Hybrid work drives surge in demand for managed SASE

Australian companies are accelerating adoption of Secure Access Service Edge (SASE) solutions to meet the cyber security and performance demands of hybrid workforces, with a growing number turning to managed services to overcome complexity and compliance hurdles.

According to a new paper by Enterprise Management Associates (EMA) and IT services provider Data^#3, the shift to hybrid and remote working models has exposed businesses to increasing cyber threats, including AI-enhanced attacks.

According to the paper, 69% of Australian employers offering hybrid arrangements and 3.8 million people regularly working from home, security is now a strategic priority.

"As this EMA research shows, adopting SASE is often more complex than expected," said Richard Dornhart, National Practise Manager for Security at Data^#3. "Many businesses face roadblocks: limited in-house skills, fragmented toolsets, and the burden of compliance. That's why more are choosing the managed path to SASE - not just to simplify deployment, but to reduce risk and accelerate value."

SASE, a cloud-delivered architecture that converges networking and security, promises streamlined operations and enhanced protection for distributed workforces.

The report explains that SASE integrates capabilities such as secure web gateways, cloud access security brokers, data loss prevention, next-generation firewalls, and zero trust network access - all delivered through a unified, cloud-native platform.

Yet despite these advantages, many organisations struggle to deploy the architecture effectively. EMA research found that 37% of early adopters cited the integration of multiple SASE component technologies as a key challenge. The situation is compounded by Australia's unique data sovereignty and industry compliance requirements, which many off-the-shelf global solutions are not equipped to meet.

"Australian companies need a unified security policy, zero trust access, comprehensive protection from emerging threats, and connectivity technology that delivers an optimal quality of experience," the report states.

To navigate these challenges, a growing number of Australian firms are opting for managed SASE services. According to the report, 66% of organisations now prefer this route, citing reasons such as service level agreements, deeper integration with existing IT environments, and the elimination of capital costs for hardware and software licenses.

"An Australian provider of SASE services will be especially valuable in helping a customer implement a solution that addresses the country's data sovereignty and compliance requirements," the paper reads.

In response to this demand, Data^#3 has developed its own Managed SASE service, powered by Cisco.

Dornhart said the service is designed to "handle the complexity, ensure local compliance, and deliver continuous performance and protection."

"To realise the full value of SASE, Australian CISOs and IT leaders should seek out managed services partners with capabilities tailored to local needs," the report advises.

It outlines six key attributes for selecting the ideal managed offering:

• Regulatory readiness, with a clear understanding of Australian data sovereignty and compliance standards.

• An integrated platform that combines high-performance networking with a full security suite.

• Sufficient coverage via points of presence across all business locations.

• Cloud-native design that supports scalability and customisation.

• Centralised, cloud-based management with advanced analytics.

• A proven track record of delivery, support, and scalability in the Australian context.

EMA's assessment is clear: hybrid and remote work are not temporary trends but long-term shifts, and they require companies to modernise how they secure and connect their distributed teams.

"SASE is no longer optional; it's a strategic necessity for securing the hybrid and distributed workforce," the report says.

"When you're ready to advance your SASE journey, engage with your trusted managed services partner to ensure a smooth, secure, and future-proof transition."