What is Security Service Edge (SSE)?

Security Service Edge (SSE) is a cloud-based solution that secures user access to digital resources and private applications, whether in the cloud or on-premises.

ben kazinik

15.10.2024

6 min read

As the security core of Secure Access Service Edge (SASE), SSE combines tools like secure web gateways (SWG), zero trust network access (ZTNA), firewall-as-a-service (FWaaS), and cloud access security brokers (CASB) to simplify security management and fend off cyber threats.

Why is SSE Important for Organizations?

Traditional network perimeters are a thing of the past. As more organizations migrate to hybrid work environments and cloud-based applications, their data, resources, and employees are often spread out across the globe. 

This makes it harder than ever to protect the corporate network from threats.

SSE provides a clear, high-level view of all network activity and gives organizations the tools to quickly detect and respond to cyber threats. It offers a complete suite of security tools to protect apps, data, and users—wherever they need to gain access from—and provides secure connections for an organization’s employees, partners, and contractors.

The 5 Core Components of SSE

SSE combines several advanced security tools to protect users, data, and applications:

#1: Zero Trust Network Access (ZTNA)

ZTNA treats all users and requests as untrustworthy until verified. 

Unlike traditional virtual private networks (VPN), zero-trust solutions continuously authenticate and authorize users—regardless of their location or identity.

This reduces the risk of threat actors moving laterally within the network.

#2: Secure Web Gateway (SWG)

SWGs act as a protective barrier between users and the internet. 

They monitor, filter, and block malicious web traffic, ensuring users can browse safely without exposing the organization to threats like phishing, malware, or ransomware.

#3: Cloud Access Security Broker (CASB)

A CASB provides visibility and control over data moving between an organization’s cloud-based services and its users. It helps organizations with:

• Preventing data loss
• Enforcing data security policies
• Maintaining compliance with regulation

#4: Firewall-as-a-Service (FWaaS)

FWaaS brings firewall protection to the cloud, scaling with the network and letting you enforce security policies without relying on bulky, expensive on-premises hardware.

#5: Data Loss Prevention (DLP)

DLP tools integrated into SSE solutions help monitor and protect sensitive data from accidental or malicious leaks, whether it’s: 

• Shared via email
• Uploaded to the cloud
• Intercepted by attackers

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SSE vs. SASE: What’s the Difference?

With just one letter missing from its acronym, it can be easy to confuse SSE with SASE. But, while SSE is a component of SASE, the two solutions have different focuses and scopes.

• SSE: SSE serves as the security core within the broader SASE framework. It protects data, private applications, and users without the added complexity of networking features. While part of SASE, SSE is solely focused on security.
• SASE: Introduced by Gartner in 2019, SASE is a holistic framework that combines networking and security into a single cloud service. It integrates SSE’s security features with networking services, such as SD-WAN, WAN optimization, and Quality of Service to improve routing to private applications.

Here are the key Differences Between SSE and SASE:

• SSE is the security core of SASE.
• SASE combines both network and security tools into a unified cloud service.
• SSE focuses exclusively on security, while SASE includes networking services like SD-WAN.

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Use Cases for SSE

Here are the most common use cases for SSE:

Securing Cloud-Based Workflows

With cloud adoption increasing, organizations need modern solutions to secure their data across platforms like:

• Microsoft 365
• Salesforce
• Google Workspace

SSE ensures safe, direct access to corporate resources, and improves security and performance by reducing reliance on data centers. 

Protecting Remote Workers

SSE makes sure that remote employees can securely access private applications without relying on VPNs. 

Whether users are at home or on the go, SSE provides consistent security by blocking threats from malicious websites and monitoring user behavior.

Maintaining Compliance

SSE ensures that security policies are applied consistently across all users and devices, making it easier to meet compliance requirements. It also includes strong data protection measures to help organizations prevent data breaches and keep a solid security posture.

Making Life Easier for IT Teams

With everything under one roof, SSE makes it simpler for IT teams to manage security policies and monitor potential threats. It helps admins control access with tools like:

• Multi-factor authentication
• Role-based access
• Least privilege policies

This reduces the time and cost involved with juggling multiple security tools and vendors. 

SSE vs. Traditional Network Security 

Traditional network security models are perimeter-based. 

They typically assume that users inside the network are trustworthy, and rely on outdated firewalls, VPNs, and intrusion prevention systems. These solutions are often complex to maintain, costly to scale, and ineffective for cloud-based or remote work environments. 

They’re also limited to the company’s internal network and aren’t suited for growing teams.

SSE, on the other hand, offers a more flexible and scalable solution. It offers benefits like:

• Scalability: SSE can easily adapt to an organization’s hybrid network and keep sensitive information safe from prying eyes—no matter how large or spread out the workforce becomes.
• Speed: SSE improves performance with optimized, low-latency network and security features. By avoiding routing traffic through a central data center, it ensures fast, secure access to web, cloud, and private apps from any device or location.
• Integration: SSE combines key security tools, like CASBs, secure web gateways, and zero-trust access for private applications, into one unified solution.

Best Practices for Implementing SSE Solutions

Here are the four best practices for implementing SSE solutions.

• Assess Your Needs: Start by evaluating your organization’s security posture. Understand if you’re focused on web filtering with SWGs, protecting private applications, or securing a remote workforce. This will help you choose the right SSE solution and vendor.  
• Never Trust, Always Verify: Configure your SSE solution to verify every user and device before granting access. This will significantly reduce your attack surface. 
• Train Your Team: A security solution is only as effective as its users. To help employees understand your new SSE policies, provide good documentation and regular training sessions.
• Monitor and Improve: Regularly monitor the performance of your SSE solution and use analytics to identify security gaps.

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Maximize Network Security with Check Point’s SASE

To protect your corporate network, you need advanced solutions. Check Point’s SASE ensures fast and reliable access to both on-prem and cloud resources while securing your network with zero trust access, advanced threat prevention, and AI-powered security.

With Check Point’s SASE, safeguarding your critical assets while navigating the cloud becomes easier, all with top-tier internet security performance.

Book a free demo today to learn more.

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