How SASE helps South African enterprises meet regulatory requirements

As of 2024, just 20% of South African businesses have implemented a Secure Access Service Edge (SASE) solution. This is according to a recent Gartner survey titled Forecast: Security Services Worldwide, 2023-2027. This is true even though SASE is becoming more widely acknowledged as a useful tool for enhancing security posture and fulfilling regulatory compliance obligations.

The state of data privacy in South Africa is changing dramatically. Businesses are subject to stringent requirements under the Protection of Personal Information Act (POPIA) to secure client data. Additionally, businesses are under more scrutiny for their data security procedures because of the Consumer Protection Act (CPA), which emphasises consumer rights in the digital age.

How does SASE help businesses?

SASE is a security concept that operates in the cloud and unifies networking and security features into a single platform. In the past, companies relied on a disorganised set of point solutions, such as web filters, firewalls, and secure web gateways, to provide safe access to data and applications.

SASE offers a full array of security capabilities as a service, simplifying this complicated ecosystem. It helps South African businesses by offering enhanced security in a cloud-based environment. Enterprises can design and implement security policies for users, devices, and applications regardless of location thanks to SASE's more granular approach to access control. This is especially helpful in the hybrid work environment of today, as remote employees are accessing company systems more regularly.

SASE also offers an improved user experience; it makes it possible for consumers to access secure apps without difficulty from any device by doing away with the requirement for complicated VPN connections. Employees will benefit from a more efficient and effective work environment as a result.

SASE can assist companies in lowering the total cost of operating their cyber security infrastructure by combining security solutions onto a single platform. This also leads to improved scalability and agility, making it simple for companies to modify their security posture in response to expansion or shifting demands.

How does SASE assist in fulfilling regulatory requirements?

SASE has several key features that can help South African enterprises comply with regulatory requirements. Firstly, centralised access control allows managers to oversee user access to programmes and data from a central platform. As required by POPIA, this enables enterprises to guarantee that only authorised users have access to sensitive information.

Data Loss Prevention (DLP) is another factor for regulatory adherence. To stop sensitive data from being improperly exfiltrated, SASE solutions can interface with DLP products. This helps companies in meeting POPIA's criteria for reporting data breaches.

SASE platforms also include strong auditing and reporting features that can give companies a thorough understanding of user behaviour and attempted access. It is essential to have this audit trail to prove adherence to POPIA rules.

Lastly, SASE includes Zero Trust Security (ZTS), which holds that no user or device may be trusted inherently. This strategy is in line with POPIA's guiding principles, which mandate that companies put in place the proper organisational and technical safeguards to secure personal data.

What makes SASE vital for adherence to regulations?

Enterprises in South Africa must be proactive in modifying their security posture to comply with the ever-changing regulatory landscape. SASE is a future-proof solution that can assist companies in adhering to current laws such as POPIA and CPA, while also giving them the adaptability to change in the future.

SEACOM aims to lead the way in providing South African enterprises with advanced cyber security solutions, including SASE. We are able to evaluate your security requirements and carry out a comprehensive examination of your present security posture to pinpoint the areas in which SASE can provide the greatest advantages with regard to regulatory compliance.

Our team will create a unique SASE solution for your company. SASE cannot be approached in a one-size-fits-all manner, so we'll design a solution that precisely satisfies your particular business needs and legal constraints.

SEACOM will also oversee your SASE environment. Our staff will offer continuous assistance to guarantee that your SASE system is running well and that your regulatory compliance is upheld.

SASE signifies a fundamental change in the way companies approach security and compliance; it is more than just a technology advancement. Through an awareness of SASE's advantages and compliance with regulations, South African businesses can make well-informed decisions on the protection of their digital assets and future.

SASE implementation is a process, not a destination. In your security and compliance journey, SEACOM is dedicated to being a reliable partner. Get in touch with us right now to find out more about how SASE can assist your company in meeting its security objectives. To find out more about our cyber security solutions or to get a quote, email us at marketing@seacom.com or leave us a message.

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