What is Secure Service Edge (SSE)?

Secure Service Edge (SSE) is a comprehensive and advanced cybersecurity system that combines multiple security components, such as cloud access security broker (CASB), zero-trust network access (ZTNA), firewall as a service (FWaaS), and a secure web gateway (SWG) into one unified platform.

Demand for these more sophisticated cybersecurity solutions is growing. Market research by KBV research suggests the SSE market will reach $3.9 billion by 2030.

SSE is designed for off-premises environments

Traditional security solutions, such as firewalls and virtual private networks (VPN), were designed for on-premises environments, not the distributed infrastructure many enterprises use today. SSE, on the other hand, is cloud-delivered, allowing organizations to secure users and data anywhere. Additionally, SSE integrates multiple cloud security components and employs advanced technologies like artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning (ML), which traditional solutions often lack.

Cloud-centric, adaptive security

Organizations’ reliance on cloud applications and data centers, as well as remote and mobile workforces, presents immense connectivity and security challenges for traditional security solutions that are not designed to cater to these environments. SSE addresses these challenges by providing a cloud-centric and adaptive security approach that ensures secure access to applications and data, regardless of user and device location.

How does SSE work?

SSE provides a unified platform for securing user access and traffic regardless of location. This integration provides a holistic view of the network, allowing for better visibility and control over security policies and access control.

A single security solution for each network component

A unified, cloud-based SSE platform enables enterprises to implement a single security solution for each of their network components. This reduces the complexity an IT team faces in deploying, monitoring, or updating the solution, simplifying management and reducing the incidence and severity of misconfigurations that can lead to security breaches.

AI and ML enhance security

SSE can employ AI and ML technologies to analyze and learn normal user behavior based on contextual data such as device, user, and location. This enables an SSE solution to identify and respond to abnormal activity in real time, providing an added layer of threat protection.

Reduced attack surface

With a single security platform and interface, enterprises using SSE solutions can reduce the size of their attack surface. This is a crucial component of cybersecurity. A smaller attack surface reduces the risk of cyberattacks and allows the network to concentrate resources and efforts towards cybersecurity and recovery more narrowly.

More efficient network performance

SSE’s cloud-based architecture and optimized routing lower latency across the network. Users can access bandwidth-intensive applications and data without experiencing delays. This is unlike traditional security solutions, which can cause network disruptions and downtime when operating across a distributed network.

Cost savings

SSE’s cloud-based architecture also eliminates the need for on-premises hardware, thereby reducing network hardware and maintenance costs. Additionally, as a cloud-based system, it uses a pay-as-you-go subscription model, meaning organizations only pay for what they need, which further reduces costs.

Scalable and flexible

With the cloud’s scalability and flexibility, organizations can easily add or remove resources as needed, without the cost and hassle of purchasing and setting up new hardware. This makes SSE an ideal solution for organizations experiencing growth or changing security needs.

Deliver secure network access anywhere

The attributes of SSE make it particularly well-suited to several different use cases. In general, its capabilities enable organizations to deliver secure network access wherever it’s needed.

Remote and mobile workers

SSE’s integration of security functions into one cloud-based platform ensures that remote workers’ devices and the data they access are secured before connecting to the corporate network. Workers at home or on the move can access corporate applications and data securely, without needing to be on the organization’s network. This reduces the risk of data breaches from compromised devices.

Multi-cloud environments

Managing security across multiple cloud services can become complex. SSE simplifies this process by providing a unified platform for securing different cloud environments. Organizations can easily integrate SSE with their existing cloud infrastructure, reducing the need for additional security solutions and simplifying management.

Multiple branch offices

SSE also enhances enterprises’ ability to securely connect branch offices. These often have limited IT resources and rely on the organization’s network for connectivity. SSE’s centralized, cloud-based architecture simplifies network management across branches, minimizing the risk of breaches or misconfigurations.

What is SD-WAN?

When considering using SSE, it is important to also incorporate SD-WAN, which stands for Software-Defined Wide Area Network. SD-WAN can optimize bandwidth, enhance application performance, and improve security measures. It is particularly beneficial for businesses with multiple locations or remote workers, as it can effectively manage network traffic across different devices and locations. By utilizing SD-WAN, companies can easily adapt to changing network demands and improve overall efficiency and cost savings.

What is SASE?

Secure Access Service Edge (SASE) is a paradigm shift in network security, bringing together the best aspects of SSE and SD-WAN to deliver a comprehensive, scalable, and flexible solution for securing networks in the cloud-centric era. By combining the capabilities of SSE and SD-WAN, organizations can achieve an integrated and holistic approach to network security, simplifying management, improving performance, and reducing costs. With the rise in remote and distributed workforces, the need for a secure and reliable network has never been more critical. SASE, enabled by SSE and SD-WAN, provides the solution for today’s evolving cybersecurity landscape.

Inseego supports every aspect of effective SSE deployment

Inseego's 5G SD EDGE cloud management software offers businesses a comprehensive solution for integrating an SSE solution into their operations. SD EDGE combines the power of SD-WAN, which optimizes and simplifies the management of wide area networks, and SSE, which unifies network security and access controls.

With this combined SD-WAN & SSE solution, businesses can securely connect their employees, devices, and applications to the cloud, enabling them to access critical resources from anywhere, at any time.

Contact us to learn more about how the Inseego 5G SD EDGE can secure and enable cloud management of your business network.