If your organization has poor network security, it may result in system vulnerabilities that lead to cyberattacks. If this were to happen, it might cost hundreds of thousands of dollars to repair your network.
Additionally, cyberattacks can lead to sensitive data being compromised and can cause permanent damage to your network. To avoid these issues, it is important to implement reliable network security to protect your software and hardware.
Coeo knows how important reliable network security is to an organization and has delivered thousands of network security solutions and services to organizations to help prevent malicious actors, malicious software, data breaches, and cyberattacks from adversely impacting their businesses.
We want you to understand the differences between SSE and SASE to determine which security solution best complements your organization’s network.
By the end of this article, you will understand what SSE is, what SASE is, the differences between the two, and which is the best solution for your organization.
What is SSE?
Security Service Edge (SSE) is an integrated group of technologies that provide users and their devices with secure access to the web, cloud services, and applications.
SSE is based on a framework that focuses on implementing security services at the edge of the network closer to user devices rather than securing the perimeter of the network like a traditional firewall.
Traditional perimeter-based network security models such as firewalls protect the edge of the network and act as a fence surrounding the network to differentiate between trusted and untrusted users.
However, when a network is penetrated by a malicious actor it becomes untrusted, making it much more difficult for the network to remain secure and easier for malicious actors to breach data and damage the network.
SSE improves this model by attaching security to user devices providing better network security for organizations operating in a remote work environment.
What is SASE?
Secure Access Service Edge (SASE), is a cybersecurity network that combines a Wide Area Network (WAN) and a security system into one cloud-based solution.
SASE combines an SD-WAN solution with enhanced security to provide organizations with better network connectivity and better network security.
SASE identifies users and devices in the cloud network and applies policy-based security rules resulting in secure access to data no matter where users are connecting from or what devices they are using.
Because SASE allows for constant security across a network, data can be delivered directly to a connection source instead of having to be sent to a data center to be monitored.
The difference between SSE and SASE
Security Service Edge (SSE) and Secure Access Service Edge (SASE), are both network security solutions.
Both solutions focus on the evolving network and the changing nature of network security to provide greater security from wherever the network is being accessed and from whatever device is being used.
However, while both solutions have some of the same objectives, they have distinct characteristics that make them somewhat different.
The main issue that differentiates SSE and SASE solutions is that SSE has a single focus on security, while SASE, combines network security with a WAN to deliver an integrated cloud-based solution.
SSE focuses primarily on bringing security services to the edge of the network closer to user devices. This ensures your network is secure no matter which devices are being used or where your employees are accessing the network.
SSE takes a user-centric approach, similar to Zero Trust. Instead of data or users being classified as trusted or untrusted, SSE begins its process by not trusting anything or anyone.
SASE, on the other hand, is a broader solution that combines network security with a wide-area network (WAN) offering both security and networking in a single solution.
Which solution is best for your organization?
Now you understand what SSE is, what SASE is, and the differences between them. It is important for you to understand these services and their greatest strengths to help determine which solution might best meet your needs.
If your organization is only looking for a network security solution, SSE may be the best alternative for your organization.
The major difference between SSE and SASE is that SSE is typically only a security solution whereas SASE is a solution that combines a WAN with network security.
If your organization already has an integrated network solution that works well, SSE may accomplish your objectives.
However, if your organization is dealing with a poor-performing network that results in slow load page times and call breakups or drops, you may require enhanced network connectivity as well as network security in which case a SASE solution might be a better alternative for your organization.
If your organization already has reliable network connectivity and security, you may not benefit from either solution.
Determining which solution is best for your organization
Now you know what SSE is, what SASE is, the difference between the two, and which solution is best for your organization. This will help you determine which of these solutions will best meet your needs.
Network security is an important aspect of every organization’s infrastructure.
Organizations can’t afford to become victims of a cyberattack that potentially costs hundreds of thousands of dollars and results in sensitive data breaches and even permanent damage to your network.
Understanding the differences between SSE and SASE will help you determine which solution will benefit your organization’s network the most so you can improve your network security.
Coeo knows how important network security is to an organization and has delivered thousands of network security solutions to organizations to prevent cyberattacks, malicious actors, and malicious software from damaging their networks.
We want you to understand the difference between SSE and SASE so you can make the best decision as to which solution is the best fit to secure your network.
If you would like to speak with our team to learn more about SSE, SASE, or network security in general or ask any questions you may have you can schedule an appointment.
Now that you understand the differences between SSE and SASE and which one is a better fit for your organization, check out this article to learn more about how SASE can improve connectivity and communication in a remote work environment:
