SASE vs SSE: What Modern Cyber Security Strategy Does Your Company Need?

In a world that is increasing digital, cyber security has caught up and offers several strategies to best protect your business and counter a force of bad actors growing in competence and aggression. 

A cyber security plan that provides robust protection and eff. For many readers, this is likely to be the first time you will have heard about SASE and SSE, so we will break down each strategy below and explain the pros and cons of SASE and SSE.

What Is Secure Access Service Edge (SASE)

Secure access service edge is a cyber-security term that represents a strategy that utilizes an evolving network architecture with comprehensive network security.  In short, SASE merges various network and security functions designed to protect your data from actors both inside and outside your network.

To perform this task, SASE follows a zero-trust security model, which operates on the assumption that threats exist both internally and externally and therefore verification is required from everyone.  SASE is a more integrated and agile approach that is well suited for today’s modern increased challenges and mobile workforce.

Pros of SASE

• Integrated solution that combines networking and security into a single framework to optimize efficiency and ease of management
• Very supportive of remote work and businesses with heavily distributed workforces
• Optimizes network performance which is particularly useful for cloud-based businesses and SaaS applications
• SASE is very flexible and easily scalable to fit the needs of any business
• High-cost effectiveness compared to the strength of the protection provided by this strategy

Cons of SASE

• A high level of complexity when implementing a Secure access service edge architecture, especially for companies with an entrenched system.
• SASE does lock you into a group of solutions that are integrated.  In most cases, this is a feature and not a flaw, but if you need a nonintegrated solution, it becomes a difficult ask.

What Is Security Service Edge (SSE)

Security Service Edge (SSE) is a strategy that focuses on security services that are designed to secure access to both online and private applications.  SSE is a subset of SASE and focuses a higher effort on ensuring the security of your business’s data rather than enhancing your network capabilities and efficiencies.  SSE does follow the Zero Trust model, never trust, always verify.  Other components of SSE include Secure Web Gateways (SWG) and Cloud Access Security Brokers (CASB). 

In simpler terms, the components of SSE provide safe access to the web and cloud services by enforcing company policies and offering control over data in cloud services.  SSE is a strong approach for businesses that have an efficient and robust network system but could use some help keeping their data secure.

Pros of SSE

• A focus on security brings robust protection for those leveraging cloud environments
• The comprehensive nature of SSE’s components offers a broad range of capabilities integrated seamlessly together
• SSE remains highly flexible and scales well to meet the needs of individual business
• Simplifies compliance for organizations that need stringent controls and a high level of visibility over cloud data

Cons of SSE

• Does not include solutions for network infrastructure and performance
• Less comprehensive than SASE, which integrates both network and security solutions together for maximum efficiency

SASE VS SSE: Which Fits Best?

Choose SASE if your business needs a robust solution for both network management and stronger security.  SASE is an especially strong choice if you have a heavily remote workforce or are in the process of moving to a cloud-based business model.

Choose SSE if your primary focus is beefing up your security for cloud resources and web access.  SSE is especially strong if you already have an efficient and well-integrated network infrastructure.  

Getting Started With SASE Or SSE

The best way to get off on the right foot with sourcing your SASE or SSE solution is to enlist the help of a managed service provider like Your Tech Team who can help assess your needs and find the optimal software.

Read Also:

• 5 Credible Ways To Boost Your Cyber Security Performance In 2021
• Why Does Cybersecurity Matter So Much For Online Businesses
• 5 Main Cybersecurity Risks For Small Businesses