What is security service edge? If you want to know more about this topic, then you are on the right blog.
What Is Security Service Edge?
A security service edge (SSE) refers to a security service function (SSF) that is deployed at the edge of a network. An SSE is typically placed at a network’s demarcation point. And it is responsible for enforcing security policies that are used to protect the network and its resources.
Moreover, SSEs are placed between the Internet and an organization’s internal network and act as the first line of defense in protecting the enterprise. These devices can be implemented using a variety of security technologies, including:
- intrusion prevention systems (IPS),
- firewalls, and
- virtual private networks (VPNs).
Further, an SSE can also be implemented using a next-generation firewall. One that offers advanced threat protection capabilities in addition to traditional firewall capabilities. Further, SSE architectures were designed with three components in mind: the data center, the enterprise edge, and the remote access edge.
The data center is where enterprises host their applications, corporate email servers, databases, and Web servers. As well as other critical business applications. The enterprise edge is where an organization connects its local area network (LAN) to the Internet or another wide area network (WAN).
Then, the remote access edge is where an organization connects its remote users through technologies. Such as VPNs, broadband, or dial-up connections. Since enterprises have become increasingly dependent on information technology (IT), they have become more vulnerable to security threats. Such as:
- denial-of-service attacks,
- compromised Web servers
- and other threats created by hackers who attack their networks
So, to prevent these threats from disrupting their businesses and compromising sensitive information on their networks, enterprises should implement an SSE-based architecture. Because it is one that can provide them with multiple layers of security across all three areas.
The Makings of a Security Service Edge
An SSE typically consists of a border firewall and an intrusion prevention system (IPS) or intrusion detection system (IDS). This monitors traffic between the Internet and the internal LAN.
A next-generation firewall may also include gateway anti-virus protection that prevents infected systems from entering the network. These components work together to enforce security policies and prevent unauthorized access to enterprise resources.
Then, as part of this process, they inspect packets of data that are transmitted across the network. This is to ensure they meet established standards for compliance with organizational security policies before they are allowed into the LAN.
Further, an SSE can help protect an enterprise against external threats such as denial-of-service attacks. But it is not sufficient on its own to help secure an organization’s internal resources from internal threats such as disgruntled employees. Because internal threats are the most difficult to manage.
However, SSEs can also be used to prevent internal threats. This is by providing a strong first line of defense against external threats that may try to penetrate an organization’s network.
Final Words
In conclusion, we can say that SSE architecture is one of the most effective ways to protect an enterprise’s network. This is because it provides multiple layers of protection. Further, an SSE can also be used to enforce security policies that help protect the enterprise’s internal resources from internal threats.