Symatec Secure Access Cloud vs. F5 BIG-IP Access Policy Manager

Symantec Secure Access Cloud is a SaaS solution crafted to improve secure and comprehensive access management for corporate assets, whether on-site or in the cloud. Utilizing Zero Trust Access principles, it allows for direct connectivity without requiring agents or hardware, thereby reducing network-level threats effectively. The system guarantees that application-level connectivity remains intact while hiding all resources from end-user devices and the internet, which aids in completely eliminating the network attack surface. This method significantly diminishes the chances for lateral movement and network-based threats, thereby cultivating a more secure environment. Additionally, Secure Access Cloud features intuitive, finely-tuned, and easily manageable access and activity policies that proactively block unauthorized access to corporate resources by continuously enforcing contextual authorization based on user, device, and resource details. This capability ensures secure access not just for employees, but also for partners and personal devices, ultimately strengthening the overall security posture. Consequently, organizations can confidently support remote work and collaboration while upholding rigorous security measures, leading to a more resilient and flexible operational framework.

Establishing a zero-trust access framework for all applications, whether they are legacy or modern, requires the implementation of strong identity and context-driven access controls that can efficiently scale. To ensure the effectiveness of the zero-trust model, it is essential to conduct thorough contextual assessments, securing every application access request with care. Improving access to applications necessitates a careful approach to user authentication and authorization, enabling context-aware and identity-based access for each request individually. By leveraging current single sign-on (SSO) and identity federation systems, users can conveniently access all business applications using a single set of credentials, irrespective of SAML compatibility. Furthermore, the addition of social login capabilities will facilitate authorization through trusted third-party identity providers like Google, LinkedIn, Okta, and Azure AD. Integrating third-party User and Entity Behavior Analytics (UEBA) and risk assessment tools via REST APIs will bolster policy-driven access controls, enhanced by the API connector to reinforce security protocols. BIG-IP APM provides various business models, such as perpetual licenses, subscription options, public cloud marketplaces, and enterprise licensing agreements, offering organizations the flexibility they require. This holistic strategy not only strengthens security measures but also enhances user experience by streamlining access processes across multiple platforms, ultimately leading to a more cohesive digital environment. By prioritizing both security and usability, organizations can adapt to evolving technology landscapes while maintaining robust protection.