Product Overview: Cato SASE Cloud Platform by Cato Networks
The Cato SASE (Secure Access Service Edge) Cloud Platform is a cutting-edge, cloud-native solution designed to converge enterprise networking and security into a unified, scalable, and highly secure service. Here’s a detailed look at what the product does and its key features and functionality.
What it Does
Cato SASE Cloud Platform addresses the complexities and inefficiencies of traditional networking and security infrastructures by providing a single, integrated platform that connects and secures all enterprise resources, whether they are physical, cloud-based, or mobile. This platform is built to support the modern digital business, enabling secure, optimized, and agile access to applications and data from anywhere in the world.
Key Features and Functionality
Cloud-Native Architecture
The Cato SASE Cloud Platform is built on a cloud-native architecture, ensuring multitenancy, scalability, velocity, efficiency, and ubiquity. This architecture is powered by thousands of Cato SPACEs (Software-defined POPs), which deliver a resilient, low-latency inspection and optimization service globally.
Converged Networking and Security
Cato SASE integrates multiple networking and security functions into a single service, including:
- Software-Defined WAN (SD-WAN): Optimizes WAN management with features like optimized network routing, global connectivity, and cloud acceleration.
- Secure Web Gateway (SWG): Provides secure web access and protection against web-based threats.
- Firewall as a Service (FWaaS): Offers scalable and elastic firewall capabilities to extend the full network security stack wherever needed.
- Zero-Trust Network Access (ZTNA): Ensures secure access to resources based on user, device, and permissions.
- Cloud Access Security Broker (CASB): Secures cloud-based assets and applications.
- Remote Browser Isolation (RBI): Protects against browser-based threats.
Global Private Backbone
Cato operates a privately owned, high-speed backbone infrastructure with numerous Points of Presence (PoPs) worldwide. This global network optimizes Internet access and WAN connectivity, providing faster performance and higher security compared to traditional internet or IPsec VPN transmissions.
Advanced Security Capabilities
The platform includes:
- Integrated Cato SSE 360: Combines SWG, CASB, RBI, ZTNA, IPS, and FWaaS to provide comprehensive security.
- Three Layers of Anti-Malware Inspection: Signature-based, advanced malware detection, and IPS performed on all users and traffic.
- AI/ML-Based Threat Hunting: Utilizes AI and machine learning to validate security feeds, detect threats, and prevent false positives.
Simplified Management and Deployment
- Single Pane of Glass: All capabilities are managed through a single console, simplifying configuration, troubleshooting, and analysis.
- Zero-Touch Provisioning: Easy deployment of Cato edge SD-WAN devices and Cato Clients through self-service portals or enterprise endpoint management (MDM) platforms.
- Automated Updates and Maintenance: Hardware updates and maintenance are automated, reducing IT involvement.
Performance and Optimization
- Optimized Traffic Routing: Automatically minimizes latency and packet loss between users, applications, and cloud resources.
- Bandwidth Flexibility: Offers flexible pricing without overcommitment, ensuring optimal bandwidth usage.
- Inspection Everywhere: Applies IPS and anti-malware inspections to all traffic, including cloud and remote assets.
Enhanced Visibility and Reporting
- Unified Visibility: Provides holistic visibility into network traffic and security events, enabling better cross-team collaboration.
- Usage Reports: Offers detailed reports by user, categories, and applications to monitor trends, troubleshoot, and refine access and bandwidth rules.
Additional Services
- Cato XDR: Extends SASE convergence into network operations, leveraging AI and machine learning for network health and issue remediation.
- Optional Managed Services: Includes internet service provider management, SASE management, managed detection and response (MDR), and designated support services.
The Cato SASE Cloud Platform is designed to eliminate the complexities of fragmented infrastructure, reduce security risks, and enhance the agility and performance of enterprise networks and security operations. It offers a future-proof, self-maintaining, and self-evolving solution that supports the evolving needs of digital businesses.