As organizations increasingly move their operations to the cloud, securing sensitive data has become more critical than ever. The rise of hybrid work environments and cloud-native technologies demands a comprehensive approach to both networking and security. That is why SASE is gaining momentum as a leading service model to unify networking technologies like SD-WAN and security services like firewalls, secure web gateways, and zero-trust frameworks.
While SASE (Secure Access Service Edge[1]) and HSM (Hardware Security Module) are distinct technologies with different primary functions, there are emerging scenarios to integrate or combine the two to enhance security in cloud environments. Let’s explore how these two can work together to provide robust protection for modern enterprises.
Cloud Data Encryption: In a SASE framework, organizations can leverage cloud-based services for remote users or branch offices. To ensure the security of sensitive data passing through these cloud services, HSMs can be integrated to securely manage encryption keys used for data encryption and decryption. This guarantees that encryption keys are stored in tamper-resistant hardware – either on premises or in the cloud (CloudHSM) ─ even though the actual data traffic is managed through SASE’s cloud-based services.
PKI Integration: SASE architectures often incorporate Zero Trust Network Access (ZTNA), which requires strict identity verification before granting access to any resources. HSMs can store and manage the Public Key Infrastructure (PKI) certificates and keys, providing robust authentication in a Zero Trust environment. They ensure the security of digital certificates and protect private keys used for endpoint authentication.
TLS Termination and SSL Certificates: SASE often replaces traditional VPNs with more modern, scalable, and secure remote access methods, such as TLS (Transport Layer Security). HSMs can store and manage the SSL/TLS certificates and private keys that enable secure remote connections, ensuring that these cryptographic elements remain highly secure, even within a distributed, cloud-native SASE architecture.
Cloud Access Security Brokers (CASBs) mediate access to cloud applications like Salesforce, HubSpot, and SAP by encrypting sensitive fields. An HSM ensures that the required encryption keys remain in a tamper-proof environment, protecting them from unauthorized access or cyberattacks. By integrating HSMs, CASBs can offer stronger encryption and key management, ensuring that critical security operations such as decryption, signing, and key generation are handled with the highest level of security and compliance.
Regulatory Compliance: Many regulatory frameworks require organizations to secure sensitive data using encryption and guarantee proper key management. In SASE environments, where data traffic, access control, and security functions are handled in the cloud, integrating an HSM ensures that cryptographic operations are compliant with regulations, as the encryption keys remain securely managed in certified hardware.
While HSMs and SASE are typically seen as distinct technologies, they can be combined effectively to provide high levels of security in cloud-native, distributed environments. HSMs ensure secure key management and cryptographic operations, while SASE delivers secure network access and management. Together, they offer robust protection for modern enterprises navigating remote work, cloud adoption, and regulatory compliance. Securosys CloudHSM allows enterprises to secure and maintain their SASE environments entirely in the cloud.
Given the critical role HSMs play in safeguarding encryption and signature keys, CloudHSM is destined to become an integral part of the SASE service model.
Integrating SASE with HSM is just one of many ways Securosys can help your organization stay ahead in a fast-evolving security landscape. Want to learn more about how CloudHSM can enhance your security infrastructure? Get in touch with us today to see how our solutions can strengthen your cloud security and ensure compliance with industry regulations.
[1] *Pronounced "Sassy" — and no, it’s not a reference to "Ted Lasso", the popular TV show. Interestingly, much like the lively and independent Sassy, SASE is bold in its approach to redefining cloud security — but that's where the similarity ends!