The term Secure Services Edge (SSE) may sometimes be used interchangeably with Secure Access Service Edge (SASE), depending on the context. In general, both refer to an emerging cybersecurity model that combines networking and security functions into a unified, cloud-based architecture.
SSE and SASE in one sentence
- Secure Access Service Edge (SASE) is a converged security and networking framework that delivers security and network services to users and devices anywhere. SASE is a cloud-native architecture that combines network and security functions into a single, unified service. Read in detail about SASE.
- Security Service Edge (SSE) is a subset of SASE that focuses on delivering security services to users and devices accessing cloud applications and services. SSE solutions typically include cloud access security broker (CASB), secure web gateway (SWG), and zero trust network access (ZTNA) capabilities. Read in detail about SSE.
SASE vs. SSE
What is the difference between SSE and SASE?
SSE is focused on providing security services to users and devices accessing cloud applications and services. It typically includes a combination of network security services, such as secure web gateway (SWG), cloud access security broker (CASB), and zero trust network access (ZTNA).
SASE is a term coined by Gartner in 2019. SASE is a broader framework that includes both networking and security functions. In addition to the security services offered by SSE, SASE also includes networking services such as SD-WAN and cloud-based firewalls.
Which one is right for you depends on your specific needs. If you are primarily concerned with securing your cloud applications and services, then SSE is a good option for you. If you also need to improve the performance and scalability of your network, then SASE may be a better choice.
Additional comments to the table above
- Network security and access control: SSE and SASE both provide network security and access control capabilities. However, SASE offers a more comprehensive suite of network security services, including CASB, SWG, and SD-WAN. SSE, on the other hand, is more focused on providing network security at the edge.
- Data inspection: SSE and SASE both offer data inspection capabilities. However, SASE offers more advanced data inspection and security capabilities, including threat detection and data loss prevention.
- Use cases: SSE is ideal for organizations looking to strengthen network security at the edge. SASE is suited for enterprises seeking to simplify network architecture, especially for remote users and branch offices.
- Scalability: SSE and SASE are both scalable for network traffic and users. However, SASE is also scalable for cloud-based services.
- Integration with cloud: SSE is typically integrated with on-premises infrastructure. SASE, on the other hand, is often a cloud-native solution with global points of presence.
Overall, SSE and SASE are both powerful security frameworks that can help organizations improve their security posture, reduce costs, and simplify IT operations. However, SASE offers a more comprehensive set of features and capabilities than SSE.
Which is right for you?
The best choice for your organisation will depend on your specific needs and requirements. If you are looking for a comprehensive solution that delivers both network and security services, then SASE is a good option. If you are primarily focused on securing your cloud applications and services, then SSE may be a better fit.
Here are some additional considerations to help you choose between SASE and SSE:
- Your existing network infrastructure: If you have a complex or legacy network infrastructure, then SASE may be a better choice, as it can provide a more gradual path to migration.
- Your budget: SASE solutions are typically more expensive than SSE solutions. However, SASE can offer significant cost savings in the long run by eliminating the need for multiple security appliances and tools.
- Your security priorities: If security is your top priority, then SSE is a good choice, as it provides a comprehensive set of security services for cloud applications and services. However, if you also need to improve your network performance and scalability, then SASE may be a better option.
It is important to note that SASE and SSE are both emerging technologies, and the market is still evolving. As a result, there is no one-size-fits-all solution. The best way to choose the right solution for your organization is to carefully evaluate your needs and requirements.
Here are some specific questions you can ask yourself to help you make a decision:
- What are my organisation's top security priorities?
- What is my organisation's current network architecture like?
- What is my budget for a security solution?
- Do I need to support remote workers and branch offices?
- Am I looking to simplify my network architecture?
- Do I need to protect cloud applications and services?
Once you have answered these questions, you will be in a better position to decide whether SSE or SASE is the right solution for your organisation.
If you are still unsure which solution is right for you, it is a good idea to consult with one of our network security experts. They can help you assess your needs and requirements and recommend the best solution for your organisation.
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Some people wonder what the difference is between SSE and SD-WAN. Let me start with a definition of SD-WAN:
SD-WAN is a network architecture that provides secure and reliable connectivity between users and applications over multiple transport links.
In other words, SD-WAN allows organisations to use a variety of transport links, such as broadband internet, MPLS, and LTE, to connect users and applications. SD-WAN then intelligently routes traffic over the best available transport link based on factors such as performance, reliability, and cost.
SD-WAN can help organisations to improve the performance and reliability of their networks, reduce costs, and simplify network management.
What is the difference between SSE and SD-WAN?
SD-WAN (Software-Defined Wide Area Networking) and SSE (Secure Service Edge) are related in the sense that they both play roles in modern network and security architectures, but they are not inherently dependent on each other. Here's a clarification:
SD-WAN focuses on optimising and managing wide area networks (WANs) by intelligently routing traffic over multiple available transport links based on predefined policies and real-time network conditions. Its primary goal is to enhance network performance, reliability, and cost-efficiency.
SSE, on the other hand, is a broader concept that integrates various networking and security functions into a unified, cloud-based architecture. While SD-WAN can be a component within an SSE solution, SSE encompasses a more extensive range of technologies, including Secure Web Gateway (SWG), Cloud Access Security Broker (CASB), Firewall-as-a-Service (FWaaS), and Zero Trust Network Access (ZTNA). SSE's primary objective is to provide organisations with better visibility, control, and protection for their networks, data, applications, and users while streamlining IT operations.
So, while they can complement each other in certain scenarios, SD-WAN and SSE are distinct concepts, and an organisation can choose to implement one, the other, or both based on their specific networking and security needs.
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