What is SSE?

Secure Service Edge (aka SSE) is a cloud first architecture that converges wide area networking and security to a single point, enabling organizations to apply zero trust based policies to all users and applications regardless of location or infrastructure. SSE represents a shift away from traditional perimeter-based defenses towards a more agile and scalable model for hybrid networks.

SSE offers a wide range of benefits to organizations:

Rising Cybersecurity Threats

SSE consolidates multiple security functions into a unified cloud-native platform, providing organizations with comprehensive protection against a wide range of cyber threats, including malware, ransomware, phishing, and data breaches. By implementing advanced security capabilities such as zero trust network access (ZTNA), secure web gateway (SWG), cloud access security broker (CASB), data loss prevention (DLP) and remote browser isolation (RBI). SSE helps organizations enforce consistent security policies and access controls across their distributed IT environments, reducing the risk of unauthorized access and data exposure.

Remote Network Efficiency

SSE optimizes network performance and application delivery by leveraging technologies such as software-defined WAN (SD-WAN) and WAN optimization, resulting in faster and more reliable access to cloud-based applications and services for users located in remote or branch offices. By reducing latency and improving network efficiency, SSE enhances user productivity and satisfaction, ultimately driving business growth and competitiveness.

Complex IT Management

SSE streamlines IT operations by centralizing the management and orchestration of security and networking functions within a single cloud-based platform. This simplifies deployment, configuration, and maintenance tasks, allowing IT teams to focus on strategic initiatives rather than managing disparate security appliances and network infrastructure. Additionally, the scalability and flexibility of SSE enable organizations to adapt quickly to changing business requirements and emerging security threats, ensuring ongoing protection and compliance without overburdening IT resources.

High Network Costs

SSE offers a cost-effective alternative to traditional on-premises security and networking solutions by eliminating the need for upfront investments in hardware, software, and infrastructure. With SSE, organizations can leverage a subscription-based pricing model, paying only for the services and resources they consume on a per-user or per-site basis.

Scalability and Agility Demands

SSE provides organizations with the scalability and agility needed to support business growth and innovation initiatives. By leveraging cloud-native technologies and global network infrastructure, SSE enables organizations to rapidly deploy and scale security and networking services in response to changing business requirements and evolving threat landscapes. This flexibility allows organizations to adapt quickly to market dynamics, seize new opportunities, and maintain a competitive edge in today’s fast-paced digital economy.

Overall, the case for Secure Service Edge is built on its ability to deliver comprehensive security, improved performance, simplified management, cost savings, and agility, enabling organizations to effectively address the complex challenges of securing and connecting their distributed IT environments while driving business value and growth.

Take a modern approach to SSE

Innovative I&O leaders are leveraging Secure Service Edge (SSE) to fortify cybersecurity and streamline operations. By integrating security functions and addressing remote access challenges, they enhance protection and efficiency, allowing teams to focus on strategic growth without added complexity.

Our Approach to SSE

We take a consultancy-based approach to deploying SSE, using the following steps to ensure maximum value from your investment.

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Initial Assessment and Requirements Gathering

  • We collaboratively define the objectives you want from your SSE deployment, considering factors such as technical requirements, commercial needs, operational models, and regulatory requirements. We use this information to create a Solutions Requirements Document (SRD), which shapes the design process.

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Design and Architecture Planning

  • Working together, we will develop a tailored SSE design and architecture that aligns with your organization’s specific network, security, and visibility goals and operational requirements.
  • This will include defining site, overlays, traffic flow policies, security controls, and segmentation enforcement mechanisms.

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Pilot Deployment and Proof of Concept (PoC)

  • We will implement a pilot deployment of SSE in a controlled environment or specific network segment to validate the proposed design and assess its efficacy in real-world scenarios.
  • The pilot/PoC will be used to test the functionality, performance, and security effectiveness of the SSE solution against predefined success criteria.

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Policy Development and Fine-Tuning

  • Following the pilot/PoC, we will develop comprehensive security policies and rule sets governing traffic flow and security control across the network, leveraging best practices and industry standards.
  • During this phase, we will refine and fine-tune policies and settings based on feedback from stakeholders, performance metrics, and observed behavior during the pilot deployment phase.

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Implementation and Rollout

  • Execute the full-scale implementation of SSE across your organization’s network infrastructure, following the validated design and security policies established during the pilot phase.
  • Our deployment engineers will ensure a smooth rollout process, providing necessary training and support to internal IT teams responsible for managing and maintaining the SSE solution.

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Continuous Monitoring and Optimization

  • Execute the full-scale implementation of SSE across your organization’s network infrastructure, following the validated design and security policies established during the pilot phase.
  • Our deployment engineers will ensure a smooth rollout process, providing necessary training and support to internal IT teams responsible for managing and maintaining the SSE solution.

Our consultancy-first approach to deploying SSE enables you to leverage the specialized expertise and experience of our cybersecurity consultants and engineers.  This ensures a comprehensive, tailored, and effective implementation that addresses your unique security challenges and regulatory compliance needs.

Key Benefits:

  • Improved Security Posture
  • Advanced Threat Analysis
  • User Privacy and Data Protection
  • Improved Performance
  • Cost Savings
  • Enhanced Security
  • Agility and Scalability
  • Integrations with Cloud and Hybrid Environments
  • Optimized Application Performance
  • Increased Visibility and Control
  • Redundancy and Resilience (Business Continuity)

Additional features:

SSE also enables IT to consolidate a wide range of network security tools to a single vendor with a single management interface. This not only reduces the total cost of ownership of SSE compared to traditional edge security tools, but the procurement process is also simplified.

StreamlineX

SSE is a key component of StreamlineX as it ensures that users get the best possible experience when connecting to their applications, while offering enhanced security, better visibility, and simplified network operations at a lower total cost of ownership.

Supporting Teneo Services

SD-WAN & SASE Workshop

Utilize our knowledge and expertise to help plan your SD-WAN and SASE strategies with an SD-WAN & SASE Workshop.

Schedule a conversation

To get started with our SASE services, simply schedule a conversation with us today.