# Swissport Takes Flight with Cato Networks’ SASE, Ditching VPN Maze for Zero Trust Security

## Swissport Takes Flight with Cato Networks’ SASE, Ditching VPN Maze for Zero Trust Security

Swissport, a global leader in airport ground and cargo handling services, has embraced a modern approach to network security, ditching its legacy VPN infrastructure in favor of a unified Secure Access Service Edge (SASE) architecture from Cato Networks. This strategic shift, designed to secure 26,000 users across its global operations, promises to unlock real-time control and streamline network management, moving Swissport from a state of “friction” to “flow,” according to a VentureBeat report.

For years, Swissport relied on traditional VPNs and other fragmented security solutions. This created a complex and cumbersome infrastructure, hindering agility and making it difficult to enforce consistent security policies across its diverse global footprint. The reliance on legacy technology resulted in what many organizations experience: a “VPN maze,” adding unnecessary complexity and administrative overhead.

The company’s move to Cato Networks’ SASE fabric signifies a commitment to a Zero Trust security model. This approach assumes that no user or device, whether inside or outside the network perimeter, can be implicitly trusted. By implementing identity-aware access and leveraging technologies like TLS inspection and encrypted traffic inspection, Swissport is able to dynamically grant access based on user identity, device posture, and application context. This significantly reduces the attack surface and minimizes the risk of unauthorized access.

SASE, a framework popularized by Gartner, consolidates networking and security functions into a single, cloud-native service. This allows organizations to centralize control, simplify management, and improve overall security posture. Swissport’s adoption of Cato Networks’ SASE solution demonstrates the growing trend of businesses embracing this architectural shift to achieve greater agility, efficiency, and security.

The benefits of this move extend beyond enhanced security. By leveraging Cato Networks’ SD-WAN capabilities, Swissport can optimize network performance and ensure reliable connectivity for its critical applications. The unified security architecture simplifies compliance efforts and provides greater visibility into network traffic.

This strategic transformation highlights the limitations of traditional network security approaches in today’s cloud-first world. As companies increasingly rely on distributed workforces and cloud-based applications, the need for a flexible, scalable, and secure network architecture becomes paramount. Swissport’s decision to embrace Cato Networks’ SASE fabric represents a forward-thinking approach that positions the company for continued success in the ever-evolving landscape of global operations. The transition showcases how unified security can empower large organizations to achieve not just enhanced security, but also improved operational efficiency and a more agile IT infrastructure.