SSE vs. SASE: What Organizations Need to Know

The modern workplace is a hybrid landscape, with employees accessing critical data and applications from diverse locations, devices, and networks. This demands a robust and adaptable security posture, forcing organizations to re-evaluate their traditional security strategies.  

Two of the best approaches include: 

• Secure Service Edge (SSE)
• Secure Access Service Edge (SASE)

Both of them promise to simplify and optimize security in this new reality.  

This post explores the key differences between SSE and SASE, highlighting their benefits, limitations, and critical considerations for organizations navigating the evolving security landscape.

SSE vs. SASE

SSE (Security Service Edge) and SASE (Secure Access Service Edge) are often used interchangeably, but they represent distinct yet interconnected concepts within network security.

Here are the differences between SSE and SASE.

What Is SASE?

SASE is a comprehensive framework that combines network security and WAN connectivity into a single integrated platform. It aims to simplify and improve network management, security, and user experience in a cloud-centric world.

What Is SSE? 

SSE is a subset of SASE and focuses specifically on the network security components. It includes essential services such as:

• Zero Trust Network Access (ZTNA): Provides granular access control based on user identity and device posture.
• Firewall as a Service (FWaaS): Offers stateful firewall protection in the cloud.
• Secure Web Gateway (SWG): Filters and inspects web traffic to prevent unauthorized access and malware.
• Cloud Access Security Broker (CASB): Enforces security policies for cloud applications and data.

What Is WAN Edge Services?

WAN Edge Services, on the other hand, encompass the networking aspects of SASE. These include:

• SD-WAN: Simplifies and centralizes WAN management.
• WAN Optimization: Improves network performance and reduces bandwidth consumption.
• QoS: Ensures quality of service for critical applications.
• Routing: Manages network traffic flow.

By combining SSE and WAN Edge Services, SASE provides organizations with a unified and flexible approach to network security and connectivity. 

This enables them to:

• Adapt to the cloud: Easily transition to cloud-based applications and infrastructure.
• Embrace mobility: Support remote and mobile workers securely.
• Protect against threats: Defend against a wide range of cyberattacks.
• Deliver a superior user experience: Provide fast, reliable, and secure network access.

Understanding the distinction between SSE and SASE also helps IT professionals better understand the offerings of the various vendors in the SASE arena. Some vendors, like Check Point’s SASE, offer expertise in cloud networking and secure access, while others have a track record of WAN services and hardware.

Why is SSE Important?

Here are the key benefits of SSE

• Simplified management: SSE’s software-defined architecture allows IT teams to easily set up and manage networks from a centralized location, reducing complexity and overhead.
• Enhanced security: SSE provides robust security features such as zero trust access, firewall protection, and secure web gateways, helping to protect against cyber threats and unauthorized access.
• Improved efficiency: SSE can streamline network operations, reduce latency, and optimize bandwidth usage, leading to improved performance and user experience.
• Cost savings: By consolidating multiple security functions into a single platform, SSE can help organizations reduce costs and complexity.

The growing importance of SSE is underscored by the shift towards cloud-based infrastructure. As more organizations move their applications and data to the cloud, SSE becomes essential for ensuring secure and reliable access to these resources.

According to Check Point’s State of Cybersecurity Report, only 8% of organizations have their computing resources fully or mostly on-premises, while 47% are mostly or entirely in the cloud. This trend highlights the increasing reliance on cloud-based services and the need for effective security solutions like SSE.

Securing the Decentralized Workplace 

Hybrid and remote work is now considered an essential element of effective business operation due to:

• Greater agility
• Employee satisfaction and productivity
• Reduced costs

So the critical question is not what a site or organization’s security profile is, but rather what is the security profile of a given employee inside or outside the office, no matter their location.

And because SSE integrates easily with cloud-based and local resources, IT can integrate sophisticated security ideas into every corner of the network, creating a more scalable security apparatus that can be instantly deployed to new departments and employees.

SSE and The Cybersecurity Experience Platform

Check Point’s SASE Cybersecurity Experience Platform (CSX) is the first platform to streamline SSE with its groundbreaking ease-of-use and radically simple UI that is based on five principles: Instant Deployment, Unified Management, Full Visibility, Integrated Security and Unwavering Support.

The CSX Platform allows companies to secure their hybrid cloud and on-prem network with: 

• Zero Trust Network Access (ZTNA) for precisely controlling who can access specific network resources and when they can do it
• Firewall as a Service (FWaaS) to microsegment users’ access to resources
• Secure Web Gateway (SWG) to block suspicious links and downloads and enforce network security policies 
• Device Posture Check (DPC) to verify the identity of devices at login to prevent malicious attacks
• Clientless Zero Trust Application Access (ZTAA) to enable partners and contractors to securely access specific applications from unmanaged devices
• Monitoring Dashboard to detect anomalies and take corrective action 

But Check Point’s SASE isn’t just about features or simplicity. It’s about delivering an unparalleled experience—an unparalleled cybersecurity experience for our customers. It’s features and ease of use and customer service that’s beyond compare.

If you’re ready for SSE, we’re ready to help. Book a FREE demo now.