Deliver secure access and zero trust at scale with SASE

How are top MSPs staying ahead of cybercrime, boosting customer experience and growing efficiently in a work-from-anywhere world where threats loom and connectivity is expected? At Kaseya’s recent Datto Networking webinar, “Partner Panel: Hear how MSPs grow faster with Datto Secure Edge,” three widely successful MSP partners shared how Datto Secure Edge is transforming their approach to secure networking and fueling business growth.

Hosted by Ryan Grindrod, Solutions Specialist Manager at Datto, the panel featured Douglas Thiry, President of Thiry Technical Services; Jay Parisi, Partner and Senior Engineer of Aegis Technical Partners; and another seasoned MSP executive. Together, they engaged in a lively discussion about the evolution of secure network connectivity solutions and the critical role played by secure access solutions like Datto Secure Edge in helping IT professionals meet the growing demands of today’s cybersecurity landscape.

The network edge is everywhere

The panel opened with a quick look at how security models have evolved. In the past, the perimeter-based security model worked effectively because corporate resources resided on-premises, while the majority of users accessing sensitive data worked in a traditional office environment. The most impactful security solution for many years was a perimeter-based security approach, which kept most cyberthreats at bay.

Today, users often access critical business applications and proprietary data from anywhere. As remote work has grown more prominent, users connect from homes, coffee shops, trade shows, hotels, ad infinitum. Grindrod referenced data indicating that the adoption of hybrid and remote work continues to grow exponentially.

SaaS and other cloud services manage much of today’s sensitive business data. As a result, even users in traditional office settings often interact with data stored elsewhere. This shift means perimeter-based security, while still relevant, is no longer sufficient in today’s global market. The panelists agreed: the network edge has dissolved, and security must now follow users and devices wherever they go.

“Clients already know why they need a firewall,” said Parisi. “When you explain that remote workers are unprotected without Datto Secure Edge in that context, it clicks immediately,” 

Out with the VPN, in with zero trust

The panelists agreed that virtual private networks (VPNs), once the standard for securing web traffic for remote workers, are also outdated. They cited common issues like security vulnerabilities, sluggish performance, high scaling costs and inadequate protection for SaaS traffic as reasons for companies to move away from traditional VPN solutions.

The conversation then shifted to the rise of zero trust as a framework. Zero trust solutions must continuously validate and implicitly deny access when trust cannot be established. This requires identity verification (is the user a trusted user?), device posture checks (is the machine trusted and does it have the appropriate patches, updates and policies?) and least privilege access before any user or machine can access corporate resources and/or proprietary data.

The panelists agreed that core components of a zero trust strategy, such as user authentication, device posture checks using SafeCheck and least privilege access rules, are essential for securing today’s increasingly mobile workforce. They also agreed that implementing zero trust network architecture by cobbling together multiple solutions can be both complex and costly.

Simplicity, security and value make Datto Secure Edge a quick sale

Fortunately, Datto Secure Edge brings zero trust within reach for organizations of all sizes, enabling MSPs to easily incorporate it into their service offerings.

“I lead with it just like I would with backup or networking. It’s on every quote – Datto Secure Edge is part of our standard offer,” said Thiry.

Parisi concurred. He noted that business IT professionals are cognizant of the need to embrace new tools as security and compliance evolve, but they’re also concerned about their budgets. Affordable and effective, Datto Secure Edge clearly delivers more value.

“Whenever I raise client rates, I also want to add value. Including Datto Secure Edge for remote workers made it an easy upsell, and I never get pushback,” added Parisi.

Thiry highlighted another factor that makes Datto Secure Edge so compelling: its smooth implementation and simple integration ensure a frictionless delivery experience.

“We only install it on managed devices, and everything integrates with Microsoft 365 for seamless single sign-on. It’s a great experience,” he noted.

Another panelist emphasized the solution’s ease of deployment. “It takes about five minutes to build the cloud gateway and connect it to your on-prem firewall. We’ve connected it to Datto DNA, Meraki, Fortinet, Peplink — you name it.”

They also described the frictionless client experience as a key part of the appeal.

“I tell clients: Turn off your computer at the office, go home or to Starbucks, power it back on and you’re instantly connected — that’s all it takes to sell it.”

Datto Secure Edge delivers impressive results

The panelists were eager to discuss their positive personal experiences with Datto Secure Edge, offering attendees insights into how it has benefitted their business and their clients’ security.

One panelist shared a success story from a SOC 2 tabletop exercise.

 “Datto Secure Edge blocked the ICAR test virus file download. That success story wrote itself.”

Real security and compliance start from the inside

The panelists also revealed how they use Datto Secure Edge to protect their internal teams.

“We use Datto Secure Edge to lock down our own techs,” said one expert. “They can’t log into Kaseya One unless they’re connected through Datto Secure Edge, which gives me peace of mind.”

Thiry echoed this sentiment, emphasizing the importance of Datto Secure Edge in providing effective data governance and compliance with complex security standards. Although the technology is not required by name in common security frameworks like NIST 800-171, leveraging it to tighten security gives IT professionals some compliance advantages.

“Even though zero trust isn’t directly named in NIST 800-171, Datto Secure Edge helps us meet at least 10+ different control requirements,” one speaker added. “It’s a great fit for defense industry clients.”

MSP experts agree that SASE solutions, like Datto Secure Edge are the future of secure networking

Wrapping up the session, the panelists emphasized that Datto Secure Edge is a game changer for MSPs looking to streamline their security offering, improve efficiencies and add value for their customers.

The panelists were enthusiastic about the upcoming release of Datto Secure Edge’s new iOS mobile client, currently in beta testing, as well as an upcoming Android version (now available). These innovations will further enhance the accessibility of Datto Secure Edge, making it easy for MSP businesses to provide a comprehensive solution to clients.

Thiry shared that there’s a good reason he confidently recommends Datto Secure Edge to his clients. It delivers real peace of mind. It’s not just a solution he deploys for others; he uses it to protect his own business, ensuring his tech stack is secure and giving him the same confidence he offers his clients.

“Since implementing Datto Secure Edge, I sleep better at night,” he revealed. “Our internal stack is better protected, and I can confidently recommend the same to clients.”

Thiry also praised the solution’s performance, citing his appearance as a panelist on the webinar as an example of how pleasant and worry-free the user experience is.

“I’ve been on Zoom with you for almost an hour and I’m connected through Datto Secure Edge,” remarked Thiry. “No issues. Solid performance.”

The integration of Datto Secure Edge has led to tangible benefits for these partners. Parisi shared how it has contributed to his company’s go-to-market strategy.

 “We include Datto Secure Edge in our per-user pricing model. Clients don’t know what it costs — they just know it works,” explained Parisi. “It’s part of our value.”

In their final analysis, the panelists agreed that Datto Secure Edge provides the tools, scalability and peace of mind IT professionals need to protect businesses anytime, anywhere. Learn more about Datto Secure Edge, the ultimate cloud-managed secure access solution, crafted for the expanding remote and hybrid workforce.