SECaaS (Security as a Service) is a buzzword you may have encountered a few times recently. It is a term that describes a cloud computing service model in which a client receives security services from a cloud provider, either on a subscription basis or by paying for utilized services.
Demand for SECaaS is projected to grow in the coming years, potentially reaching more than $34 million US by 2028.
The skyrocketing demand and use of cloud computing services, high rate of advanced cyber threats, Bring Your Own Device (BYOD) arrangements, and remote work have increased avenues that attackers can use to gain access to private networks.
Conventional security measures, such as the commonly-used antivirus software, do not offer extensive protection against modern threats.
This increase in the complexity of cyber threats calls for better network visibility to help reinforce security measures. However, many security clients do not possess the resources required to deliver network-wide visibility and control. These clients may also have a few cybersecurity professionals already stretched out thin with many responsibilities.
SECaaS provides network-wide visibility and acts as a buffer against cyberattacks both on-premises and on the cloud. One of the key providers of SECaaS solutions is Fortinet.
With Fortinet’s FortiCloud security as a service solution, you can enhance on-premises security and secure cloud-based applications, data, and services.
In this article, we will discuss the following:
- The SECaaS working mechanism.
- The benefits of security as a service.
- The key SECaaS providers.
- The features and benefits of FortiCloud’s SECaaS solution.
- The components of the FortiCloud suite.
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Security Options For You
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An Overview of Security as a Service
Conventional security solutions rely on internal IT and security teams whose primary responsibilities include setting up and maintaining firewalls, managing perimeter security, and setting up backups.
On the other hand, SECaaS clients receive security services such as penetration testing services from a cloud provider on a subscription basis.
These clients do not have to invest heavily in expensive network security equipment to protect their network but could pay for what they need. SECaaS offers advanced defense against numerous internet threats, such as distributed denial of service (DDoS).
The most common security solutions that SECaaS providers offer include the following:
- Penetration testing services.
- Anti-malware programs.
- Intrusion detection systems.
- Firewalls.
- Authentication services.
Less common services offered include:
- Business continuity and disaster recovery.
- Email security.
- Identity and access management.
- Vulnerability scanning.
- Data loss prevention services.
Contrary to what many may think regarding SECaaS, it’s not intended to take the place of your IT staff but rather be complementary.
Benefits of the Security as a Service Solution
SECaaS offers a myriad of advantages that make it a better option for enterprises when compared with conventional security solutions.
The main advantage of SECaaS is its cost-effectiveness. It eliminates the need to install elaborate on-premises security architecture, thereby eliminating considerable initial capital outlays.
Cloud-based security providers also offer different plans for people with other requirements. This way, you will avoid overspending on security services you don’t need.
Another key advantage of SECaaS is timely security updates. Security companies regularly roll out software and application updates to keep the ever-evolving network threats at bay.
These updates are often delayed or not performed in conventional network security architectures, exposing the network to attackers.
SECaaS providers install security updates promptly to keep the network safe. Moreover, these providers are likely to be aware of new security tools before your security team members.
Another advantage is that SECaaS providers constantly monitor your network and respond to detected threats faster than conventional security teams. Response time is an essential factor determining the extent of the damage done to a computer network when it gets infected by a virus or malware.
Since SECaaS providers monitor your network 24/7, network professionals can be assigned to respond to threats as quickly as possible.
Additionally, with SECaaS, you have access to highly-skilled professionals at a lower cost since you can pay for their services, which are often costly, on an as-needed basis.
Also, according to Cybersecurity Ventures, there is a shortage of cybersecurity professionals. SECaaS providers have staff that consists of highly-qualified cybersecurity specialists, therefore eliminating the need for businesses to recruit and hire in-house professionals. These specialists often also fill skill gaps in IT teams.
Finally, outsourcing complex security solutions free internal IT and security teams to focus on core business activities that generate revenue.
The Key SECaaS Providers
The following are the main SECaaS solutions providers:
- Fortinet FortiCloud.
- Oracle Cloud Access Security Broker (CASB).
- Okta.
- Proofpoint.
- White Hat Security.
- Qualys.
Fortinet’s FortiCloud Security as a Service Solution
FortiCloud is a platform developed by Fortinet to offer security services and provide central security management of FortiGate devices.
FortiCloud’s SECaaS offers a myriad of functionalities that are advantageous to businesses. Its main advantage is simplified central management. With FortiCloud, your IT security team can centrally manage FortiAP access points, FortiSwitch switches, and SD-WAN deployments without introducing any complexity.
The SECaaS solution provides enhanced cloud and on-premises network security since you can receive alerts of zero-day attacks on your network. Zero-day threats are those that you and the security service provider were previously unaware of.
In addition, you can reinforce the security of the FortiCloud account by using two-factor authentication, where users provide a one-time password (OTP) in addition to logging in using their usernames and passwords. FortiCloud also provides data confidentiality by ensuring all information (including logs) sent across the network is encrypted. The platform allocates default storage for all log information.
FortiCloud also offers complete network-wide visibility. You can access a detailed list of all assets on your network, including their serial number, license, contract, and expired units. In addition, FortiCloud offers details of products, services, and all its portals.
With FortiCloud, you can access customized/preconfigured network analytics tools such as FortiAnalyzer. These tools analyze the network and give reports and insights.
Finally, FortiCloud’s SECaaS solution is more scalable than traditional security frameworks. You can scale up or down quickly as your security demands change. Its scalability also makes provisioning faster and simpler.
You can quickly set up new FortiGate devices using Zero-Touch Provisioning (ZTP). ZTP is the process of deploying new devices on your network with little manual intervention. ZTP is made easy with the FortiCloud Key, shipped with every FortiGate device.
The FortiCloud Offering Suite
The key offerings in the FortiCloud suite include the following:
- FortiMail Cloud, which offers email protection.
- FortiWeb Cloud, which protects web applications.
- FortiCASB, which promotes security for SaaS applications.
- FortiCNP, which detects errors in configuration and abnormal activities.
Other offerings available in the suite include FortiClient Cloud, FortiPresence, FortiConverter Cloud, FortiInsight, and FortiToken Cloud.
Every Fortinet partner and client can have a FortiCloud account for free. However, to access the offerings available in the suite, users must provide licensing information for each Fortinet solution.
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Ready to enhance your network’s security and visibility by configuring Fortinet’s FortiCloud? Ask yourself the following question:
- Do I have a network architecture composed of Fortinet solutions?
If you answered "Yes", all you need is the licensing information of your solutions to set it up. If you answered "No," you will need to deploy Fortinet solutions, such as FortiAP access points and FortiSwitch switches.
For either case, consider PivIT's SmartHands through EXTEND. Hire an expert engineer to take on these configurations and more. Click below to learn more about SmartHands.
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Enhance Network Security With Forticloud’s SECaaS Solution
Like many other businesses, you may be experiencing faster and more complex network attacks that conventional security measures cannot handle. At the same time, you may also lack network-wide visibility like other small and medium businesses because of the high initial costs required.
You can gain network-wide visibility, secure cloud-based applications, data, and services, and enhance on-premises security with Fortinet FortiCloud’s Security as a Service solution.
FortiCloud’s SECaaS solution also offers other advantages, such as lower costs than conventional security measures and access to highly-skilled professionals on an as-needed basis.
Ready to explore Fortinet networking devices? Connect with our Team in real time using our chat feature to discover your options.