Understanding Security Service Edge (SSE)
Security Service Edge (SSE) is a revolutionary concept defined by Gartner in 2021, encompassing a range of technologies that ensure secure access to web, cloud services, and private applications regardless of user location, devices used, or application hosting location. SSE functionalities include threat protection, data security, access control, security monitoring, and acceptable-use control through network-based and API-based integrations. It consolidates various security functions and delivers them as a cloud-based service, incorporating essential components like secure web gateway (SWG), zero trust network access (ZTNA), firewall-as-a-service (FWaaS), cloud access security broker (CASB), DLP, DNS security, remote browser isolation (RBI), sandboxing, and threat intelligence. By offering modern cybersecurity measures, SSE effectively mitigates risks, enhances end-user and IT staff experiences, and resolves the challenges associated with securely connecting resources from anywhere to everywhere.
Enhancing Remote Workforce Security with SSE
In the current landscape, IT and security teams face mounting difficulties in securing a widely distributed workforce comprising employees, contractors, and partners. With remote users accessing cloud-based SaaS applications and private resources from diverse locations, the traditional security perimeters are bypassed, significantly expanding the attack surface and exposing organizations to evolving threats. SSE plays a vital role in safeguarding organizations against cybersecurity risks, simplifying access procedures for hybrid work models, and reducing IT and security complexities, ensuring secure connectivity regardless of employee location.
Key Benefits of Implementing SSE
By adopting SSE within your organization, you can minimize risks through advanced cybersecurity measures, zero trust principles, and easily configurable security policies. SSE also streamlines the end-user experience by providing a unified approach to application access and simplifies IT operations via consolidated management consoles, policy management tools, and comprehensive reporting capabilities. Additionally, SSE ensures business continuity by averting breaches and protecting all private applications—including non-standard and custom applications that may use alternative ports or protocols. Furthermore, SSE offers enhanced visibility into cloud application usage, risk assessment, and identification of shadow IT activities, empowering organizations to proactively address potential security threats.
Differentiating Between SASE and SSE
While Secure Access Service Edge (SASE) combines security and networking functions into a single cloud-based service, SSE primarily focuses on the security aspect of SASE. Depending on specific organizational needs, decisions regarding adopting SSE or transitioning towards a complete SASE setup may vary. Organizations should evaluate factors such as existing SD-WAN deployments, the centralized nature of networking and security teams, current security contracts, impending hardware refresh cycles, and the importance of networking and security enhancements. The transition to SSE or SASE is often an incremental journey, with larger enterprises typically beginning with SSE to address immediate security requirements. Over time, organizations can evolve their infrastructure to encompass full SASE capabilities, requiring a flexible approach that integrates SSE security components with networking elements like SD-WAN.
Deploying Cisco Secure Access for Enhanced Security
Cisco Secure Access offers organizations a comprehensive SSE solution, incorporating converged, cloud-based security practices, zero trust principles, and AI-driven visibility to enhance secure access capabilities. By leveraging Cisco Secure Access, businesses can experience improved cybersecurity measures that prioritize user experience, simplify IT management, and ensure a safer working environment for all stakeholders.