Understanding the Interplay of ZTNA, SDP, SSE and SASE in Modern Cybersecurity


What’s Up with All of the Buzzwords?

In the domain of cybersecurity, the terms ZTNA (Zero Trust Network Access), SDP (Software Defined Perimeter), SSE (Secure Service Edge), and SASE (Secure Access Service Edge) are likely to confuse you with their acronyms. Each framework represents a distinct approach to security, but their varied terminology can create conflicting interpretations due to the multitude of frameworks. This blog seeks to clarify some of these concepts, discuss how they might be used together as well as what solutions SonicWall offers and the benefits those solutions have for end users.

Explaining the Acronyms Using Gartner and Comparitech as Reference

1. ZTNA (Zero Trust Network Access): ZTNA is a security model that creates an identity and context-based logical access boundary around an application or set of applications. This security model enforces strict authentication for every user and device attempting to access resources – no matter where they are located. In simple words: never trust, always verify.
2. SDP (Software Defined Perimeter): Software-Defined Perimeter (SDP) is a security architecture that aims to protect network resources by dynamically creating secure connections between users and resources rather than relying on traditional perimeter such as next-generation firewalls (NGFWs).
3. SSE (Security Service Edge): Security Service Edge (SSE) secures access to the web, cloud services and private applications. Capabilities include access control, threat protection, data security, security monitoring and acceptable-use control enforced by network-based and API-based integration.
4. SASE (Secure Access Service Edge): SASE is a term introduced by Gartner back in 2019 – Forrester has its own parallel with ZTE. Secure Access Service Edge (SASE) delivers converged network and security as a service capability, including SD-WAN, SWG, CASB, NGFW and zero trust network access (ZTNA). [1]

How They Complement Each Other

Although ZTNA, SDP, SSE and SASE are all related concepts in the realm of network security, each building upon the other to provide more comprehensive and secure access to applications and services. However, there can be confusion in understanding the differences and similarities:

• ZTNA and SDP: They both provide identity verification as well as access control features ensuring that resources accessed by the users are limited to just what is required for the application. ZTNA can be regarded as one of the advancements of SDP whereby its capabilities are expanded by finer access controls as well as continual authentication.
• ^[2] ZTNA and SSE: ZTNA is an integral part of SSE, integrating security services into a platform. Deploying ZTNA in SSE enables organizations to enforce consistent security measures across applications and users, regardless of location.

• SASE: SASE combines the functionality of ZTNA, SDP, SD-WAN and SSE, providing a comprehensive security solution that simplifies deployment and enhances the user experience.

Key Benefits for End Customers

Implementing ZTNA, SDP, SSE and SASE together offers several advantages for end customers:

1. Improved Security Posture: Adequate integration of these security models leads to improved security for an organization by reducing the attack surface.
2. Increased Productivity: Users can access data and applications on the go and are less reliant on the cumbersome traditional virtual private networks which are often slow.
3. Reduced Operational Complexity: The centralized console that integrates networking and security capabilities into a single platform reduces the operational headache on IT departments and lowers the risk of operational conflicts.
4. Reduction in Cost of Ownership: By consolidating multiple security features into a single cloud console, customers can save on operational costs. This approach eliminates the need for numerous security products by simplifying and streamlining the network architecture.
5. Capability and Adaptability: Cloud-based models such as SASE and SSE enable organizations to reinforce their security as needed, in sync with real-time operations. This flexibility is critical in today’s ever-changing workplace demands, where organizations must constantly adapt to new challenges.

Summary

While at first ZTNA, SDP, SSE and SASE may seem like confusing acronyms, understanding their functions and how they complement each other is critical to modern cybersecurity strategies. When used together, organizations can create secure, operationally efficient and user-friendly environments. Adopting this integrated approach not only enhances security but also improves productivity.

How Can SonicWall Help Customers?

SonicWall has strengthened its Security Service Edge (SSE) offering with the acquisition of Banyan Security to integrate zero trust security capabilities into the platform. This has allowed SonicWall to introduce Cloud Secure Edge (CSE), which is a much more robust cloud security offering.

Key Benefits of SonicWall Cloud Secure Edge (CSE)

1. Enhanced Security through Zero Trust Network Access:

At the heart of Cloud Secure Edge is ZTNA, which operates on the principle of “never trust, always verify.” This model ensures that only authenticated users and devices can access specific applications and features, significantly reducing the risk of unauthorized access and data breaches.

2. Simplified Remote Access:

CSE replaces traditional VPNs and other security tools with cloud-based solutions that facilitate remote access. This flexibility allows organizations to provide secure, seamless access to applications without the complexities and vulnerabilities associated with traditional VPN setups.

3. Device-Centric Security:

CSE’s device-centric approach ensures that security policies are applied based on user, device and application context. This means that security policies are tailored to the specific situation and therefore provide more effective protection against threats.

4. Flexible Edge:

CSE offers two deployment options; Global Edge which allows rapid connector deployment and Private Edge, focusing on securing the environment while the organization maintains control over its data.

5. Comprehensive Security Services:

By acquiring Banyan Security, SonicWall expanded its offerings to include a full range of security services, such as Cloud Access Security Broker (CASB) and Secure Web Gateway (SWG). These services provide security against Internet-based threats, phishing attacks and account takeovers by providing security layers and further protecting company data and applications.

6. Cost-Effective and Scalable Solutions:

Cloud Secure Edge’s cloud-native architecture allows for easy deployment and management of security solutions. Organizations can scale their security systems to suit their needs without the high costs associated with traditional hardware-based solutions. This flexibility is essential for businesses looking to adapt to changing circumstances, workforce demands and cybersecurity threats.

7. Unified Management and Visibility:

Our acquisition of Banyan Security enables a unified management platform that simplifies security management and user access management across the organization. This centralized access provides visibility of user activity and potential threats, enabling IT teams to better respond to security incidents.

8. Support for Hybrid Workforces:

As remote working becomes more common, the need to secure corporate resources has never been greater. CSE is designed to meet the challenges posed by hybrid workplaces, ensuring employees can securely and effectively access the tools they need, regardless of their location.

9. Support for Contractors and Third-Party Users:

CSE provides third parties easy, secure access to only the specific resources they need without over-provisioning. CSE ensures access based not only on the security posture of the user and device but also on their role and what they are authorized to view. Management is simple with groups and roles that can be pre-identified and applied as necessary from one central console. There is no need to patch or configure hardware – ever.

Jumpstarting Your Zero Trust Journey

• Identify the list of application resources that your users are currently accessing using traditional IPSEC VPN.
• Assess the current VPN Setup and understand the gaps in traditional VPN.
• Identify the policies that are in place to govern VPN users within your organization
• Start your journey to replace your traditional VPN.
• If you’re currently using a Gen7 SonicWall device, upgrade to firmware version 7.1.2. This update will facilitate a seamless transition to VPNaaS with minimal adjustments to your existing setup. 
• Implement ZTNA to ensure secure access to application resources by assessing user trust and device trust.
• Protect your SaaS applications using the Cloud Access Security Broker features of an SSE solution.
• Safeguard your remote users from insecure internet connections using the Secure Web Gateway (SWG) features of your SSE solution and expand your user count as necessary.

Conclusion

Adding CSE (formerly Banyan Security) to the SonicWall portfolio provides customers with powerful tools designed to enhance security, simplify access and support modern workforces.

If implemented with ZTNA, SDP and SSE capabilities, organizations can effectively protect their digital assets whilst also ensuring a seamless end-user experience. As cybersecurity threats continue to evolve, the combination of these technologies puts SonicWall and our customers in a much stronger position for cybersecurity protection and success.

We’d love to hear from you. If you have any questions or comments, contact us.