The SASE model enhances the networking functions provided by SD-WAN with additional security and networking features. Since this technology is still in its early stages, obtaining any SASE certification will be quite advantageous for potential learners interested in pursuing a career in cybersecurity. We’ve compiled a list of the top five SASE certifications to help these professionals push their SASE game. Let’s go deeper.
As more people access digital resources remotely, more businesses turn to secure access services (SASE) to centralize access in the cloud and streamline policy design and enforcement security.
What is SASE?
There is no single definition of SASE. SASE vendor solutions vary widely between vendors. There is no single solution that provides all that can be considered a SASE service, and therefore, there is no defined minimum feature set.
As defined by CBTnuggets, “SASE is a framework that combines security and wide area networking functions into a single cloud-based architecture. With SASE, instead of having separate devices or cloud services for SD-WAN, SWG (secure web gateway), firewall, CASB (cloud access security broker), IDS/IPS (system intrusion detection system/intrusion prevention system) and VPN, you have a single comprehensive cloud service that does it all.
The SASE provider provides access to a worldwide private PoP (point of presence) network. Users connect to that network, and all SD-WAN functionality and security are inherently part of everything that goes on from then on. “
In general, the SASE model extends across the network and the security features provided by SD-WAN.
See more: Top 7 cybersecurity skills to master by 2022
Should you study SASE?
While SASE is still in its early stages, it’s not too early to train and become certified in technology, especially if you’re planning to pursue a career in networking. Dell’Oro predicts that the SASE technology industry will reach double-digit billion dollars in sales by 2025. Gartner estimates that the SASE technology market will grow 42% CAGR to over $11 billion by 2024. By 2024. By 2025, Gartner predicts that at least 60% of businesses will have a clear strategy and schedule for SASE adoption. The SASE certification will assure employers of your SASE understanding and demonstrate that your networking and security skills are in line with industry trends.
Top five SASE certification and training resources to consider in 2022
Where can you go to study SASE? SASE providers and their training partners now have SASE training. Here are five top training and certification resources that can help you become proficient in this cutting-edge technology:
Cato SASE Expert Level 2
Cato . SASE Certification program gives you a high-level overview of SASE. While most of the course material is vendor-neutral, Cato’s implementation of SASE is used in its examples. This self-paced course covers the following topics:
- One-time processing
- Global cloud and cloud network
- Why native SD-WAN is a must
- Handling security in the cloud versus at the edge
- IPS-as-a-Service
Target audience: Enterprise network engineer, C-level executives and channel partners
Course duration: 3-5 hours
Prerequisites: Applicants must have completed Cato’s SASE Expert Level I course.
How to qualify for certification: When you complete the course and pass the SASE Expert Level 2 exam, you will be certified SASE Expert.
Netskope SASE Accreditation
Recognize Netskope SASE as a virtual, instructor-led interactive tool course. Learners get in-depth, real-world exposure to SASE and how to develop it through real-life examples, case studies, and use cases. While the course is supposed to be vendor-neutral, the case studies are based on the Netskope Platform. The training course provides the key component models and technologies that make up the SASE architecture. Students will discover how SASE can give them “more visibility and real-time, actionable information about cloud services, activity, traffic, and concurrent data.” simplify their security stack.”
Topics covered include:
- SASE Purpose and Origin
- Virtual and Cloud Computing
- Software-defined network
- Zero Trust Security
- Prevent data leakage
- Secure Web Portal
- Cloud access security broker
- Cloud Identity Management
- Cloud micro-segmentation
- Cloud application security
- Safe access method
- Components of the SASE . model
Course duration: 2 days, one session 4 hours a day
Target audience: Practitioners are working in all aspects of cybersecurity, IT and technology. Professionals are working in government, research, academia and other fields of interest to cybersecurity.
Prerequisites: Students must have a working knowledge of network and security principles.
How to qualify for certification: Upon completion of the course and completion of the 45-minute accreditation test with a passing score of 80%, students will receive the SASE Accredited Architect badge and certificate.
Versa SASE essentials
Versa SASE essentials course is an on-demand, self-paced course that focuses on SASE design and implementation. Students are introduced to an overview of the architecture and characteristics of SASE and the connectivity models available to end users, and learn how to transition from SD-WAN to SASE. It also lists the main evaluation criteria for selecting SASE providers. This course is recommended for preparation for the Versa-certified SD-SAN Associate certification exam.
Topics include:
- SASE Platform and its Features
- SD-WAN technology, building blocks, and core capabilities.
- Versa Secure SD-WAN solutions and components.
- Security services and connectivity models are available for the SASE architecture.
- Real-time options are available for SASE implementation.
- Key considerations and transition from SD-WAN to SASE.
- Versa SASE Platform.
Prerequisites: Optional. However, you should have hands-on experience in administration, design, and troubleshooting in the Versa Secure SD-WAN platform as well as product knowledge in the SD-WAN industry.
Target audience: Engineers design, optimize, administer, manage, troubleshoot, and support secure SD-WAN services on the Versa Networks platform.
How to qualify for certification: To receive the Versa Certified SD-WAN digital badge, you must pass the 90-minute Versa Certified SD-WAN Link Certification Exam (VNS100). This exam consists of 60 multiple choice questions. Versa certification is valid for two years. To maintain your certification status, you must retake the same level or higher exam before your certificate expires.
Palo Alto Networks Prisma Access SASE Security 3.0: Design and Operation
Here course describes Palo Alto Networks Managed Panoramic Prism Access SASE and how it delivers network security services from the cloud. Panoramic Deployment teaches how to protect remote applications, networks, and mobile users. Students will gain practical experience in configuring, managing, and troubleshooting Prisma Access in a lab environment. This course can complement other recommended Palo Alto courses to prepare for the Palo Alto Networks Certified Cybersecurity Engineer (PSNSE) exam.
Topics covered include:
- Prisma . Access Definition and Overview
- Architecture Planning and Design
- Design routing SD-WAN
- Enable and configure the service connection
- Secure handling nodes (SPNs)
- Full Operational Overview for Prisma Access and Prisma Access in the Cloud (Prisma SASE)
- Remote network
- Mobile users
- Cloud security web portal
- Tune, Optimize, and Troubleshoot
- Manage multiple tenants
Target audience: Security Engineer, Security Administrator, Security Operations Specialist, Security Analyst and Network Engineer.
Course duration: 4 days of lectures and labs
Prerequisites: This course requires basic knowledge of cloud computing and public clouds. In addition, participants must have completed the Firewall Basics: Palo Alto (EDU-210) Configuration and Management (EDU-210) and Panorama: Firewall Management at Scale (EDU-220) courses or have experience equivalent. You should also have experience in routing, switching and IP addressing with network concepts.
How to qualify for certification: To earn the Palo Alto Networks Cyber Security Engineer certification, you must pass the Palo Alto Networks Certified Cyber Security Engineer (PCNSE) exam. This 80-minute exam consists of 75 questions and is valid for two years. To renew, the test must be retaken before your certification expires.
Cisco CCNP Security Training and Certification Program
Although not SASE-specific, Cisco CCNP Security certification helps validate your network security and technology skills across all Cisco networking platforms. The certification requires two exams, the core exam covering core Cisco technologies and the focus exam covering the security concentration of your choice.
Cisco has a number of courses in its certification training program to help you pass these exams. Cisco CCNP Security Certification Core Training, Deployment and Operations Security Core Technologies, with a focus on security infrastructure, including network security, cloud security, security content, endpoint protection and discovery, secure network access, visibility, and enforcement. There is also a corresponding course to prepare you for each focused exam.
How to qualify for certification: To be eligible for the CCNP Security Certification, you must pass the Cisco Security Core Technology Implementation and Operations exam. (Passing this exam also qualifies you for the CCIE Security certification.) You will also need to pass one of the following focused exams:
- Secure your network with Cisco Firepower
- Deploy and Configure Cisco Identity Services Engine
- Secure Email with Cisco Email Security Appliance
- Secure the Web with Cisco Web Security Appliances
- Deploy secure solutions with virtual private networks
- Automate and program Cisco security solutions
Note that participants can earn an expert certificate to pass any CCNP exam – core or concentration of their choice.
See more: Hype or help: Should organizations rely on SASE for network operations?
Sase is exaggeration or reality?
Gartner places SASE at the pinnacle of its hype cycle. It predicts SASE will not become a popular trend for another two to five years. One reason for this is the lack of standards. Each vendor’s version of SASE is different from the rest. As a result, none of the top five courses is completely vendor-neutral. If you intend to work with a particular implementation, then that vendor’s certification will serve you well. In fact, it is expected that many SASE providers will develop their own training/certification programs.
But one organization is working to change all of that. In 2020, the nonprofit organization Forum MEF published a white paper on the MEF SASE Service Framework that provides a framework for standardizing SASE services. Additionally, the MEF testing and certification committee is currently considering the addition of SASE and Zero Trust to its SD-WAN certification program to confirm compliance with the proposed SASE Properties and Services standard. as well as the Zero Trust Framework and the Service Attribution standard. Until then, network practitioners will need to look to SASE vendors to keep up with this new technology.
Which SASE certificate do you want to get? Let us know on LinkedIn, Twitteror Facebook. We’d love to hear from you!
