SASE vs. SSE: What Is the Difference?

Secure access service edge (SASE) is a converged cloud-based security model that merges software-defined wide area networking (SD-WAN) with security capabilities, including secure web gateway (SWG), cloud access security broker (CASB), firewall as a service (FWaaS), and zero trust network access (ZTNA) into one platform. SASE orchestrates different components to ensure secure network connections, manage a suite of security functions, improve management workflows, and provide a flexible network architecture that adapts to the dynamic requirements of a business.

This framework addresses the changing needs for secure connectivity in today’s enterprise environments. It extends the traditional network perimeter to include all access points, aiming to facilitate secure and efficient cloud interactions for remote users, regardless of location.

SASE operates by steering network traffic through a cloud-native service platform that consolidates various security and network features. By situating these services at the network's edge, closer to where users and devices connect, it helps diminish latency, boosts network performance, and improves the user experience. This approach ensures consistent application of security policies across the enterprise and centralizes control.

What Is SASE?

What Is SSE?

Security services edge (SSE) is a comprehensive cybersecurity model designed for cloud-based environments. SSE consolidates ZTNA, cloud SWG, CASB, and FWaaS to facilitate a secure digital ecosystem. Gartner introduced SSE initially in its 2021 Roadmap for SASE Convergence report.

SSE safeguards distributed resources. As enterprises shift to cloud services and remote work models, traditional security perimeters extend beyond physical data centers. SSE addresses this by offering security that is not location-dependent. It ensures remote workers can access corporate data securely from any location. SSE accomplishes this through consistent policy enforcement and security protocols that span across all user connections to the cloud.

SSE solutions mitigate the complexity and limitations of conventional network security. They avoid the performance bottlenecks of routing network traffic through centralized data centers and offer a more efficient, agile approach to security. SSE platforms provide visibility and control over cloud applications and to protection against threats in real-time. With SSE, companies can manage security risks and compliance for SaaS applications effectively.

What Are the Differences Between SASE and SSE?

Scope of Services

SASE is a comprehensive framework that merges networking and security into a single cloud service, encompassing SD-WAN and security components like CASB, FWaaS, and ZTNA. SSE focuses strictly on the security aspect, delivering critical services such as threat protection and access control without the SD-WAN component.

Network Integration

While SASE provides an integrated network and security service, SSE is not concerned with network optimization or routing. SSE's main role is to ensure the security of access and services in cloud environments, relying on the underlying network infrastructure as is.

Target Deployment

SASE architecture works well for organizations that need unified connectivity and security policy enforcement across both user endpoints and network locations. In contrast, SSE secures user-to-cloud interactions. SSE is ideal for businesses that prioritize a security-first approach for their remote workforce without the need for complex network management.

What Are the Similarities Between SASE and SSE?

Integrated Security Approach

Both SASE and SSE integrate multiple security functions to protect organizational resources. They converge essential security tools such as SWG, CASB, ZTNA, and FWaaS into unified solutions. This integration facilitates secure access to resources and offers robust protection against threats, irrespective of users' locations.

Cloud-Native Delivery

SASE and SSE share a cloud-native delivery model, providing security services directly from the cloud. This approach aligns with modern enterprises' shift towards cloud-based resources and services, enabling scalable, flexible, and responsive security measures that can adapt to the dynamic nature of today’s business environments.

Zero Trust Principles

Both architectures incorporate zero trust principles, operating under the assumption that trust is never implicit and must be continuously verified. With a focus on identity verification and least-privilege access, SASE and SSE both aim to minimize the risk of unauthorized access and data breaches by validating every request as if it originates from an untrusted source.

The Role of SSE in SASE

SSE plays a crucial role within SASE architecture by focusing on the security services that are essential to a comprehensive SASE framework. It provides a robust security posture that is flexible enough to serve the modern, mobile workforce. These security services are integral to SASE’s goal of combining networking and security into a single, cloud-delivered service model.

Some organizations begin with SSE to strengthen their security posture and later integrate SD-WAN and other network services. This approach allows for the gradual evolution from traditional security models to a cloud-native SASE implementation, ensuring a secure transition to the cloud and beyond.

SSE vs. SASE FAQs