Stay Ahead of Threats With-SSE

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The emergence of a market for security service edge solutions reflects the need for organizations with hybrid workforces to apply consistent security from the cloud. Security has evolved over the last two years, from being secured by the enterprise perimeter to transitioning to a security strategy that can move with the hybrid user. Today, security must be able to secure data while also moving with users regardless of location. The challenges that enterprises face today are no longer addressed by traditional systems, necessitating a more holistic solution that focuses on user and enterprise data, as well as the cloud system. Gartner’s Security Service Edge (SSE) is a solution that has gained traction in the last year. Gartner defines SSE as a set of integrated cloud-centric security features that allow remote users and applications to be accessed securely.

What Is SSE?

SSE is a set of cloud-centric security capabilities that enable secure access to the web, cloud services, privatized apps, and software-as-a-service apps. It builds a secure platform with a slew of security features required by employees, users, and corporate resources. The ability to secure web access via proxy (SWG functionality), secure SaaS access via API and proxy modes (CASB functionality), and provide secure remote access to private applications are all core SSE offerings (ZTNA functionality).

Why Do We Need SSE?

In recent years, the rise of cloud computing, Internet of Things (IoT) devices, and mobile devices have presented new security challenges for businesses. Traditional security solutions, which are commonly used in data centers, may be inadequate in dealing with these new threats. As a result, a new network security approach called Security Service Edge has emerged. The traditional approach to network security is to backhaul traffic to the data center for inspection. This, however, can lead to poor performance, latency, and other issues. SSE brings security services closer to the source of the traffic, improving security, lowering latency, and increasing performance.

Fig.: Secure Service Edge

Components of SSE

SSE provides several functions for remote users via cloud systems. Several organizations have begun to use SSE to provide comprehensive security. Here’s what a typical SSE deployment looks like:

1) Zero Trust Network Access

Zero Trust Network Access (ZTNA) is a security platform that privileges applications and services based on predefined access control policies. It enforces uniform security policies and grants access to only those users who have been granted permission by the enterprise. It ensures that only authorized users have access to enterprise resources based on context with continuous monitoring.

2) Secure Web Gateway

A Secure Web Gateway (SWG) protects users from web-based threats and malware that attempt to misuse the user’s information. When users are unable to use an enterprise virtual private network, it provides a secure workplace and enforces user security policies to enable secure web interactions.  

3) Cloud Access Security Broker

A CASB protects data from threats across enterprise cloud applications. It provides threat protection to multiple devices that transmit data over a cloud network. It employs an in-line security mechanism that detects and controls all software-as-a-service risks while also enforcing governance and compliance policies, allowing verified users to operate securely on cloud resources.

Benefits of SSE

The security service edge provides various functionalities to cloud applications and remote users, some of which are listed below:

1) Threat Prevention and Reducing Risk

When all connections are properly inspected, risks are identified in real time, and threats can be addressed with appropriate remediation measures.

2) Visibility and Control

It provides granular visibility and control over the types of information that users or private enterprises are attempting to access, as well as enforces security policies to provide a secure working environment.

3) Secure Access

Secure access across the web, cloud, SaaS, or any other private applications drives network and cloud transformation while also providing an optimal user experience across locations and devices.

Conclusion

Security Service Edge is a new network security approach that can assist businesses in addressing the security challenges posed by cloud computing, IoT devices, and mobile devices. SSE can improve security, reduce latency, and improve performance by delivering security services at the network’s edge. It is a flexible and scalable security approach that can adapt to changing threats and network conditions and is more cost effective than traditional security solutions.