Traditional security relies on the idea of a trusted internal network. But with remote work and cloud apps, that perimeter no longer exists.
Global Secure Access replaces this model with identity-based access control, where every request is verified based on user identity, device, and context — not location.
VPNs grant broad access to entire networks once a user is connected, increasing risk and complexity. They also introduce latency and operational overhead.
Global Secure Access takes a Zero Trust approach, granting access only to specific applications instead of the entire network — reducing attack surface and improving performance.
Security tools often slow users down or create friction.
With Global Secure Access, traffic is routed through Microsoft’s global network edge, enabling secure, optimized access with minimal impact on performance — while continuously evaluating risk in real time.
At its core, Global Secure Access (GSA) is the consolidation and improvement of Microsoft’s existing service ‘Application Proxy’ now allowing more than just HTTPS traffic traversal, alongside new cloud-focused tunneling solutions, under the single umbrella term of Global Secure Access.
Microsoft has created a single solution to manage secure web access, and remote connectivity solutions, giving IT teams the capability to secure existing assets in a straight forward way. It also allows organisations to use cloud-only joined devices for authentication to on-premise virtual machines and SMB shares.
Traditionally, access to on-premise endpoints and file-shares would require VPN solutions, necessitating configuration of firewalls, routers and servers to allow inbound traffic on open ports. With GSA private access however, this method is simplified – requiring only a single agent on a endpoint within the network perimeter, and an agent on the user’s PC, offering per-app adaptive access based on Conditional Access policies, for more granular security than a VPN.
Between those two agents, you can broker a data connection which allows seamless access to your on-premise assets without needing to punch a hole in the firewall, and without needing to set up VPN servers. This also has the added benefit of not needing to set up potentially costly VPN subscriptions with existing providers.
With GSA, you could achieve the following benefits for your organisation:
GSA is designed for organisations that have a hybrid cloud strategy, using both cloud and on-premise resources to run their business. These organisations may face various challenges and risks when it comes to securing and accessing their resources across different environments and locations. Some examples of organisations that can benefit from GSA are:
If your organisation falls into any of these categories, or if you have other hybrid cloud scenarios that require a secure and seamless access solution, GSA could be a suitable option for you, but you also need to meet some specific criteria.
If you meet these criteria, GSA might be a suitable solution for your organisation.
You should also be aware of some limitations and challenges, such as:
If you are interested in exploring how GSA can benefit your organisation, you can contact Rapid Circle, a trusted Microsoft partner, to help you with the following steps:
Rapid Circle has extensive experience and expertise in helping organisations to adopt and leverage Microsoft security solutions. We can help you to achieve a secure, seamless and user-friendly hybrid cloud environment with GSA.
To get started with Global Secure Access, contact us today and schedule a free consultation with our security experts.
Many organisations that have a hybrid cloud strategy rely on a variety of security solutions and vendors to protect their remote workers and on-premise resources. For example, they may use a VPN to access their on-premise servers and applications, a firewall to filter their network traffic, a web proxy to monitor their web activity, and a cloud access security broker (CASB) to secure their cloud applications.
However, managing multiple security solutions and vendors can introduce complexity and cost to the organisation. They may have to deal with compatibility issues, integration challenges, licensing fees, maintenance costs, and vendor lock-in. They may also have to train their IT staff and users on how to use different tools and interfaces.
GSA can help organisations to reduce complexity and cost by providing a unified solution that covers all their security needs. GSA can replace or complement their existing VPN, firewall, web proxy, and CASB solutions with a single agent, a single portal, and a single vendor. GSA can also leverage their existing investments in AAD and MEM, which are part of the Microsoft 365 suite, to simplify their identity and device management.
Organisations that have a hybrid cloud strategy face various security and compliance challenges when it comes to their remote workers and on-premise resources. For example, they may have to deal with:
Organisations that have a hybrid cloud strategy want to provide their remote workers and contractors with a smooth and efficient way to access their cloud and on-premise resources. However, some of the security solutions and vendors they use may compromise the user experience and productivity of their users. For example, they may cause:
Organisations that have a hybrid cloud strategy want to have more visibility and control over their network traffic and web activity of their remote workers and on-premise resources. However, some of the security solutions and vendors they use may limit their visibility and control over their network and web activity. For example, they may:
Written by Lee Stevenson, Senior Consultant at Rapid Circle
Global Secure Access is Microsoft’s Security Service Edge (SSE) solution that unifies secure internet and private application access into a single platform.
It routes user traffic through Microsoft’s global network, applying identity-driven policies such as Conditional Access to determine whether access should be granted.
Unlike legacy tools, Global Secure Access is identity-first and cloud-native, enabling granular access control, real-time monitoring, and continuous verification instead of relying on static network boundaries.
