In the realm of networking and security, the concept of Security Service Edge (SSE) has been generating a lot of buzz lately. Its emergence as a crucial topic in the industry is primarily due to its ability to deliver cloud-based security solutions that safeguard access to websites and applications. This has become all the more important in the current work environment, where enterprises have shifted to a remote work model during the COVID-19 pandemic and continued to operate in a hybrid work setting. SSE plays a significant role as a key component of Secure Access Service Edge (SASE) along with Software-Defined Wide Area Networking (SD-WAN).
While the importance of cloud-delivered security is well understood by organizations, the challenge lies in navigating the myriad of functions and features that SSE solutions offer. Many organizations struggle to assess and identify the best SSE solution that aligns with their network requirements. Moreover, as technology continues to evolve to meet new business demands and combat emerging threats, the landscape of SSE solutions becomes increasingly intricate, making it crucial for organizations to carefully evaluate their options when choosing a solution.
When it comes to critical SSE features, there are several key components that organizations should consider beyond the fundamental aspects. These features play a vital role in enhancing security and ensuring optimal performance. Let’s delve deeper into some significant SSE features that organizations should pay attention to:
1. Global Point-of-Presence Network: Points of presence (POPs) are pivotal locations where organizations route their traffic for cloud-delivered security. While the number of POPs offered by a vendor is important, the global reach of these locations holds greater significance in enhancing overall performance. It is essential for organizations to ensure that SSE providers have POPs in locations that are geographically relevant to their operations. This allows for reduced network latency and compliance with regulatory requirements.
2. Support for BYOD and Agentless Devices: With the diverse range of devices connecting to modern networks, including BYOD devices and agentless devices like cameras and printers, organizations must prioritize an SSE solution that can secure all types of devices accessing the network. This flexibility is essential to ensure comprehensive security across the network.
3. Strong Data Loss Prevention Features: Data loss prevention (DLP) is a critical feature of SSE solutions, particularly when it comes to securing access to sensitive applications and preventing data leaks. Organizations should look for SSE solutions with robust DLP capabilities that encompass scanning for sensitive data patterns, monitoring data loss across various domains, and enforcing access controls based on traffic patterns.
4. Unified Management for All Use Cases: Managing a complex multi-cloud environment with disparate security features can be challenging and costly. It is imperative for organizations to opt for SSE solutions that offer unified management capabilities, allowing them to control deployments and configurations through a single interface.
In conclusion, selecting the right SSE solution that meets the specific needs of an organization is paramount. Fortinet’s FortiSASE stands out as a comprehensive cloud-based security solution that offers flexible connectivity, seamless integration with various devices, and unified management through the Fortinet Security Fabric. By leveraging cutting-edge features and innovative technology, FortiSASE enables organizations to consolidate their security solutions and benefit from the convergence of networking and security. Learn more about FortiSASE and Fortinet’s approach to cloud-delivered security to enhance your organization’s security posture and meet evolving business demands.