follows:

• Zero Trust Network Access (ZTNA): A security model that requires strict identity verification for every user and device attempting to access resources. It is a cloud-based solution that applies contextual access controls to individual user identities and uses identity verification to link remote or hybrid workers directly to the resources and apps they require. ZTNA ensures that access is granted based on user identity and context rather than location.

• Secure Web Gateway (SWG): This component acts as a barrier between users and the internet and enforces security policies. It offers SSL inspection, stops ransomware and malware from obtaining data, and filters and blocks URLs as necessary. SWGs help prevent data loss and manage web application usage.

• Cloud Access Security Broker (CASB): CASB serves as an intermediary between users and cloud services, providing visibility, compliance, and data security for cloud applications. In order to aggregate and inject enterprise security policies as the cloud-based resources are accessed, Gartner defines CASBs as "on-premises, or cloud-based security policy enforcement points, placed between cloud services consumers and cloud services providers." CASBs combine several approaches to enforcing security policies. Authentication, single sign-on, authorization, mapping of credentials, tokenization, encryption, device profiling, logging, alerts, malware detection/prevention, and other features are examples of security policies. It helps to manage risks associated with cloud usage.

• Firewall as a Service (FWaaS): This service delivers firewall capabilities through the cloud in addition to other network perimeter firewall features present in firewall appliances. It enables centralized management of firewall functions without the need for physical hardware. FwaaS includes intrusion prevention, access blocking and managing, and deep packet inspection. These features have been adapted to the cloud in which the network perimeter continues to be shifting. FWaaS provides scalable protection against network threats.

• Software-Defined Wide Area Network (SD-WAN): SD-WAN can be considered as the network's sophisticated image designer. It eliminates the need for inflexible, point-to-point connections by dynamically selecting the safest, fastest routes for your data in response to current circumstances. The cloud path will be both seamless and effective through the outstanding functionality, enhanced user experience, and cost savings brought by technology.

What are the key components of XDR?

XDR is an advanced security solution that integrates multiple security products into a cohesive system for threat detection and response. Its key components are listed below:

• Endpoint Detection and Response (EDR): EDR focuses on monitoring endpoints for suspicious activity. It provides real-time detection, investigation, and response capabilities. EDR is still committed to the careful observation and defense of endpoints. Mobile devices, desktops, laptops, and servers are some elements of these endpoints. The aim is to proactively detect and address possible security events, such as malware, and unauthorized access attempts.

• Security Information and Event Management (SIEM): SIEM collects and analyzes security data from across the organization’s IT environment to identify potential threats and facilitate incident response. SIEM constitutes a key component of the XDR environment. SIEM solutions conscientiously compile and examine event data and security logs from multiple sources in an enterprise's IT infrastructure. Businesses may centralize security monitoring, correlation, and incident response by integrating SIEM capabilities with XDR. They become more adept at quickly recognizing and addressing possible dangers. This is useful in increasing their effectiveness.

• Threat Intelligence: This involves gathering information about potential threats from various sources to enhance detection capabilities and inform response strategies. XDR systems maintain up-to-date knowledge of the most recent attack methods, threat vectors, and indications of compromise (IOCs) by integrating threat intelligence streams. This constant information flow improves the system's capacity to identify and address new threats.

• Network Detection and Response (NDR): NDR solutions monitor network traffic for anomalies and network-level threats that may indicate a security breach. NDR is in charge of monitoring network traffic, closely examining data packets, and identifying possible dangers in the complex network environment. NDR is adept at finding anomalies, hostile activity, and vulnerabilities that can jeopardize network security.

Which of SASE or XDR is more suitable for remote working environments?

To determine which solution, SASE or XDR, is more suitable for remote working environments, their capabilities should be examined in terms of flexibility, coverage, and ease of implementation.

• Flexibility: SASE is designed to provide secure access to corporate applications and data from any location. This makes it inherently flexible for remote work scenarios. It integrates network security functions into a unified cloud-delivered architecture. This manages security policies centrally while handling distributed workplaces.

  XDR focuses primarily on threat detection and response across various endpoints, networks, and cloud environments. Although it is useful for threat elimination, it does not inherently provide secure access to applications for remote workers. Therefore, while XDR offers robust threat management capabilities, it lacks the comprehensive access flexibility that SASE provides.

• Coverage: In terms of coverage, SASE encompasses a broader range of security functionalities by integrating multiple security services into one platform. This includes secure web gateways (SWG), cloud access security brokers (CASB), and data loss prevention (DLP), which are critical for protecting remote workers accessing cloud-based applications.

  XDR excels in analyzing data from various security tools to detect threats but may require additional solutions to achieve the same level of coverage as SASE. It is more focused on incident response rather than providing a full suite of security measures necessary for remote work. XDR elevates security through advanced analytics, while it may not cover all aspects of remote work security as effectively as SASE.

• Ease of Implementation: SASE reduces complexity and simplifies management for IT teams, particularly in remote settings where resources may be limited. The cloud-native nature of SASE allows for rapid deployment across various locations without the need for extensive on-premise hardware.

  XDR can be more complex to implement as it often requires integration with existing security tools and systems. Investing time and resources may be needed for XDR to effectively correlate data from disparate sources. This can pose challenges in remote environments where quick adaptability is essential.

What are the deployment models for SASE?

SASE is a cloud-native architecture that combines networking and security services into a single solution. It aims to enable secure access to applications and information across various environments. Main deployment models for SASE are outlined below:

• Cloud-Native SASE: With the help of an entirely cloud-based infrastructure, this paradigm enables businesses to use SASE services online. It has lower administrative costs because maintenance costs and upgrades are handled by the service provider. It provides flexibility and scalability in addition.

• Hybrid SASE: This approach combines cloud and on-premises solutions to keep some security features on-site while using cloud services for other purposes. Businesses that need to maintain local control due to specific performance or compliance needs can benefit from this arrangement.

• Managed SASE: This concept entails the SASE deployment being overseen by an outside service provider. Expert administration of security upgrades, rules, and monitoring benefits organizations and can reduce workloads for internal IT personnel.

• On-Premises SASE: This deployment involves hosting all SASE components within the organization's own data centers. It provides maximum control over data and security configurations. The drawback is that it requires significant investment in infrastructure and ongoing maintenance by internal teams.

When considering deployment models for SASE, the implications of cloud-based versus on-premises solutions must be compared well. Cloud-based models come with the advantage of scalability. Without significant capital investment, they can easily adjust resources based on demand. Meanwhile, data security concerns are a disadvantage. Sensitive information is stored off-site, potentially raising compliance issues. On-premises models maintain direct control over the data and security configurations. But they come with higher costs. They require a significant upfront investment in hardware and operational costs.

What are the deployment models for XDR?

XDR is an advanced security solution that brings information together from multiple security layers. Its main goal is detection and response to malicious activity. Main deployment models for XDR are explained below:

• Cloud-Based XDR: Cloud-based XDR runs exclusively in the cloud, much like cloud-native SASE. This strategy offers real-time data analysis and threat detection without requiring a large amount of on-premises infrastructure. It is scalable and provides accessibility.

• On-Premises XDR: All XDR features in this deployment are housed inside the infrastructure of the company. This gives total control over the data. The downside is that it could be more expensive in the long run for hardware and maintenance.

• Hybrid XDR: By fusing aspects of on-premises and cloud computing, hybrid XDR enables businesses to make use of the advantages of both approaches. Cloud capabilities benefited from more comprehensive threat intelligence and analysis. Meanwhile, critical data can remain on-premises.

• Managed XDR: Third-party suppliers run managed XDR solutions, taking care of incident response, threat detection, and monitoring. This model allows organizations to benefit from expert oversight while focusing on core business operations.

How do SASE and XDR address security challenges differently?

SASE integrates networking and security services into a single cloud-delivered model. This architecture simplifies management and enhances visibility. SASE focuses on securing access to applications and data through identity verification and policy enforcement at the edge of the network. It employs technologies like Zero Trust Network Access (ZTNA) for access management. By capturing threat data through native sensors embedded in the SASE framework, it avoids the complications of data normalization. The results are cleaner data for analysis. This leads to more accurate threat detection and reduces the chances of missing critical alerts.

XDR is designed to extend beyond traditional endpoint detection and response (EDR) by integrating data from multiple security tools across networks, endpoints, and cloud environments. This approach allows for better correlation of threats across different vectors. XDR utilizes advanced analytics and machine learning to identify threats by analyzing vast amounts of data from various sources. It aims to reduce the mean time to detect (MTTD) and mean time to respond (MTTR) by automating responses based on detected anomalies. XDR generates detailed incident reports. Threat patterns become visible and responding effectively is possible as a result. However, its effectiveness can be hampered by data quality issues if it relies on disparate sources that require normalization. Unique strengths and a comparison of SASE and XDR in threat prevention, detection, and response are listed below:

• Threat Prevention: SASE implements proactive measures at the network edge. Verified users gain access to sensitive resources, and potential threats are eliminated before they are inside the network. XDR can prevent some threats through integrated controls too. But the primary focus is on detection rather than preemptive measures.

• Threat Detection: SASE leverages high-quality data from its integrated sensors for real-time threat detection, which improves accuracy in identifying potential incidents.

  XDR employs advanced analytics across multiple security layers to detect threats but may struggle with accuracy if data from various sources is inconsistent or poorly integrated.

• Threat Response: SASE offers rapid response capabilities through automated policy enforcement. This is based on user behavior and context, and action against the anomalies detected can be taken swiftly. XDR provides a comprehensive view of incidents across platforms but may require manual intervention for complex responses due to its reliance on multiple tools.

Can SASE replace XDR in an organization's cybersecurity infrastructure?

No. SASE cannot completely replace XDR in an organization's cybersecurity infrastructure; rather, they serve complementary roles. SASE and XDR are distinct, lately emerging cybersecurity frameworks designed to address different aspects of security. SASE focuses on integrating networking and security functions into a single cloud-delivered service. The aim is to provide secure access to devices and clients from any location. It emphasizes the convergence of security capabilities like SD-WAN, SWG, CASB, and ZTNA.

XDR mainly aims at threat detection and response across endpoints, networks, and clouds. It targets potential threats by correlating data from multiple security tools to identify and respond to incidents effectively. However, traditional XDR solutions often face challenges related to data normalization and quality, which can hinder their effectiveness in threat detection.

There is a new approach called SASE-based XDR, which represents an evolution in this space by leveraging the inherent capabilities of SASE to improve data quality for XDR processes. By utilizing native sensors within the SASE architecture, SASE-based XDR can ingest cleaner data without the need for complex integrations or normalization processes. This results in more accurate threat detection and incident response capabilities.

What industries benefit most from implementing SASE over XDR?

Here are some industries that can benefit more from implementing SASE over XDR:

• Healthcare: Healthcare companies are subject to stringent compliance regulations and manage sensitive patient data. SASE gives users insight and control over data access while enabling secure, identity-based access to electronic health records and other vital applications.

• Retail: SASE can be applied to retail companies with a large number of point-of-sale systems and dispersed supply chains. The result will be improved network performance, safer client transactions, and guard against data breaches. Retailers can benefit greatly from SASE's cloud-delivered security services like SWG and CASB.

• Monetary Services: To safeguard client data and stop fraud, financial organizations need strong security. The stringent access controls and ongoing risk assessment of SASE's zero trust approach make it a great fit for the financial industry's security requirements.

• Production: SASE's capacity to safeguard access and data across numerous edges can be advantageous for manufacturing facilities that have cloud-based supply chain management systems and linked industrial Internet of things equipment. SASE's SD-WAN capabilities improve network reliability and performance.

• Education: Schools and universities with large numbers of devices and users accessing cloud applications can leverage SASE to provide secure, optimized connectivity. SASE's centralized management and policy enforcement simplify IT operations and reduce costs.

In contrast, industries with more traditional, on-premises network architectures and security tools may find XDR more relevant initially. However, as cloud adoption increases across all sectors, SASE will become increasingly important for providing secure access and consistent security policies in a distributed, cloud-centric world.

What are the key advantages of SASE and XDR for modern enterprises?

SASE's comprehensive strategy, which combines elements like data protection, threat prevention, and secure access, gives modern businesses increased network security. SASE provides quick network access for all users, from any device and location. The security is uniform and consistent. Businesses can benefit from enhanced network performance by deploying SASE because of its cloud-based design and optimal traffic routing. Adaptable, quick, and effective network and security service is delivered with SASE adoption. By eliminating the need for several point solutions and simplifying network management, the implementation of SASE can reduce costs for businesses in the long term.

Security analysts may take advantage of strong forensics and visualizations in XDR by combining detections from various settings and providing context for threats and attacks. Prominent XDR technologies gather and analyze a large number of signals from all of your company's equipment. They then use machine learning, artificial intelligence, and advanced analytics to find sophisticated modern cyberattacks. Many vulnerabilities, threats, and active attacks can be automatically resolved in almost real time with automated response, which eliminates the need for manual intervention by human analysts. XDR includes cross-domain collaboration, the capacity to comprehend threats, and the ability to bundle related alerts into single events. This leads to fewer incidents and lowers alert fatigue for analysts. A market-leading XDR platform that integrates natively under one supplier can give a seamless experience and significant benefits, even while connectors are available to join devices from multiple vendors.

How do SASE and XDR handle threat intelligence and analytics?

SASE solutions employ a proactive approach to threat intelligence and analytics. Once a threat is identified, SASE can take automated actions to mitigate the risk. This includes blocking malicious websites or quarantining infected devices. They leverage a range of techniques to gather and analyze threat data, including:

• SASE keeps an eye on user behavior and network data for any indications of questionable activities.

• To stay current on the newest threats and attack strategies, SASE can interact with external threat intelligence sources.

• SASE can recognize trends in user behavior and network traffic that can point to danger by using machine learning methods.

Threat intelligence and analytics are approached more reactively by XDR solutions. Their main objective is to identify and counter threats that get into the network somehow. XDR has the ability to automatically isolate compromised devices and analyze and eliminate threats when they are identified. XDR gathers and examines threat data using a range of methods, such as:

• Endpoint data collection: XDR gathers information about files, processes, and registry modifications from endpoints.

• Network traffic analysis: To find suspicious activities, XDR examines network traffic.

• XDR can be integrated with security information and event management (SIEM) systems to correlate security events and pinpoint threats.

Although threat intelligence and analytics are employed by both SASE and XDR, their strategies vary in terms of timing and focus. Threat intelligence and analytics utilizing SASE and XDR are dependent on a number of parameters, such as:

• The standard of threat intelligence: The efficacy of SASE and XDR will be greatly impacted by the quality and applicability of the threat intelligence they employ.

• Integration with additional security tools: To offer a comprehensive security solution, SASE and XDR ought to be combined with additional security tools like intrusion detection systems and firewalls.

• Skilled personnel: Both SASE and XDR require skilled personnel to interpret threat intelligence, investigate incidents, and respond to threats effectively.

There is a table representation of How SASE and XDR handle threat intelligence and analytics below:

Aspect	SASE Solutions	XDR
Real-Time Monitoring	Continuous monitoring of network traffic	Aggregates data from multiple sources
Scope	Focuses on network-level threats	Detects threats at the endpoint and network levels.
Method	Proactive	Reactive
Automated Response	Immediate enforcement of security policies	Coordinated response across integrated tools. Often requires more manual intervention for incident response.
Data Quality	High-quality data from native sensors	Relies on normalized data from varied sources
Threat Intelligence Use	Integrates IoCs from numerous sources	Correlates data for comprehensive analysis.
Machine Learning	Utilizes ML for anomaly detection	Employs ML for pattern recognition and threat correlation

Table 2: How SASE and XDR handle threat intelligence and analytics