In order to protect their remote workers who access applications and data via hybrid work environments, companies need a solution. This can be done using a secure service edge. SSE is an architecture built for the cloud that combines security and networking in one platform. The unified policy allows for continuous security coverage of cloud, SaaS applications and private apps. Access Control A comprehensive solution for secure service edges (SSEs) is necessary as employees and partners are increasingly using the internet and mobile devices to access data, content, applications and other resources. SSE secures end users against malicious attacks, allows them to securely access cloud, private and web applications, and provides monitoring of their digital experiences. 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 offers consistent application and security enforcement across locations and users while delivering centralized visibility into traffic. 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 provides fast and reliable WAN connection without the requirement 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 provides threat protection to internet sessions. This ensures that users can connect securely and safely to critical business applications, no matter where they may be located. It enables hybrid work by employees, secures the cloud and private data connection, accelerates cloud-migrations, as well as simplifies the integration of M&As. Cloud-based security services can be delivered by a single platform, which follows user-to app connections irrespective of device and location. This eliminates gaps between point-products and the need to manually update traditional legacy appliances. 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 can help mitigate the risks of insider attacks, ransomware or other threats that may occur when employees use cloud applications not in compliance with corporate policy. Data Security As remote and mobile users connect to applications and data over the internet, organizations need to protect that information. Secure service edges delivers security through the unification of web gateways (SWG), cloud-access security brokers (CASB), as well as zero-trust network access (ZTNA). SSE provides centralized cloud data protection (DLP), allowing sensitive data be quickly found, classified, then secured in an unified manner. This can assist in supporting compliance policies such as Payment Card Industry Data Security Standard, or GDPR. SSE solutions should also include advanced threat prevention features, including cloud firewalls as a service, CASB inspections of data within SaaS apps and adaptive access controls. Adaptive access control is a key element of SSE that identifies device posture and adjusts access as it changes. Monitoring Monitoring internet sessions is important when using a secure service. You can see how well your network performs and which apps are being used. Monitors can alert you to potential problems, allowing you to prevent them before they even occur. This can help improve your user's experience and reduce cost. SSE platforms which can monitor web and data traffic on a global level are essential. You should choose a vendor who has solid service-level agreements and is experienced in evaluating the traffic of major multinationals. The primary use case for a security edge is to enforce policies over cloud, internet and mobile access. This includes enforcing internet and access control policy for corporate compliance or mitigating risks through content blocking and malicious isolation.