In order to protect their remote workers who access applications and data via hybrid work environments, companies need a solution. It can be achieved by using a secure edge service. SSE is a cloud-native architecture that delivers security and networking services together in a single platform. This enables continuous security coverage across cloud, SaaS and private applications from an unified policy framework. Access Control As more employees and trusted partners access content, data, applications, and other resources through the internet or mobile devices, it is essential to have a comprehensive secure service edge (SSE) solution. SSE protects end users from unauthorized and malicious access, enables secure access to web, cloud, and private applications, and provides digital experience monitoring. SSE is a cloud-based platform that integrates networking and security functions, such as software-defined wide area network (SD-WAN), firewall as a service, secure web gateways (SWG), cloud access security broker (CASB), and zero trust network access (ZTNA). It allows for consistent application and network security across users and locations, while also providing central visibility. SSE is also equipped with a zero-trust access control system based on identity. This means that users are never put on the network. This ensures fast, reliable WAN connections without the need for a VPN. SSE incorporates a robust strategy of defense in depth to detect and prevent malware, as well as other threats. Threat Protection SSE offers threat protection for internet sessions, ensuring that users connect securely to critical business applications no matter where they are located. This allows hybrid working for employees. It secures cloud connectivity and private data, speeds up cloud migrations, and simplifies integration in M&As. Security services are delivered from a single cloud platform that can follow user-to-app connections regardless of location or device. It reduces risk because it eliminates gaps in point products, and also removes the need to update legacy appliances manually. Zero trust access. SSE systems are designed to allow the least-privileged user access. This is based on an zero trust policy that includes device, application, and content. This prevents lateral movement and protects applications from being discovered, reducing the attack surface. SSE enforces corporate policies for all users regardless of their location in the network, or device they use. This helps mitigate the risk of insider threats, ransomware and other threats that can occur when employees connect to sensitive data or use cloud applications that are not compliant with corporate policies. Data Security As remote and mobile users connect to applications and data over the internet, organizations need to protect that information. Secure service edge provides security by combining web gateway (SWG), Cloud Access Security Broker (CASB), zero trust network access technologies (ZTNA). SSE also provides centralized cloud Data Loss Protection (DLP) capabilities. This allows sensitive data, such as credit card numbers, to be classified, located and secured in one place. This can assist in supporting compliance policies such as Payment Card Industry Data Security Standard, or GDPR. SSE products must also offer advanced threat prevention, such as cloud-based firewalls (FWaaS), CASB analysis of data stored in SaaS software, and adaptive security access control. SSE solutions must include adaptive access control, which identifies and adjusts access based on changes in device posture. Monitoring Monitoring internet sessions is important when using a secure service. This allows you the ability to track how your network performs, and which apps have been used. Monitors can alert you to potential problems, allowing you to prevent them before they even occur. It can also improve user experience and lower costs. SSE platforms with the ability to inspect data and web traffic on a worldwide scale are vital. Make sure the vendor you choose has strong service-level agreements (SLAs) and a track record of evaluating inline traffic for major multinational companies. The primary use case for a security edge is to enforce policies over cloud, internet and mobile access. This can include enforcing corporate internet and access control policies for compliance or mitigating risk through content blocking and malware isolation.