Securing digital assets has never been more challenging when you consider the complexity and the variety of today’s cyber threats. However, there are definitely some things we can do to protect organization networks, but we need a comprehensive approach to security. One of these holistic solutions to network security is Security Service Edge (SSE), which is a framework introduced by Gartner.
Although we will explain everything from what is SSE to what practices to follow when implementing it, the shortest way to describe is “the convergence of network and security services into a single platform.” This single-handed management leads to reduced latency, improved security, and a smoother user experience. If you are looking for a modern security approach, keep reading and learn all about SSE.
What is SSE?
Security Service Edge (SSE) is a paradigm shift in network security as it merges networking tools with security services. By doing so, it achieves security at the point of data generation and access, making it more secure for users as security measures are closer to them. As SSE works together with the network services, it aims to maximize security while also minimizing its impact on the network performance.
In principle, SSE integrates security features such as firewalls, cloud access security brokers, and Zero Trust security into network functionalities. This integrated structure allows organizations to detect threats and inspect the traffic before it traverses the network.
According to Gartner, SSE was introduced as a cloud-native security approach, meaning that the ideal way of implementing SSE is using cloud-based services such as Firewall-as-a-Service (FWaaS) or Cloud Access Security Broker (CASB). The cloud-based nature of SSE also eliminates the need for spending all the budget on modern hardware and then maintaining them with a dedicated team. However, SSE can also be implemented on-premise or hybrid environments.
There are many benefits of implementing SSE both in terms of security and the user experience. First of all, SSE reduces latency in networks as it does not need to backhaul traffic to a centralized security stack. Reduced latency is not only good for the users but it also decreases your response time to potential incidents in the network.
SSE also provides great visibility for network admins, thus providing better monitoring and threat detection capabilities. By analyzing traffic at the edge, SSE solutions can identify anomalies, detect malicious activities, and apply security policies in real-time.
It’s also good to mention that SSE is one of the most flexible and scalable security approaches out there. Its cloud-based nature and the use of edge computing lets organizations deploy their security services wherever they need based on the demand and the user number.
Assessing Your Security Needs
Before starting the SSE implementation, it is crucial to understand your organization’s security needs as SSE structures can change drastically. Start by evaluating your current network structure including end-users, critical assets to protect, entry and endpoints, and potential vulnerabilities hackers may exploit. Consider measures against these such as strict access control, intrusion detection solutions, or simply firewalls.
Next, make sure to consider your industry-specific requirements and security regulations. Select measures to meet these standards such as data privacy or suggested security frameworks in regulations. While doing so, contact your partners, IT personnel, and end-users to gain insights from their expertise and perspectives.
Based on these, get a clear picture of your security needs, objectives, and priorities. Determine what services to use and what kind of security architecture you need to create. These steps will help significantly when you implement SSE.
Selecting the Right SSE Solution
Choosing a reliable SSE solution is critical before jumping into the implementation process. As we move forward with SSE 2023, we see new and unknown providers of SSE, which makes the selection process even more challenging. What you need to consider is mainly your business needs, but also the features they offer.
Scalability comes first for most organizations. Your SSE provider should be able to handle increasing network traffic. It is also crucial to think about your future needs and make sure that your provider can support distributed environments as well as integrate them into your existent structure.
Performance is another thing to consider when choosing your provider. Ideally, an SSE solution should be able to protect sensitive data and the overall network without causing too much latency and being a problem for the end users. Look for vendors who utilize advanced tools such as hardware acceleration or machine learning, which increase performance significantly.
Lastly, check the security features offered by the vendor. They should have a set of technologies and tools from firewalls to CASBs so you have a holistic system that works together to protect your network against cyberattacks. Make sure these services align with your business needs as well.
Implementing SSE: Best Practices
Establish Clear Goals and Objectives
Define clear goals and objectives before moving forward with SSE. Make sure to prioritize your goals; do you want to maximize security or increase the network performance? Identify specific security measures you want to improve such as threat detection or minimizing internal risks.
Create a Detailed Implementation Plan
Create a clear and detailed implementation plan with the help of your IT teams. Make sure to outline the necessary steps, timelines, and resources needed for the SSE implementation process. Think about factors such as network topology, hardware, and software requirements.
Seamlessly Integrate SSE with Existing Infrastructure
Integrate SSE into your current network structure step by step and carefully. Make sure that it is compatible and interoperable with the routers and the existent security tools in your network. Make sure to have a test phase before launching it to detect any vulnerabilities or compatibility issues.
Provide Ongoing Training and Education
Increase the level of expertise of your IT teams on SSE by investing in training and education. Make sure to train them on SSE best practices, administration, and maintenance. Follow your vendor for potential training resources as they would be the best source for most of the part. Encourage getting certifications to maximize the benefits of SSE.
Monitor and Analyze Security Events
Implement strong monitoring capabilities to inspect your traffic and detect any potential security incidents. Check security logs and alerts regularly to identify anomalies and fortify your weak points. Prepare incident response plans to react to threats as quickly as possible.