Understanding the Shift to SASE in Hybrid Work
As hybrid work models continue to gain traction, organizations are facing unprecedented challenges in ensuring cybersecurity. In a recent analysis by Hughes Network Systems, two-thirds of businesses have begun exploring Secure Access Service Edge (SASE) to navigate these complexities. This trend highlights a significant pivot in cybersecurity strategies, particularly as the workforce becomes more distributed and reliant on technology.
According to Hughes’ 2025 State of Secure Network Access Report, the survey—conducted in collaboration with Cybersecurity Insiders—showed that over 400 IT leaders and cybersecurity experts identified that employees present the most significant risk to network security. This underscores the urgent need for evolving cybersecurity measures that align with changing workforce dynamics.
The Impact of Remote Work on Security
The report indicated that 63% of organizations have adopted a hybrid work model, with another 19% functioning fully remotely. This shift has heightened various concerns, including increased latency, decreased network performance, and overall user experience degradation. Consequently, businesses are turning to SASE solutions to address these issues effectively.
SASE integrates networking and security into a single cloud-based service, simplifying management and improving connectivity. The emphasis on a
Zero Trust framework—another key component of SASE—ensures that devices and users are verified continuously, thus enhancing the security posture of distributed networks. Currently, 38% of survey respondents report having some form of Zero Trust in place, with an additional 42% looking to implement it within the coming year.
The Need for Managed Security Service Providers
Interestingly, while only 8% of businesses have fully integrated SASE solutions, about 31% are evaluating these options, indicating a clear movement toward comprehensive security models. Factors such as the increasing number of remote workers (45%), the need for enhanced cloud security (42%), and the implementation of Zero Trust (40%) are driving the adoption of SASE. However, the challenges associated with integrating these systems into existing IT frameworks cannot be overlooked.
About 48% of organizations report difficulties in merging SASE with their current infrastructure, and 44% find policy management complexity to be a hindrance. Many firms are turning to Managed Security Service Providers (MSSPs) like Hughes for expert assistance due to a notable skills gap in-house. That’s why more than 47% of organizations feel they lack the necessary expertise to deploy these cutting-edge solutions.
Future Prospects for Cybersecurity
Hughes' commitment to strengthening enterprise cybersecurity aligns with its broader mission to support business performance amid evolving cyber threats. Dan Rasmussen from Hughes articulated that traditional IT methods struggle to adapt to the complexities of today’s remote economies. As organizations face geographical expansions and hybrid operations, ensuring secure and seamless connectivity is essential.
The landscape of network security is rapidly changing, influenced largely by the demand for innovation and efficient collaboration to neutralize sophisticated cyber threats. Holger Schulze, founder of Cybersecurity Insiders, emphasizes that the study's findings are not just informative but are instrumental for IT teams striving to establish robust, uninterrupted security.
As businesses grapple with the implications of hybrid operations, exploring SASE solutions becomes a vital aspect of their strategy. By embracing these new methods, organizations can mitigate risks and build a resilient network infrastructure capable of withstanding the challenges posed by an increasingly digital workplace.
For an in-depth perspective on securing network access in a hybrid environment, download the complete report at
Hughes Official Site. Explore how Hughes’ Managed Secure Access Service Edge (SASE), along with their various cybersecurity measures, helps organizations remain secure and effective in this fast-evolving landscape.