Secure access service edge (SASE) addresses common security concerns created by applications outside data centers, data stored across multiple cloud services and users accessing data from anywhere on any device, according to research and advisory company Gartner. Now, CyberRatings.org has published its first SASE rating.

SASE, a relatively new product, is a package of technologies delivered as a service: access control (FWaas and ZTNA), threat protection (Secure Web Gateway, anti-malware and instruction prevention), and data Source: Pixabayprotection (Cloud Access Security Broker and Data Loss Prevention).

CyberRatings.org is the non-profit entity that provides transparency on the efficacy of cybersecurity products. The organization conducted its first independent SASE test of Zscaler’s Firewall as a Service (FWaas). The test included its Zero Trust Network Access (ZTNA) capabilities using Zscaler Internet Access and Zscaler Private Access.

Zscaler earned an overall AA rating. Ratings of components ranged from AA to AAA.

"The pandemic accelerated adoption of new technologies such as SASE that securely enable a distributed workforce," said Vikram Phatak, CEO of CyberRatings.org. "This first-of-its-kind test provides the cybersecurity industry with a reliable and independent way to evaluate SASE offerings."

CyberRatings worked with Keysight’s network and cloud product teams for several months in order to develop the apparatus used for testing FWaaS and ZTNA.

"The distributed nature of hybrid/cloud networks calls for a new way of testing," said Ram Periakaruppan, vice president and general manager of Keysight's Network Test and Security Solutions. "Keysight developed its industry-first cloud-native CyPerf test solution to help users validate services like SASE, software-defined wide area network (SD-WAN), and cloud network firewall. We are excited to partner with CyberRatings in this first independent test of SASE technology."

CyberRatings used CyPerf to test the stability and reliability, TLS/SSL functionality and performance of the application.

The test of FWaaS and ZTNA is the first phase of CyberRatings three-phase SASE product testing plan. Phase two will test discovery and handling of exploits, malware and evasions. Phase three will evaluate cloud access security broker (CASB) and data leak protection (DLP).