Cradlepoint, a leader in enterprise networking, announced the launch of its new 5G Secure Access Service Edge (SASE) platform earlier this week. Named NetCloud SASE, the platform combines cellular SD-WAN technology with comprehensive security features, aiming to cater to businesses with dynamic and dispersed operational needs.
The introduction of NetCloud SASE comes at a time when businesses are increasingly mobile and dispersed, involving complex environments like shifting locations, roaming vehicles, and numerous Internet of Things (IoT) devices. Employees working from varied locations also add to the security challenges that this platform addresses.
Pankaj Malhotra, head of enterprise networking and cybersecurity at Cradlepoint, highlighted the company’s extensive experience in cellular networking. “With over a decade of refining cellular networking, we are now taking a significant step forward by providing an all-encompassing SASE solution that integrates cellular connectivity, SD-WAN, and robust security into one platform,” Malhotra explained.
NetCloud SASE is designed to apply stringent security measures, such as zero-trust policies and remote browser isolation (RBI), across both managed and unmanaged devices. This means the system can protect against external threats regardless of the user’s location by constantly adapting security protocols to fit the environment and device status.
Unlike other security solutions that may require additional software or specific browsers, NetCloud SASE operates without these prerequisites, offering a cleaner and more integrated approach. It enhances security by making corporate applications inaccessible from compromised or unmanaged devices and obscures IP addresses to protect against potential cyber threats.
During a recent webinar, Camille Campbell, Cradlepoint’s director of product marketing, emphasized the need for evolving security approaches in today’s mobile-centric world. “As we move towards more dynamic and distributed environments, the complexity of maintaining secure networks increases significantly. Adopting a zero-trust framework is essential for minimizing vulnerabilities and keeping potential threats at bay,” Campbell stated.
The solution is supported by Cradlepoint’s NetCloud Manager and includes physical routers and access points. It leverages both cellular and wired network infrastructures to provide seamless and secure connectivity. For businesses needing on-premises solutions, Cradlepoint offers the NetCloud Exchange Service Gateway, which can be integrated into data centers and cloud infrastructures.
Following its acquisition of Ericom Software in April 2023, Cradlepoint has integrated advanced secure service edge solutions into its platform. NetCloud SASE is currently available in an early access format, with a full release scheduled for the latter half of 2024.
