Secure service edge (SSE) solutions are cloud-delivered security solutions that provide secure access to the internet, cloud services, and private applications, regardless of user or device location, without including network transport or optimization components. SSE solutions consolidate multiple security services including Zero Trust Network Access (ZTNA), Secure Web Gateway (SWG), Cloud Access Security Broker (CASB), and often Firewall-as-a-Service (FWaaS) into a single cloud-native framework.
Features offered by SSE solutions include securing end-user connections to cloud services, protecting data and connected devices from cloud-based threats and malware, and continuously verifying user permissions through adaptive authentication. SSE solutions are designed for organizations adopting hybrid or fully remote work models, as well as those operating extensively in cloud and SaaS environments. By consolidating these capabilities into a single cloud-delivered platform, SSE simplifies management and policy enforcement.
SSE solutions are typically used by IT and security teams to enable secure remote work, enforce data protection and threat prevention controls, and monitor cloud application usage. It is often deployed as a standalone solution or part of a broader secure access service edge (SASE) implementation. While secure access service edge (SASE) software includes SD-WAN and other networking features, SSE focuses exclusively on security capabilities.
To qualify for inclusion in the Secure Service Edge (SSE) category, a product must:
Secure connections between end users and cloud service providers
Protect data and connected devices from cloud-based threats and malware
Use adaptive authentication to verify user permissions continuously
