The Secure Access Service Edge (SASE) model represents a major evolution in the way organizations approach network security and access management, driven by the demand for greater flexibility, scalability, and robust protection across both on-premises and cloud environments.
By converging wide-area networking (WAN) and security capabilities into a single, cloud-delivered solution, SASE aligns with the complex demands of modern IT infrastructure. However, implementing SASE isn’t just about deploying technology; it requires a fundamental rethinking of how teams are structured and roles are defined, particularly as organizations increasingly rely on hybrid cloud environments.
This new approach requires a seamless integration of networking and security responsibilities, leading to unique challenges in role clarity, skill development, and team dynamics that must be addressed to ensure a successful SASE deployment.
In traditional IT setups, networking and security have often operated in silos. Networking teams focused on infrastructure, connectivity, and performance, while security teams concentrated on protecting data and mitigating threats. However, SASE fundamentally disrupts this separation by integrating these functions under a unified architecture.
The introduction of security functions such as firewall-as-a-service (FWaaS), secure web gateways (SWG), cloud access security brokers (CASB), and zero-trust network access (ZTNA) within the SASE framework demands that networking and security teams work in lockstep to deploy, manage, and maintain the system. For organizations, this convergence blurs the boundaries between previously distinct responsibilities, often necessitating significant adjustments in team structures and roles to enable effective collaboration.
The shift to a hybrid cloud model intensifies these role-redefinition challenges. In a hybrid cloud environment, data, applications, and services are dispersed across multiple locations—on-premises data centers, public clouds, and private cloud environments. This dispersion creates complex security and networking demands that must be handled with speed and precision.
SASE’s design addresses these complexities by offering centralized security management and secure connectivity regardless of user location. However, the traditional separation of roles is no longer viable in such an interconnected landscape. Instead, teams must adopt a holistic view of security and networking, which entails not only new skills but also a cultural shift toward shared accountability.
The need for shared accountability within SASE can create friction and ambiguity in team dynamics, particularly in organizations accustomed to well-defined, siloed roles. For example, in traditional setups, network performance monitoring was strictly the domain of network engineers, while security monitoring fell to the cybersecurity team.
Under SASE, both teams must collaborate closely to ensure not only that the network is performant but also that it is secure. This convergence means that network engineers may need to understand security concerns, such as threat prevention and detection, while security teams must gain familiarity with network architecture and traffic patterns. Without a structured approach to redefining these roles, organizations risk role overlap, inefficiencies, and potential security gaps.
Further, the convergence of networking and security responsibilities in SASE introduces a skills gap that organizations need to address to ensure smooth implementation. Many traditional networking professionals may not possess deep security expertise, just as security professionals may not be well-versed in networking concepts. Bridging this gap requires investment in training and skill development, as well as a mindset shift toward continuous learning and interdisciplinary knowledge-sharing.
Additionally, new roles, such as SASE architects and cloud security engineers, may be necessary to manage the complexities of SASE and facilitate collaboration between networking and security teams. The creation of these roles often challenges existing hierarchies and job descriptions, underscoring the need for organizations to proactively design job roles that are equipped to handle the nuances of SASE.
Beyond role clarity, the need for real-time collaboration poses a major cultural challenge for teams used to working independently. Traditional IT roles, by design, allow individuals to focus deeply on their areas of specialization, minimizing cross-functional dependencies. However, SASE demands real-time collaboration between networking and security teams to respond to dynamic security threats and ensure seamless connectivity.
For example, network engineers must be prepared to consult with security specialists when deploying new WAN links or setting up VPNs, as these actions can impact both the security posture and overall network performance. This level of collaboration can be unfamiliar and, at times, uncomfortable for teams accustomed to a hands-off approach to each other’s domains.
Additionally, with SASE’s emphasis on a cloud-first strategy, teams must be prepared to adopt agile, scalable approaches to security and networking. This shift aligns with the larger trend toward DevSecOps, which encourages integrating security into every phase of IT and software development.
In a SASE environment, security is no longer an isolated stage that follows networking configurations; it is embedded into every decision related to connectivity and data access. This convergence has a significant impact on team dynamics, as it challenges team members to move beyond fixed roles and adopt an agile, proactive stance toward evolving security and networking requirements.
Despite these challenges, the benefits of redefining team roles in alignment with SASE principles are substantial. By merging networking and security, organizations can achieve improved operational efficiency, stronger threat prevention, and streamlined network performance management.
The redefined roles foster greater flexibility, enabling teams to respond quickly to shifting security demands and regulatory requirements. However, realizing these benefits requires organizations to be intentional about the changes they implement. Clear communication, structured role redefinition, and a commitment to skill development will be essential for ensuring that teams are not only equipped to manage SASE but also positioned to thrive within its integrated framework.
To help organizations navigate these challenges, we’ll outline a 7-step approach that provides a practical, actionable framework for redefining team roles in SASE implementation. Each step is designed to build the cross-functional expertise, role clarity, and collaboration necessary for a successful transition to SASE.
With this framework, organizations can better equip their teams to operate within the dynamic, interconnected environment that SASE introduces, creating a foundation for sustainable business success.
Step 1: Assess Current Role Structures and Responsibilities
Start by conducting a detailed review of existing roles across the organization, particularly within networking and security teams, to map out current responsibilities, decision-making authority, and areas of overlap. This assessment provides insights into how each role currently operates within the IT ecosystem, helping to identify gaps and redundancies.
For example, network engineers may already handle certain access controls, while security teams may be addressing network-layer threats. Such overlaps can create inefficiencies, which are further compounded in a SASE environment where integrated responsibilities are crucial. Documenting existing job descriptions, workflows, and interdependencies clarifies where changes are necessary. Once identified, these gaps and redundancies become the focal points for a refined, collaborative structure that reduces role overlap and strengthens SASE’s impact.
Practical Example:
Suppose an organization has distinct networking and security teams. The networking team is responsible for maintaining VPNs, WAN links, and network performance, while the security team handles threat monitoring, firewalls, and access control. Under a SASE model, these tasks often overlap. For instance, secure remote access requires collaboration between both teams to manage user access points, monitor potential threats, and optimize performance across hybrid environments.
Scenario:
Start with a workshop bringing both teams together to map out every major task related to secure access and connectivity. This includes configuring VPNs, managing firewalls, and monitoring traffic patterns. By identifying overlaps, such as shared responsibility in managing secure user access, the organization can streamline these roles. A unified “secure access” role could emerge, shared across both teams, with each team member having specific but complementary responsibilities.
Step 2: Define Clear Goals and Objectives for SASE Implementation
Setting clear, measurable goals for the SASE implementation ensures alignment across teams. Goals should address SASE’s key functions—such as unified threat prevention, secure remote access, and streamlined access management—and establish how each redefined role will contribute to these objectives. For instance, networking and security professionals must work toward a shared objective of minimizing latency while protecting data integrity in cloud applications.
By defining cross-functional goals, organizations can move from isolated team objectives to a unified mission. Clear objectives for each role also reduce friction by providing teams with a “north star,” such as minimizing response times to network security threats or achieving specific service-level agreements (SLAs) related to remote access security. This clarity lays the foundation for a structured role redefinition that supports SASE’s holistic security and networking goals.
Practical Example:
A financial institution implementing SASE has two primary goals: provide secure access for remote workers and ensure data privacy for customers. These objectives require close collaboration between networking and security teams to create a unified security framework. In this case, each team’s role should be clearly tied to these goals—for instance, the network team focuses on connectivity and latency for secure access, while the security team establishes protocols for data encryption and access controls.
Scenario:
Establish a cross-functional “SASE objective alignment” meeting where leaders from each team define specific KPIs. For secure remote access, one objective might be to maintain latency under 50 milliseconds for user access to cloud applications. Each team could then align individual goals: the network team works on latency optimization, while the security team ensures that access remains encrypted and monitored. Documenting how each role contributes to these KPIs and objectives helps ensure accountability and clarity.
Step 3: Establish a Cross-Functional SASE Team
Building a dedicated, cross-functional SASE team is essential for effective implementation. This team should include representatives from networking, security, IT, and cloud disciplines, each bringing a unique perspective to the SASE deployment.
Begin by identifying key individuals whose expertise aligns with SASE’s requirements, and ensure that each has a clear understanding of shared and individual responsibilities. This team will act as the core decision-making body for SASE initiatives, collaborating on deployment, monitoring, and issue resolution. Defining shared processes, such as routine status updates, incident response protocols, and decision-making criteria, ensures that the team operates as a cohesive unit. Regular check-ins and collaborative sessions also promote transparency and enable each team member to contribute insights from their area of expertise, which strengthens SASE’s overall effectiveness.
Practical Example:
A healthcare organization deploying SASE forms a cross-functional team including a network engineer, a security analyst, a cloud architect, and an IT operations lead. Each person has a unique role— the network engineer manages secure connections, the security analyst monitors for threats, the cloud architect ensures compliance with cloud policies, and the IT lead oversees SASE performance metrics.
Scenario:
Set up a rotating “SASE Response Center,” where the cross-functional team works in shifts, ensuring 24/7 availability for rapid incident response. For instance, if a security incident occurs, the cloud architect can verify if it affects cloud infrastructure, the security analyst can assess threats, and the network engineer can implement network-based mitigations. This approach encourages continuous collaboration and cross-training among team members, enabling faster response times and a greater shared understanding of each area’s role within SASE.
Step 4: Redesign Roles with a Focus on Collaborative Security Operations
To support the collaborative demands of SASE, certain roles may need to be redesigned or even newly created. Key roles include network security specialists, who oversee network integrity and secure configuration, and SASE architects, who are responsible for the end-to-end design of the SASE deployment.
Additionally, cloud security engineers are vital for managing the security of cloud-native applications and data. These redefined roles should emphasize responsibilities that span both security and networking, such as monitoring network performance while responding to potential security threats. Where responsibilities intersect, as with threat detection and access management, clearly define how roles coordinate and where accountability lies. This collaborative focus encourages proactive issue resolution, enhances security posture, and ensures that SASE functions are managed holistically rather than in silos.
Practical Example:
In a retail company with a large e-commerce platform, network engineers traditionally handle performance monitoring, while security analysts focus on data protection. In a SASE context, these roles are redesigned to include network security specialists who manage both secure network performance and data protection. Additionally, the company creates a new “SASE architect” role responsible for the end-to-end integration of networking and security within the SASE framework.
Scenario:
Consider a situation where new security patches must be applied across a hybrid cloud setup. The SASE architect plans the rollout, coordinating with both the network and security teams to minimize downtime and ensure compliance with data protection regulations. Network security specialists then implement these patches while monitoring for potential issues that could impact performance or security. This redesign emphasizes the need for each role to operate collaboratively, balancing security and network optimization.
Step 5: Implement Communication and Collaboration Tools
Effective communication is the backbone of any collaborative environment, particularly one as dynamic as SASE. Implement tools and platforms that facilitate real-time collaboration, such as unified communication systems, collaboration software, and centralized management dashboards. Tools like Slack or Microsoft Teams allow for instant communication, while project management platforms like Jira can help track tasks and responsibilities.
Unified management platforms that integrate security and networking components simplify cross-functional responsibilities and enable team members to monitor SASE operations in real-time. The availability of shared data and insights through these platforms empowers team members to address incidents quickly and collaboratively, while also reducing the risk of miscommunication. Investing in the right communication tools strengthens the team’s ability to coordinate efficiently and maintain SASE’s integrated functionality.
Practical Example:
A global manufacturing firm implements tools such as Slack, Microsoft Teams, and a unified SASE management platform. By centralizing their communication, they improve coordination between geographically distributed teams responsible for different aspects of SASE. The unified SASE platform integrates dashboards for threat detection, network monitoring, and user access, so all relevant data is accessible in one location.
Scenario:
During a security incident, a security analyst in one location detects unusual activity on a user’s account. Using the unified platform, they instantly notify the network team via Slack and can tag relevant metrics and logs directly. The network team can respond by investigating connectivity changes, and the security analyst can check access logs simultaneously. This real-time collaboration minimizes incident response time, showcasing the value of integrated tools in supporting coordinated action across roles.
Step 6: Continuous Training and Upskilling
SASE’s integrated approach demands that team members acquire new skills and expertise, especially in overlapping areas of networking and security. Continuous training and upskilling are necessary to bridge the skills gap, ensuring that all team members are proficient in SASE-related concepts. Develop a comprehensive training plan that includes SASE certifications, cloud security courses, and advanced networking concepts.
Platforms like Udemy, Coursera, or LinkedIn Learning offer courses in SASE, zero-trust security, and cloud architecture, while specific SASE certification programs can validate team members’ skills. Additionally, periodic workshops and cross-functional training sessions help reinforce interdisciplinary knowledge and foster a collaborative culture. By investing in skill development, organizations can equip their teams to handle the evolving demands of SASE and encourage a continuous learning mindset that supports long-term success.
Practical Example:
An organization prioritizes continuous training by partnering with online learning platforms and offering SASE-related certifications. The networking team members take security-specific courses on cloud access security brokers (CASB) and zero-trust network access (ZTNA), while the security team gains networking skills, including WAN optimization and network latency management.
Scenario:
During an upskilling initiative, the security team gains familiarity with network segmentation techniques, which are essential for a SASE deployment. A network engineer who completes a CASB training session then leads a session on how network segmentation works with CASB policies. This mutual learning creates a more versatile team equipped to manage SASE’s integrated demands. To support continuous training, implement a learning calendar with certifications and check-ins to reinforce knowledge gained over time.
Step 7: Regular Role Evaluation and Adaptation
The dynamic nature of SASE requires ongoing evaluation and adaptation of team roles to stay aligned with evolving security and networking requirements. Set up regular intervals—such as quarterly or biannually—to review and update roles and responsibilities. During these reviews, assess how well the current team structure is meeting SASE’s objectives and whether any adjustments are needed to accommodate new challenges.
Key performance indicators (KPIs), such as incident response times, SLA adherence, and user satisfaction, can provide measurable insights into the effectiveness of the current role structure. Continuous adaptation helps to prevent gaps or overlaps from re-emerging, and ensures that the organization’s SASE strategy remains flexible and responsive. This regular evaluation process is essential for maintaining a robust and resilient SASE deployment that aligns with the organization’s overall goals.
Practical Example:
An organization sets up a quarterly review process to assess the effectiveness of its SASE team roles and make necessary adjustments. Metrics such as incident response times, access control success rates, and user satisfaction scores with remote access security are analyzed. Based on these metrics, roles are evaluated, and any gaps or inefficiencies are addressed.
Scenario:
During one such quarterly review, it’s discovered that response times are delayed due to confusion over the division of responsibilities between network engineers and security analysts. In response, roles are adjusted to create a shared “incident response” responsibility, with defined primary and secondary roles for each incident type. This modification is tracked using KPIs over the next quarter to ensure that the change improves response times and decreases overlap, thus aligning roles more closely with SASE’s operational goals.
Conclusion
While redefining team roles for SASE implementation might seem like a daunting shift, it is, in reality, an opportunity to streamline and empower teams for a future-ready security framework. As organizations move deeper into hybrid and cloud-driven models, the traditional lines between security and networking must not just blur but come together, creating a unified force capable of handling the complexities of modern cybersecurity. Implementing SASE is not merely about adopting a technology stack—it’s a strategic shift that calls for a profound cultural and operational evolution.
This change represents a fundamental investment in agility, adaptability, and resilience, qualities essential for any organization seeking a secure, scalable digital transformation. By embracing cross-functional collaboration, fostering continuous learning, and embedding flexibility into team structures, companies can equip themselves to face emerging threats with confidence and precision. The leaders who can drive this shift effectively will position their organizations to thrive in an era where security and networking are inextricably linked.
As a concrete next step, organizations should begin by conducting a comprehensive audit of their current roles and responsibilities, focusing on how they intersect within a SASE model. Additionally, fostering continuous dialogue between teams through collaborative tools and regular check-ins will help maintain alignment as roles evolve. In pursuing these steps, organizations aren’t just protecting their assets—they’re cultivating a workforce poised to secure the future.