If you're managing a company network, you know how crucial it is to keep everything secure while ensuring smooth operations. Often that means choosing between SSE (Security Service Edge) and CASB (Cloud Access Security Broker). 

That choice, however, is not a tough one to make. Let's break down SSE and CASB services, how they differ, and what specific use cases they are best suited for.

What is SSE?

SSE is your all-in-one cloud security solution. It covers a broad range of security functions and delivers them from the cloud, which can be a real game-changer for any business.

If you have employees working remotely from all over the world, with SSE, you can ensure they connect securely to your company's network no matter where they are. This is mainly because SSE integrates secure web gateways (SWG), cloud access security brokers, and zero-trust network access (ZTNA). 

For example, if someone tries to access a suspicious website from your network, the SWG component of SSE will block that attempt. Similarly, ZTNA ensures that only authenticated and authorized users can access your internal applications, adding an extra layer of security. This is especially useful if your company has sensitive internal applications that must be protected from unauthorized access.

One of the best attributes of SSE is that it moves all these security functions to the cloud. You don't have to worry about maintaining on-premises security hardware. 

SSE also scales easily with your business. If your team expands and more people need secure access, SSE can handle it without a hitch. If you're running a marketing campaign and you need to quickly onboard a team of contractors, for example, SSE ensures they can securely connect to the resources they need without compromising your network's integrity.

Additionally, by consolidating various security services into a single framework, SSE helps simplify your IT infrastructure. Instead of juggling multiple security tools and vendors, you get a unified approach. This not only makes management easier but also helps you quickly identify and respond to security threats.

Key components of SSE

Secure Web Gateway (SWG)

Imagine your employees surfing the internet and potentially landing on malicious websites. SWG acts as a filter, blocking access to harmful sites and protecting your network from threats like malware or phishing. So, if someone tries to visit a suspicious website, SWG steps in and says, "Nope, not today!"

Zero Trust Network Access (ZTNA)

ZTNA ensures that only authenticated and authorized users can access your internal resources. This is particularly important if you have sensitive applications or databases. Even if someone manages to steal a user's credentials, ZTNA adds an extra layer of verification to keep them out.

Cloud Access Security Broker (CASB)

SSE incorporates CASB functionalities. In this context, CASB serves as a mediator between your network and cloud services, ensuring that your security policies are enforced. 

For instance, if an employee tries to upload a confidential document to a public cloud storage without permission, CASB will block that action. This means you get the best of both worlds—broad network security and specific cloud protections.

What is CASB?

A Cloud Access Security Broker (CASB) functions as the gatekeeper for all your cloud services. Whether your team is using Salesforce, Google Workspace, or Microsoft 365, a CASB is there to enforce your security policies and monitor activities.

CASB ensures that only the right people, using secure devices, can get their hands on that treasure trove of company data stored in the various cloud services you use. For instance, if someone tries to download sensitive client information onto a personal, unsecured laptop, CASB can step in and block that action. It helps you maintain control even when your data is up in the cloud.

One of the biggest benefits of a CASB is its visibility. It tracks who is doing what in your cloud apps, giving you a clear picture of how your data is being accessed and used. 

Imagine getting an alert because an employee was downloading large amounts of data at 2 a.m. That unusual activity could be a sign of a breach, and CASB helps you catch it early.

Data Loss Prevention (DLP) is another key feature of a CASB that is essential for protecting sensitive information from leaking outside your organization. So if an employee tries to share a spreadsheet filled with confidential client details with someone outside the company, your CASB's DLP feature will detect this and stop the data from being shared, keeping your secrets safe.

CASB also helps with compliance. If your business operates under strict regulatory requirements, you'll need to ensure that your cloud usage complies with these rules. CASB can enforce policies that align with regulations like GDPR or HIPAA, making sure you're not inadvertently breaking any laws.

Key functions of CASB

The main function of a CASB is to secure your cloud services. It stands between your network and the cloud apps you use, like Salesforce or Microsoft 365, monitoring for threats. 

For example, if an employee tries to download sensitive data to an unauthorized device, CASB will block that action. It’s all about ensuring that your data remains secure in the cloud environment.

One of the top advantages of using a CASB is its ability to provide visibility into your cloud activities. It monitors who is accessing your data and how they’re using it. For example, you might get an alert because someone is downloading a huge amount of data at odd hours. CASB helps you catch these unusual activities early, giving you a chance to investigate before any damage is done.

Data Loss Prevention (DLP) is another key function of a CASB. This is important for keeping your sensitive information within the company. So, if an employee tries to share a document filled with confidential customer data with an external party, your CASB’s DLP features will detect this and stop the data from being shared, keeping your secrets safe.

CASB also makes compliance a lot simpler. If you’re working under regulatory requirements like GDPR or HIPAA, a CASB can enforce policies to ensure you’re adhering to these rules. It’s like having a built-in compliance checker that ensures your cloud usage doesn’t land you in hot water.

Key differences between SSE and CASB

Scope and coverage

SSE has an impressively broad scope. Think of it as an all-encompassing security framework that provides a variety of services from the cloud. For one, it includes Secure Web Gateway (SWG) functionality, which filters out harmful web content. So, if an employee tries to visit a malicious website, SWG blocks it right away, keeping your network safe. 

It also covers internal applications with Zero Trust Network Access (ZTNA). ZTNA ensures that only authenticated and authorized users can access sensitive parts of your network, like your HR systems or financial databases. Even if someone steals an employee’s credentials, they won't get past the extra layers of security.

On the other hand, though equally important, a CASB’s scope is more focused on securing your cloud services. It serves as a vigilant gatekeeper standing between your company and the cloud apps your team uses daily, like Salesforce, Google Workspace, or Microsoft 365 protecting your data. 

So, while SSE provides some CASB functionalities, CASB specializes in cloud security. It’s like having a dedicated security specialist for your cloud applications.

Another aspect to consider is visibility and monitoring. SSE gives you a panoramic view of your network's security landscape. It tracks everything from web traffic to internal application access. CASB, on the other hand, excels in providing detailed insights specifically into cloud usage. 

When it comes to Data Loss Prevention (DLP), SSE covers a wide range of network elements, including web traffic and internal applications. It’s like having a multi-layered security blanket that protects all aspects of your network. CASB’s DLP is laser-focused on cloud services.

Compliance management is another key area. SSE enforces compliance across both on-premises and cloud interactions, making it ideal for businesses needing comprehensive regulatory adherence. CASB, while also strong in compliance, focuses on cloud service regulations. 

Lastly, let’s consider scalability and integration. SSE is designed to scale effortlessly with your business. If you’re expanding and hiring more remote employees, SSE ensures they can securely connect to your network without additional hardware. It integrates various security services into one cohesive framework, simplifying management. 

CASB is also scalable but focuses on cloud service integration. This makes it ideal if your primary concern is securing cloud applications and you need a solution that seamlessly fits into your existing cloud environment.

Both SSE and CASB offer cloud-based security solutions, but their scopes and specialties are different. SSE provides a broad range of services perfect for overhauling entire network security frameworks, while CASB is specialized in securing cloud applications. Each brings unique strengths to the table, depending on what your business needs most.

Deployment models

SSE is deployed in the cloud. This means you don’t have to worry about maintaining any on-premises hardware. Everything is managed and delivered from the cloud. 

For example, if you have remote employees around the globe, SSE ensures they connect securely to your network from anywhere, without the need for cumbersome VPN setups. It’s like having a security system that travels with your employees, no matter where they are.

One of the things network security technicians love about SSE is its ease of scalability. If your business suddenly grows and you need to onboard new remote teams, you can do this effortlessly. Simply extend the security policies and controls to the new users without needing additional hardware.

SSE also integrates various security services into one cohesive framework. This unified approach simplifies management. Instead of juggling multiple security tools, you get everything under one roof. With SSE, you get ZTNA along with other services like Secure Web Gateway (SWG) and CASB functionalities, all managed from a single platform.

On the other hand, CASB focuses primarily on cloud service security, and its deployment model reflects that specialization. CASB can be deployed in various modes—API-based, Proxy-based, or as an Agent installed on user devices. Each method has its perks depending on what you need.

The API-based deployment model integrates your CASB directly with cloud service providers like Salesforce or Google Workspace via APIs. It’s like having a direct line of communication between your security policies and the cloud services your team uses. This model is great for getting detailed visibility into user activities and enforcing security policies without disrupting user experience.

The Proxy-based model involves routing cloud traffic through a proxy server managed by the CASB. Let’s say you want to control and monitor data going in and out of Microsoft 365. By routing this traffic through the CASB’s proxy, you can enforce your security policies in real time. This model is useful when you need granular control over data traffic but can introduce some latency.

The Agent-based deployment model involves installing agents on user devices. This is particularly effective for securing BYOD (Bring Your Own Device) environments. This means if you have employees accessing cloud services from various personal devices, an installed agent can enforce security policies directly on these devices, ensuring that data remains secure irrespective of how it's accessed.

One thing CASB excels at is its ability to integrate seamlessly into your existing cloud environment. If you’re already using multiple cloud applications, CASB fits right in without overhauling your existing setup. For instance, you can start with API integrations for a couple of critical cloud apps and then expand to proxy or agent-based models as your needs evolve.

Use cases - SSE vs CASB

SSE: Suitable for companies looking for a consolidated security approach

SSE is perfect for companies seeking a consolidated security approach. So, if your business is expanding, with teams scattered across different locations and some working remotely, you want to ensure seamless, secure access to your network while simplifying your security management. That's where SSE truly shines.

SSE as your one-stop shop for all things security. It integrates various services like Secure Web Gateway (SWG), Zero Trust Network Access (ZTNA), and Cloud Access Security Broker (CASB) functionalities into a single, cohesive framework.

SSE streamlines everything. Instead of juggling multiple security tools from different vendors, it offers a unified approach. You can manage all your security needs from one dashboard. It’s all there in one place, whether you need to implement new security policies or want to monitor web traffic or check which applications are being accessed.

SSE also makes scaling your security measures effortless. Its cloud-based nature means you can scale up or down with ease, adapting to your business needs in real-time.

By integrating multiple security elements, SSE gives you a comprehensive, multi-layered defense strategy. It’s like having an army of security experts, but all managed from a single platform. 

Whether it's protecting remote workers, securing web access, or ensuring only the right people can access your sensitive applications, SSE has your back. This unified framework is ideal for companies that want to simplify their security infrastructure while ensuring top-notch protection.

CASB: Best for organizations heavily reliant on cloud applications

CASB ensures that businesses that heavily rely on tools like Google Workspace, Salesforce, or Microsoft 365 for day-to-day operations these cloud services are secure.

One of CASB's standout features is its visibility into cloud activities. A CASB helps you catch anomalies in your cloud applications early, giving you a chance to investigate before any damage is done. It's like having an extra set of eyes, always watching your cloud environment.

Data Loss Prevention (DLP) is another essential aspect of CASB. CASB's DLP features detect and block unauthorized shares of data, safeguarding your company’s secrets. It’s an intelligent system that knows what’s sensitive and ensures it stays secure.

CASB also simplifies compliance management. For example, it ensures adherence to HIPAA regulations by enforcing policies that ensure only authorized personnel can access sensitive patient information. It can block attempts to share patient records externally unless it’s through secure, compliant channels.

CASB also excels in environments where BYOD (Bring Your Own Device) is common. It can enforce security policies on employee-owned devices, ensuring that data remains secure regardless of how it’s accessed.

So, if your organization is heavily reliant on cloud applications, CASB provides the specialized, robust security you need. Whether it's blocking unauthorized downloads, offering detailed visibility, or ensuring compliance, CASB stands as the vigilant gatekeeper of your cloud environment.