Security professionals are well acquainted with the concept of secure access service edge (SASE), but the newer security service edge (SSE) may be less familiar to some. While SASE incorporates software-defined networking (SDN) to facilitate brokered connectivity for branch offices and remote locations through a cloud fabric, SSE is focused more on end users than SASE.
SASE, a term coined by Gartner in 2019, encompasses the convergence of networking service brokering, identity service brokering, and security as a service within a unified fabric. It aims to streamline and strengthen security measures by consolidating various networking services under a single point of control. Key elements of SASE include secure web gateway controls, zero-trust network access (ZTNA), identity and access management, firewalls, SaaS security controls, and software-defined WAN connectivity options.
On the other hand, SSE, introduced by Gartner in 2021, prioritizes security capabilities over network connectivity and infrastructure. Unlike SASE, SSE does not include SD-WAN capabilities and leans more towards traditional ZTNA, cloud access security broker (CASB), and secure web gateway providers. SSE features elements such as ZTNA, SWG, CASB, and firewall as a service (FWaaS).
Zero-trust network access (ZTNA) is a crucial component of SSE, focusing on how end users access cloud and online services by implementing strong authentication and authorization measures, adaptive access policies, and browser isolation and sandboxing. Secure web gateway functionality includes content filtering, URL-based access controls, DNS monitoring, and browser security controls. Cloud access security brokers delve deep into cloud services to analyze API calls and behaviors for unusual activity. Network traffic control, also known as FWaaS, replaces traditional next-gen firewall controls with a cloud-based model to manage malicious nonweb traffic.
When choosing between SASE and SSE, SASE is recommended for organizations requiring comprehensive cloud-based connectivity and security policies that cover both end users and entire locations. SASE is ideal for enterprises moving away from a hub-and-spoke model of network connectivity towards a more inclusive approach. In contrast, SSE offers similar security options as SASE but without the additional network bandwidth control and WAN optimization features. Many organizations today benefit from the suite of security controls offered by SSE, which can safeguard remote workforces through a zero-trust model governing access control, browser and cloud services security, and data protection. It is worth noting that some providers offer both SASE and SSE, allowing organizations to upgrade to SASE if necessary.
In conclusion, while SASE and SSE share similarities in security controls, SASE is better suited for organizations looking for comprehensive cloud-based connectivity, while SSE caters more towards end-user security needs. Both play a vital role in enhancing data protection and securing network environments in today’s evolving digital landscape.