When discussing “the edge”, IT teams are referring to the boundary between the cloud network interfaces and the wider internet. With organization’s shifting to cloud-based services, the edge has become larger and more disparate. Rather than operating in isolation with a clear perimeter, organizations today share data between cloud, internet, and on-premises areas, often many times a day. This has resulted in edge needing to be navigable, (enabling workflow processes to be productive) as well as secure and protected.
Cloud Edge Security software offers a way of securing this boundary between your organization and the wider internet. It provides a fortress of security measures that safeguard data, applications, and infrastructures from potential threats lurking at the cloud’s periphery. These advanced tools unite functionalities such as firewall protection, data encryption, and secure access service edge (SASE) to form a robust boundary against cyber-attacks.
At the edge, security challenges are complex and multi-dimensional. They often encompass potential risks like data breaches, DDoS attacks, and malicious intrusions. Cloud Edge Security software is tailored to meet these challenges head-on, offering a portfolio of solutions that encompass real-time threat detection, secure VPNs, and identity and access management, among others. Cloud edge security tools work continuously to filter traffic and monitor activities at the cloud’s edge, thereby preventing unauthorized access or data exfiltration.
Selecting the right Cloud Edge Security software can be a complex process; you need to consider compatibility with existing infrastructures, budget constraints, and specific organizational security goals. In a market filled with a range of technically advanced solutions, each offering a unique blend of features, the choice can be overwhelming.
In this guide, we’ve listed the top Cloud Edge Security software solutions available today. For each product, we’ve assessed and highlighted their key features, empowering you to make smarter decisions regarding the platform that suits your organization. We explore common features such as threat intelligence, data encryption, and user authentication.
Barracuda SecureEdge is a cloud-first platform designed to secure sites, devices, and users. It connects any device, application, or cloud/hybrid environment and offers features such as Zero Trust application access, cloud-based security for endpoints, and automated SD-WAN connectivity. This enables remote users to access applications directly from any device, while maintaining security standards, carrying out URL filtering, and optimizing traffic flow. Barracuda SecureEdge is also available as a service in Azure Virtual WAN for secure connections to Microsoft Azure Virtual WAN and the Microsoft Global Network backbone.
As a Secure Access Service Edge (SASE) platform, SecureEdge simplifies access to corporate applications and data from anywhere, at any time, across any device. It provides enterprise-grade security, including Zero Trust Network Access (ZTNA), Firewall-as-a-Service, web security, and fully integrated office connectivity with Secure SD-WAN. The Intrusion Prevention System (IPS) component of SecureEdge enhances network security by offering real-time protection against various network threats, hacking, and other vulnerabilities.
Built on the same technology as CloudGen Firewall, SecureEdge features advanced multi-layered security measures such as Advanced Threat Protection, Intrusion detection and prevention, Malware protection, SSL inspection, Stateful deep packet inspection, Single pass architecture, and URL filtering. These components work together to keep your business-critical resources protected. By leveraging a modern cloud architecture, Barracuda SecureEdge aims to simplify security deployment and ensure continuous verification of access sessions and policies for improved security.
Cato SSE 360 provides a secure and optimized connection service for enterprises, connecting all locations, users, applications, and cloud environments through its comprehensive global network. The cloud-native solution replaces a myriad of security point solutions and legacy network services.
SSE 360 offers a range of features such as Secure Web Gateway, Cloud Access Security Broker, Data Loss Prevention, Remote Browser Isolation, Zero Trust Network Access, and Firewall-as-a-Service with Advanced Threat Prevention. It enables efficient decryption and inspection of all enterprise traffic without requiring appliance upgrades. Cato also offers a Managed Threat Detection and Response service to detect compromised endpoints.
Cato’s Remote Access solution provides users with secure Zero Trust Network Access (ZTNA) to on-site and cloud applications across various devices. Endpoints are connected to Cato’s private global backbone of over 75 PoPs, ensuring an optimal routing experience for WAN and cloud traffic. The connections can be made from any mix of fiber, cable, xDSL, and 4G/LTE connections. Cato’s solutions integrate seamlessly with Amazon AWS, Microsoft Azure, and Google Cloud, eliminating the need for premium cloud connectivity services.
The Cato Management Application is a self-service, cloud-based tool for configuring network and security policies as well as analyzing network traffic and security events. Cato’s platform simplifies and centralizes the management process, providing customers with a cost-effective and efficient solution.
Check Point CloudGuard is a unified cloud native security platform that provides automated security and advanced threat prevention for applications, workloads, and networks across various cloud environments. CloudGuard secures assets and workloads, prevents threats, automates security posture management, and enables visibility across multi-cloud deployments including AWS, Azure, Google, VMware, IBM Cloud, Oracle Cloud, Alibaba Cloud, and Kubernetes.
CloudGuard’s key features include cloud network security, cloud security posture management, workload protection, web app and API protection, cloud intelligence, and threat hunting. CloudGuard ensures compliance with over 50 regulatory frameworks and best practices through its posture management feature. This platform also allows organizations to shift-left for DevOps, enabling seamless evaluation of security posture, configuration, and governance during CI/CD.
CloudGuard’s workload protection feature provides continuous vulnerability assessment and runtime protection for modern cloud workloads, including serverless functions and containers. Additionally, web app and API protection capabilities move application security closer to the edge of the workload, providing enhanced, real-time protection compared to traditional Web Application Firewalls (WAFs). CloudGuard also offers cloud-native threat security forensics through rich, ML-backed visualizations that detect anomalies and activates alerts, as well as quarantining and remediating threats automatically in multi-cloud environments.
Cisco Umbrella provides a flexible, comprehensive security solution that meets the needs of organizations across multiple sectors. The cloud-based service is designed to protect devices, remote users, and distributed locations by combining multiple security functions into a single platform. As a leading provider of recursive DNS services, Cisco Umbrella has successfully helped businesses of all sizes and industries connect to the internet securely, while rolling out a seamless deployment process and delivering robust protection features.
The key features of Cisco Umbrella include DNS-layer security, secure web gateway, firewall, cloud access security broker (CASB) functionality, interactive threat intelligence, and integration with Cisco SD-WAN. Together, these features work to improve security visibility, block advanced threats, and effectively enforce an organization’s policies. The platform also seamlessly integrates with existing security systems. As it is powered by Cisco Talos, the solution delivers unparalleled threat detection and prevention.
Cisco Umbrella’s cloud infrastructure ensures reliable performance with 100% business uptime since its inception in 2006, along with high speed, thanks to its peering relationships with over 1,000 top global internet service providers. Its range of packages caters to the security needs of various businesses, from small enterprises to multinational corporations. Overall, Cisco Umbrella offers a versatile, cloud-delivered security solution that emphasizes flexibility, visibility, and control for organizations of all sizes.
Cloudflare One is a Secure Access Service Edge (SASE) platform that offers a Zero Trust Network-as-a-Service solution, combining network connectivity and security services on a global infrastructure. The platform dynamically connects users to enterprise resources, providing identity-based security controls close to users, regardless of their location. This platform replaces expensive proprietary circuits with a single global network featuring built-in Zero Trust functionality, DDoS mitigation, network firewalling, and traffic acceleration.
Cloudflare One improves team productivity by simplifying policy management, troubleshooting issues faster, and enhancing the end user experience through its unified, low-latency Zero Trust platform. It reduces cyber risk by protecting against multi-channel phishing and ransomware attacks, while leveraging Cloudflare’s extensive threat intelligence. The platform also boosts tech efficiency by accelerating digital maturity and consolidating point products with in-line security services for holistic visibility into network traffic.
The Zero Trust platform verifies, filters, isolates, and inspects traffic on all managed devices, ensuring secure access, threat defense, and data protection. Cloudflare One enables modern security on the journey to Zero Trust by verifying and authorizing all traffic in and out of a business, using dynamic context to “never trust and always verify” every request.
Cloudflare One’s simple, flexible architecture ensures trusted, secure connectivity with scalable network connections and consistent protection from any location. It helps businesses stay ahead of modern security needs by rapidly adopting new internet and security standards.
Forcepoint ONE is a cloud-native security platform that is designed for businesses and government agencies adapting to remote and hybrid workforces. It provides secure, controlled access to business information on the web, in the cloud (SaaS and IaaS), and in private applications, thereby enhancing user productivity and business efficiency.
The platform combines Zero Trust and SASE security technologies, including three secure access gateways, threat protection, and data security services. This allows organizations to manage one set of policies from a single console, communicating with one endpoint agent. This unified administration console reduces repetitive and redundant configuration management, as well as providing flexible integration with any SAML-compatible IdP.
Forcepoint ONE includes Secure Web Gateway (SWG), Cloud Access Security Broker (CASB), and Zero Trust Network Access (ZTNA). The SWG monitors and controls any interaction with websites, CASB enforces granular access to company SaaS based on identity, location, device, and group, and ZTNA allows granular access to private applications without using a VPN. The platform also provides real-time visibility of security posture and economic value creation through its Insights analytics platform.
FortiSASE, developed by Fortinet, is a comprehensive secure access service edge (SASE) solution designed to protect hybrid workforces. The platform integrates cloud-delivered software-defined wide area network (SD-WAN) connectivity with a cloud-delivered security service edge (SSE). This extends converged networking and security from the network edge to remote employees.
Built on the Fortinet single-vendor approach, FortiSASE delivers a range of security features, including secure web gateway (SWG), zero-trust network access (ZTNA), next-generation cloud access security broker (CASB), Firewall-as-a-Service (FWaaS), and Secure SD-WAN. These features come together with unified management and logging capabilities, ensuring comprehensive protection for all users.
FortiSASE’s cloud-based user interface offers a simple and seamless approach to securing hybrid workforces, providing unified network and security visibility and easy user onboarding. The platform integrates with Fortinet FortiManager, allowing for unmatched visibility, management, and policy consistency across on-premises and remote users. In addition, FortiSASE employs a flexible, tiered user-based licensing model, enabling organizations to transition from capital expenditure (CapEx) to operating expenditure (OpEx) models and maintain predictability in costs.
With its range of security capabilities, FortiSASE addresses several critical use cases, including secure internet access, secure private access, and secure SaaS access. This comprehensive solution enables organizations to secure web, cloud, and application access for any user, anywhere, with enterprise-grade cybersecurity and enhanced user experience.
Software-Defined Perimeter (SDP) is a modern approach to replace legacy VPNs and offers stronger, more flexible network access policies for businesses. The platform is suitable for companies with critical resources in the cloud or on local servers, SDP enables IT managers to build a secure, encrypted network. It provides multiple layers of authentication prior to access and granular control over access policies for user groups. Additionally, Software-Defined Perimeters are compatible with both hardware and cloud networks, making it a versatile choice for any organization.
SDP uses a three-step process involving clients, controllers, and gateways. The SDP client employs a trusted identity provider to verify users, while the SDP controller establishes trust between the client and backend security controls. Gateways then provide access to private resources by verifying the device and authorizing the user. This approach ensures secure access to network resources on a user-specific basis, with identity and device authentication being performed before granting access. SDP also enables micro-segmentation of the network for enhanced security.
Using a central dashboard, IT managers can create custom access policies based on attributes such as users, devices, and locations. SDP can be easily integrated with any on-premises or cloud infrastructure, providing seamless deployment of encrypted gateways around the world, and offering low latency connections for remote workers. Additionally, SDP provides a multi-layered security system incorporating encryption, 2FA, and single sign-on. This facilitates a reduction in attack surface, thereby better protecting company data. With Software-Defined Perimeter architecture, remote employees can quickly and safely access resources from anywhere in the world, enhancing their overall productivity and user experience.
Security Service Edge protects corporate data in cloud applications such as SaaS, PaaS, and IaaS from unauthorized users or devices with its Cloud Access Security Broker (CASB) capabilities. The platform offers comprehensive visibility and control over all cloud usage and activity, while ensuring that employees can continue to work productively in a secure environment.
The platform features a unified policy engine, pre-built policy templates, a policy creation wizard, and an AI-driven activity mapper. These features allow IT managers to enforce uniform security policies across a range of cloud services. The system also includes Privacy Guard; this helps to protect sensitive user information while collaborating in the cloud. Real-time in-app coaching is available to support users in correctly and effectively addressing policy incidents.
Additionally, the Security Service Edge platform offers tools for analytics, data loss prevention, and information rights management. This enables businesses to have complete visibility into cloud use and data, helping them to detect potentially hazardous situations and respond accordingly. Skyhigh Security’s range of features allows organizations to safeguard their valuable information and maintain secure collaboration across various cloud applications.
Zscaler Internet Access (ZIA) is part of Zscaler’s comprehensive cloud security platform. It is designed to provide secure, fast internet and Software-as-a-Service (SaaS) access. The platform connects all users, workloads, and devices to the Zscaler Zero Trust Exchange. It effectively prevents compromise, stops data loss, and eliminates the need for an outbound demilitarized zone (DMZ).
ZIA’s zero trust access ensures secure connectivity for internet and SaaS applications by first verifying the identity and context of the access request. It then inspects traffic inline to protect against cyberthreats and data loss, before establishing a secure connection. ZIA’s advanced threat protection uses AI-powered technology to prevent ransomware, malware, and other cyber-attacks. Additional features include AI-powered phishing detection, intrusion prevention system (IPS), sandbox technology, AI-powered browser isolation, antivirus, and isolation capabilities.
ZIA also offers access control services to ensure safe browsing and application use. URL filtering and firewall capabilities help protect user traffic across all ports and protocols. The platform also includes bandwidth Quality of Service (QoS), allowing organizations to monitor bandwidth usage and prioritize business applications over other traffic. By using Zscaler Internet Access, organizations can reduce cost and complexity by eliminating the need for costly edge and branch firewalls, creating a more streamlined and secure network experience.
Everything You Need To Know About Cloud Edge Security Software (FAQs)
What Is Cloud Edge Security Software?
Cloud Edge Security Software is designed to manage and monitor the boundary between your network and the wider world. Today’s networks are larger and more disparate than ever before. Networks need to be flexible and dynamic, allowing employees and users to engage in productive ways that suit their workflow.
While the network edge is not especially weak or vulnerable, it is expansive and can be hard to manage. Its breadth means that attackers simply have more areas to exploit. Users can access cloud services from multiple locations, from multiple devices, with different needs. Ensuring that users and customers can utilize these services efficiently, necessitates a sprawling and disparate network. It is precisely because of this flexibility that the cloud edge is so difficult to secure.
Cloud Edge Security Software allows you to find the balance between security and usability. They ensure that disparate users can access the services and the data that they require, whilst ensuring that security is not compromised.
How Does Cloud Edge Security Software Work?
Cloud Edge Security Solutions begin by inventorying the edge to understand the scope, scale, and parameters of your network. This process needs to be comprehensive and accurate to ensure that no areas are missed.
A Cloud Edge Security platform will then inspect traffic and conduct advanced analysis to identify and understand the threats facing your network. Malicious content can be identified and filtered during this stage.
Cloud Edge Security solutions are comprised of specific filters that are focused on a single network area. For example, Secure Web Gateways (SWG) are used to block malicious web-based content. They will also include firewall capabilities; these are used to block malicious traffic trying to directly access your systems.
Cloud Edge Security solutions are bidirectional; they not only prevent malicious actors getting in, but they also prevent sensitive information from getting out. This type of solution will often include Data Loss Prevention (DLP) capabilities to ensure that sensitive data is not lost or stolen. This ensures that data does not fall into the wrong hands, whilst giving you a means of continuing to work as lost data can be restored.
For suspicious content and files, cloud edge security solutions will incorporate sandboxing solutions that act as an isolated environment where software can be tested. As the suspicious software is running, the solution will assess its behavior to understand if it is malicious or not. Once a decision has been made, the executed code can be removed, or accepted into the network (if it is deemed safe).
What Features Should You Look For In Cloud Edge Security Software?
Cloud Edge Security Solutions are technically advanced and comprehensive solutions. As such, it can be difficult to cut through the list of product features, ensuring that you get the best solution for your organization. In this section we will identify the key features that you should look for when selecting a cloud edge security solution.
- Comprehensive Coverage – This may seem like an obvious, point, but it is an important one. Your chosen solution should be able to monitor and assess your entire network. If any part of your cloud network is not covered, you will need to ensure that another tool is monitoring this area. Otherwise, this may be a vulnerability for attackers to exploit. Keeping track of multiple solutions increases the chance of error and mistakes.
- Powerful Analytics – An effective cloud edge security solution should be able to carry out technically advanced and nuanced analysis, at scale, to understand the intent and behavior of traffic. This should include sandboxing capabilities, as well as access to a database of known tactics, threats, and procedures (TTPs).
- Effective Reporting – Admin and SOC teams should be able to access comprehensive reports detailing network status, in real-time, allowing them an insight into areas to be wary of. This may include timely notifications, ensuring that relevant team members are aware of events.
- Automated Response – Through incorporating multiple different technologies to respond to a range of risks, your solution should be able to automatically address and respond to the threats that your network faces. Automation ensures that vulnerabilities can be dealt with efficiently and precisely.
