Security Service Edge (SSE): Key to Network Protection in 2024

The increase in cloud usage and user mobility in the past few years has led to numerous data security issues and highlighted the importance of security at the edge. However, there is a confusingly high number of security measures that enterprises can adopt. We clarify how enterprises can achieve security at the edge with Security Service Edge (SSE). 

What is SSE?

Security Service Edge (SSE) is a component of Secure Access Service Edge (SASE) which provides secure networks to share any kind of information safely. SSE delivers data security, access control, threat protection, and security monitoring.

What are the core aspects of SSE?

Zero trust network architecture (ZTNA): 

The primary focus of a zero trust network is to secure remote access to private applications, cloud, online services, data, and documents. 

Key components of zero trust network access are:

• User account authentication and authorization.
• Browser isolation and sandboxing against malware and other browser-based threats.
• Access policies that take into account group membership and privileges, access behaviors, and suspicious indicators (zero trust architecture).

Cloud access security broker (CASB):

CASB digs deep into cloud services and apps (e.g. SaaS and PaaS) to detect unusual activities in API calls and behaviors, thus, securing access to SaaS and other cloud apps.

Firewall as a service/ Network traffic control (FWaaS):

FwaaS is another security service edge that allows controlling remote access protocols such as SSH and Remote Desktop Protocol. FWaaS solution functions similarly to any other cloud service. It allows a setup of significant firewall implementations in data centers, achieving economies of scale. Therefore, virtual isolation gets established for all the services to prevent possible security issues.

Secure web gateway (SWG):

SWG is a cloud-based security system that offers URL-based access controls, URL filtering, DNS monitoring, encrypted traffic analysis, and data loss prevention policy. It is the ultimate way to secure access to the internet and web.

Remote browser isolation (RBI):

This is a powerful type of web threat protection that isolates web browsing activity within a cloud environment. Remote browser isolation protects users from any hidden malware code to touch their devices.

Data protection/ loss prevention (DLP):

DLP is a security system that applies convenient policies to protect sensitive data and limit the flow of data outside the workplace.

What are the advantages of using SSE?

SSE addresses fundamental organizational challenges such as cloud usage, remote work, secure edge computing, and digital transformation. Using SSE tools is the key to idealistic cybersecurity solutions.

Risk reduction

SSE is allowing cyber security to be delivered without relying on a network, permitting access based on certain identities and policies adopted, and connecting users and applications safely via internet business policies. SSE is protecting sensitive data by preventing and mitigating threats and detecting any type of malware.

Accelerate performance & user experience

Combining it with peering across the security service edge system provides the best experience for your mobile users. They no more have to rely on slow VPNs, and they can quickly and easily accessible to public and private cloud apps. 

Connecting remote workers’ access to private applications through replacing VPNs, allowing granular resource access, and permitting the appropriate levels of access for users around the world.

Consolidation advantages

Security Service Edge provides many security services within a single platform, including:

• Zero trust network architecture, 
• Firewall as a service, 
• Cloud access security broker, 
• Secure web gateway, 
• Cloud browser isolation, 
• Cloud sandbox, 
• Cloud security posture management, 
• Cloud data loss prevention.

To safeguard your data, you need an SSE system that integrates ZTNA, FWaas, CASB, SWG, RBI, and DLP. You should consider user telemetry data, the risk posture of the end-point being used, and the accessed data’s sensitivity level. At this point, you can adaptively impose data security policies while maintaining productivity.

As your company grows, you can easily add more protection services to have unified security that allows consistent protection across all channels.

Further reading

• Top 8 Cybersecurity Best Practices for Corporations
• Software Defined Perimeter: Definition, Importance & Use Cases
• SWG or CASB: Which Solution is Right for Your Business?

Please contact us if you require any additional information about cybersecurity solutions: