Executive Summary
SSE and SASE might look like tech jargon, but understanding the difference can help you make smarter decisions about how your business stays connected and secure in the cloud era.
In short:
- SSE (Secure Service Edge) focuses on security
- SASE (Secure Access Service Edge) combines security and networking
This guide breaks down the differences in plain English and helps you decide which one is the right fit for your business.
Introduction: So Many Acronyms But What Do They All Mean?
If you’ve spoken to an IT provider recently, you may have heard terms like SSE, SASE, ZTNA, or SD-WAN being thrown around. It’s easy to feel overwhelmed.
But here’s the simple truth:
These are just modern ways to help your team work securely and efficiently, wherever they are.
This article focuses on two of the biggest terms: SSE and SASE. We’ll explain what they mean, how they’re different, and how to decide which approach your business actually needs.
The Quick Definitions
What is SSE?
Secure Service Edge (SSE) is a cloud-based security model designed to protect users, applications, and data wherever people work, whether that’s in the office, at home, or on the go.
Instead of relying on a traditional firewall or VPN, SSE provides protection directly through the cloud. It works by inspecting and filtering all web traffic, enforcing security policies, and applying identity-aware access controls. This means your employees can safely use tools like Microsoft 365, Google Workspace, and Dropbox, without bringing security risks back into your network.
The three core components of SSE are:
- Secure Web Gateway (SWG): Blocks malicious websites, prevents malware downloads, and filters inappropriate content.
- Cloud Access Security Broker (CASB): Controls how users interact with cloud apps and ensures sensitive data doesn’t leave your organisation.
- Zero Trust Network Access (ZTNA): Grants access only to the apps a user needs, no more, no less, replacing broad VPN access.
Think of SSE as a secure shield that follows your team around wherever they go, making sure their devices and data stay safe without slowing them down.
What is SASE?
Secure Access Service Edge (SASE) combines everything offered by SSE (the security stack) with cloud-based networking services. The goal is to connect your users to the applications and data they need, quickly, securely, and with minimal fuss.
Where SSE handles protection, SASE adds performance. It includes tools like SD-WAN (Software-Defined Wide Area Network), which routes network traffic based on real-time conditions. That means your team can get fast, reliable access to tools like Microsoft 365, video conferencing, or cloud storage, even when working from different offices or remote locations.
The key benefits of SASE are:
- Consolidated security and networking in one platform
- Consistent policies across locations and devices
- Optimised internet and cloud access with fewer slowdowns
- Simpler IT management through centralised control
If SSE is your security toolkit, SASE is the full IT platform, connecting, securing, and speeding up your business in one move.
SSE vs. SASE: Comparison Table
| Feature | SSE (Secure Service Edge) | SASE (Secure Access Service Edge) |
|---|---|---|
| What it is | A cloud-based security solution | Security + cloud-based networking |
| Primary focus | Protecting users, apps, and data | Connecting and protecting users |
| Includes | SWG, CASB, ZTNA | All SSE tools + SD-WAN |
| Replaces | Firewalls, VPNs, web filters | Firewalls, VPNs, WAN routers |
| Best for | Cloud-first security needs | Security + performance/network modernisation |
| Supports remote work | ✅ Yes | ✅ Yes |
| Cloud-based | ✅ Yes | ✅ Yes |
| VPN replacement | ✅ Yes (via ZTNA) | ✅ Yes (via ZTNA + SD-WAN) |
| Hardware required | ❌ No | ❌ Mostly no (lightweight edge devices optional) |
| Scalable | ✅ Scales with your business | ✅ Scales across users and locations |
| SME-friendly? | ✅ Very suitable | ✅ Yes, especially for growing or multi-site teams |
Which One Does Your Business Need?
It depends on your current setup, size, and goals.
Choose SSE if:
- Your team is mostly remote or hybrid
- You already have a stable network but need better cloud security
- You want to protect Microsoft 365, cloud storage, and web traffic
- You’re ready to move away from old-school VPNs and firewalls
Choose SASE if:
- You have multiple offices or locations to connect
- You want to simplify and modernise both networking and security together
- You need to manage bandwidth and performance alongside security
- You’re looking for an all-in-one solution that can replace several legacy tools
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes. SSE works perfectly as a standalone security solution. You can add networking capabilities later if needed.
Not at all. SASE can be scaled to fit businesses of all sizes. It’s especially useful if you have multiple locations or a growing remote workforce.
In most cases, yes. These models provide cloud-based security that can handle much of what traditional firewalls used to do, with added flexibility and scale.
No. These are cloud-first solutions. In some SASE setups, you might use lightweight edge devices, but they’re optional.
Absolutely. SSE is a great first step. If and when your business needs more advanced networking capabilities, you can build on it.
Next Steps
SSE and SASE are modern solutions to real problems: securing remote work, simplifying IT, and staying ahead of threats.
Still not sure which route is right for you? Just ask your Get Support Customer Success Manager or call our team on 01865 594000.