How to Use SSE to Achieve Compliance With Data Security Regulations

By 2028, more than 70% of workloads will be running in the cloud. Being in an always-online, ever-connected environment has a myriad of benefits, but it also brings its own risks. IT leaders and compliance experts must constantly question and re-evaluate their security postures, particularly when it comes to compliance. Violating regulations like HIPAA, GDPR, and PCI-DSS can have serious financial and legal implications, not to mention the damage to your reputation. 

To remain compliant, you need the data security afforded by security service edge (SSE) solutions. Implemented properly, SSE safeguards your company’s data while helping you remain compliant even as regulations evolve and change.

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The role of SSE in data security and compliance

Because there are so many modern security threats in cloud-based environments, there’s no simple, one-size-fits-all cloud security solution. Instead, you need a stack of services that work together to protect against internet threats while safeguarding your data and maintaining compliance.

That’s where SSE comes in. SSE is just one part of an overarching secure access service edge (SASE) solution. Consider SASE a framework that integrates security and network connectivity technologies into a single platform. SSE is the security component of SASE.

Made up of several core components, SSE protects data across your entire network, even data stored in unsanctioned applications on company devices. It works to actively identify and mitigate threats like unauthorized network access, malware, insider threats, and other cyber threats. In turn, this helps you maintain compliance with regulations designed to protect consumers’ data. 

Key components of SSE

Cloud access security broker (CASB)

A cloud access security broker (CASB) is software that acts as an intermediary between cloud service providers and end users. Modern companies rely heavily on SaaS, PaaS, and IaaS environments, spreading data across numerous third-party apps. CASBs address security gaps by combining multiple security enforcement functions and applying them across your entire as-a-service network.

Secure web gateway (SWG)

From unleashing internet-borne viruses to hosting websites loaded with malware, threat actors use a number of methods to gain access to internal networks. A secure web gateway (SWG) prevents unsecured internet traffic from infiltrating your network using methods like URL filtering, app controls, and continuous malicious code detection.

Zero trust network access (ZTNA)

A zero trust network access (ZTNA) solution is critical for providing seamless, secure remote access to private apps. ZTNA follows the least privilege principle, limiting users to only the apps and data they need to perform their jobs. This minimizes the number of users with access to your company’s most sensitive information.

Additional components

While CASB, SWG, and ZTNA are the core components of a comprehensive SSE solution, there are others to consider. At a minimum, your SSE should have stringent encryption capabilities that protect data at rest and in transit. Some choose to enforce remote browser isolation (RBI) to isolate employees’ browsing sessions to remote browsers rather than company equipment.

For many years, firewalls were a de facto security measure for anyone concerned about data security. That was simple enough when most companies used internal servers and had limited networks, but the migration to the cloud has made it increasingly challenging and expensive to build and maintain firewalls on your own. On the other hand, using a firewall as a service (FWaaS) solution, under the greater SSE umbrella, provides another layer of network security without the extra expense.

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Best practices for implementing SSE

Because cyber threats are always evolving, businesses need to be vigilant about protecting their data and remaining compliant. That means it’s not enough just to have an SSE; it takes thoughtful implementation and maintenance to get the most out of your security solutions. Here’s how:

• Robust access controls: All the security in the world won’t matter if threat actors can easily bypass employee passwords. Nearly half of Americans have reported their passwords stolen in the past year alone, highlighting the need for stricter access controls. Remember your zero trust approach, grant access only to those who absolutely need it, and use strong authentication methods to verify users’ identities.
• Automatic compliance monitoring: The right CASB can automate compliance checks and ensure your data remains secure. You should also plan to regularly review compliance guidelines that apply to your industry, monitor changes, and make sure those changes are reflected in your security stature.
• Data loss prevention (DLP) tools: Think of DLP as another set of eyes monitoring how data is exchanged across your network. DLP complements your existing encryption policies, and together they work to preserve data integrity from multiple angles.
• A unified platform: By partnering with a dedicated SSE platform that encompasses the policies you need to remain compliant, you can lessen the burden on your IT team and keep all of those moving parts together in a single, integrated solution.

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Building your own SSE solution

In an ideal world, we could celebrate the evolution of technology without also having to account for the new threats that accompany this progress. Since this isn’t the case, your best defense is the strongest possible cybersecurity posture — and that takes continuous learning. To find out how to build your own data-centric SSE solution, join us for Lookout SSE Hands-on Labs every Wednesday from 11:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. In this free workshop, you’ll find helpful information about securing data, keeping track of the apps on your network, and assessing your data risk. Click here to learn more and sign up.

Want to know more about how Lookout can help secure your enterprise and maintain compliance? Get in touch.