Traditional network security strategies fall short in protecting modern business workflows. From distributed workforces requiring constant access to SaaS applications to advanced cyber threats that can bypass legacy security controls, organizations must consider Security Service Edge (SSE) solutions that provide enhanced protection regardless of location.
Here are our top 5 SSE solutions for 2025, along with an introduction to the technology and the SSE features to consider when comparing vendors.
Security Service Edge is a cloud-based security strategy that protects users accessing the internet, cloud services, and private resources regardless of their:
SSE is a natural progression for businesses that previously relied on traditional perimeter-based defenses but now require new security controls and safeguards as their applications and data migrate from on-premises infrastructure to the cloud and as their employees access resources from new locations.
Key capabilities and use cases of SSE include:
SSE deployment is often the first step towards implementing a comprehensive Secure Access Service Edge (SASE) framework, which combines SSE’s security services with networking capabilities such as a Software-Defined Wide Area Network (SD-WAN).
Therefore, choosing between SSE and SASE depends on whether an organization already has networking technologies in place or wants to keep this functionality separate.
Listed below are the key factors to consider when selecting between SSE solutions in 2025. SSE feature comparison is crucial for identifying the optimal solution for your operations.
When evaluating SSE providers, it’s essential to look for solutions with a fully integrated suite of capabilities. This should include:
…and other potential security capabilities.
The top SSE solutions in 2025 offer a true cloud-native architecture, delivering consistent and high-performance security for all users. This requires a global, distributed network of points of presence (PoPs) for low latency and high availability, while also enabling organizations to scale their operations.
Look for enterprise SSE services that can grow and adapt to meet changing business needs.
Focus on SSE providers that demonstrate proven scalability to handle increased traffic and expanding workloads without impacting performance, even at peak times.
Top SSE services should integrate seamlessly into your existing IT ecosystem rather than operating in isolation.
Strong interoperability not only reduces operational and data silos but also streamlines workflows, allowing unified visibility and policy enforcement across different environments.
SSE vendors need robust data protection to meet compliance requirements.
Look for SSE solutions that deliver advanced DLP with real-time inspection of sensitive data in motion and at rest across SaaS platforms, web traffic, and private applications. This includes:
Advanced SSE solutions are only effective if they can be deployed quickly and managed efficiently. Prioritize solutions that simplify onboarding and minimize operational overhead.
This includes intuitive, easy-to-use platforms with strong documentation and support for users.
Here are our top 5 SSE solutions for 2025 to help start your research and identify the best provider for you.
Check Point’s SSE functionality is offered as part of the SASE platform, the company’s comprehensive security and network management technology. The platform delivers SSE security services to enable safe access for all users and applications, regardless of their location.
Features include:
Check Point SASE demonstrates industry-leading SSE block rates (99%) according to independent testing. This makes it the most secure enterprise SSE provider on the market. Impressively, this level of security for connecting users to company resources does not compromise performance.
Check Point’s high-performance zero trust access offers 10x faster internet security.
All this while converging security and network optimization into a single, cloud-based platform for easier management and deployment.
Zscaler’s SSE capabilities are delivered as part of its Zscaler Internet Access (ZIA) product, a security service that moves beyond traditional firewall and VPN perimeter safeguards to protect users while accessing internet and cloud applications from any device or location.
ZIA is a key component of the company’s broader Zero Trust Exchange platform, which provides an extensive cloud-native security framework based on zero trust principles.
Zscaler Zero Trust Exchange offers organizations a modern, cloud-centric SSE strategy with threat protection and data security features. Businesses can also manage their entire security posture from a single, consolidated platform, simplifying operations. The company’s SSE coverage extends beyond users to provide safeguards for workflows, Internet of Things (IoT) devices, and Operational Technology (OT) devices, as well as business partners.
Plus, Zscaler’s SSE core functionality is built on a global network of over 150 PoPs. This ensures high availability and reduces latency while the cloud-native architecture enables organizations to quickly scale their operations.
Palo Alto offers high-performance, enterprise SSE with impressive analytics through its Prisma Access SASE product.
Prisma Access provides extensive protections for modern business operations, including SWG, CASB, ZTNA, DLP, and FWaaS. These technologies are powered by Palo Alto’s Autonomous Digital Experience Management (ADEM), which monitors traffic in real-time to proactively resolve performance issues and improve the user experience.
Prisma Access is a single-vendor solution that delivers a unified policy framework for easier security management and enforcement. Prisma Access also integrates into the SSE providers’ broader security ecosystem, including Panorama, Extended Detection and Response (XDR), and Cortex, to further streamline operations.
Cisco’s cloud-delivered security platform, Cisco Umbrella, offers extensive SSE features and capabilities for organizations of different sizes.
The SSE solution provides SWG, CASB, ZTNA, and DNS security capabilities for secure user access and threat protection. These tools are powered by the Cisco Talos threat intelligence research organization, which collects and analyzes data to identify emerging threats in real-time.
A key security control that differentiates Cisco Umbrella from other top SSE solutions is its native DNS-level policy enforcement and its ability to integrate seamlessly with Cisco’s networking technology, such as the Catalyst SD-WAN.
The Netskope One SSE product provides the security basis for the company’s SASE platform.
By consolidating security services with a cloud-based SSE approach, Netskope provides organizations with deep visibility and control over their network and its safeguards. The integrated security services of Netskope One include SWG, CASB, ZTNA, DLP, and AI/ML-driven User and Entity Behavior Analytics (UEBA).
These AI/ML capabilities extend to content classification and granular cloud access controls managed at the API level. This lets organizations deliver consistent protection and strict compliance policies across their entire network.
Of the top 5 SSE solutions for 2025, Check Point SASE stands out due to its industry-leading threat prevention, fast network performance, and impressive user experience.
To learn more about the solution, you’re welcome to request a demo.
Yes. By using ZTNA principles, SSE enables secure, low-latency remote access without the bottlenecks and vulnerabilities of legacy VPNs.
