Why Protecting the Services Edge is the New Network Imperative

In a world where the perimeter has vanished, how we think about cybersecurity must evolve.

For decades, the network edge was the battleground. Firewalls stood guard, protecting the corporate network from the dangers of the open internet. It worked—when users, apps, and data all lived within the four walls of an office. But today? The edge has moved.

Users are everywhere. Apps are in the cloud. Devices connect from cafes, airports, and home offices. The services edge—where people, applications, and data interact—is the new frontier. And securing it demands a different approach.

From Network Edge to Services Edge: What’s Changed?

Traditional firewalls still have a role to play, but they can’t cover it all. They were never designed to manage:

• Remote users accessing cloud applications,
• Mobile devices hopping between networks,
• Branch offices needing direct internet access.

This is where Security Service Edge (SSE) steps in. SSE provides a cloud-native way to secure access wherever users and apps are. Instead of routing traffic back through the corporate network, SSE enforces policy in the cloud—closer to the user and the service.

Enter Cisco Secure Access: SSE Made Simple

Cisco Secure Access is your platform for modern, scalable, and intelligent SSE. Built to provide frictionless security for users and robust visibility for IT, it offers unified protection at the services edge. Whether it’s cloud, SaaS, or private apps, Secure Access connects users securely—without the performance and complexity trade-offs of legacy solutions.

SPA vs. SIA: Two Paths, One Platform

Cisco Secure Access is made up of two powerful components, each designed for a distinct purpose:

• Secure Private Access (SPA):
  Enables zero-trust access to private applications—without VPNs. Think of SPA as your remote access solution that’s faster, safer, and simpler. Users connect only to the apps they need, never the whole network.
• Secure Internet Access (SIA):
  Protects users on the internet—from anywhere. With DNS-layer security, cloud-delivered firewall, CASB, and SWG (Secure Web Gateway aka full proxy), SIA keeps threats at bay while enforcing consistent policy whether users are in the office or on the move.

Together, SPA and SIA form a complete SSE solution, wrapped in a single, intuitive experience.

It’s Time to Modernize Security for the Edge You Actually Use

Protecting the network edge with firewalls made sense—when the network edge still existed. But today’s work-from-anywhere world demands a new kind of security. One that moves with your users. One that’s cloud-native, scalable, and integrated. One that brings together visibility, performance, and protection at the services edge.

Cisco Secure Access does just that. And it’s not just about better security—it’s about a better user experience, simplified operations, and future-ready architecture.

Ready to explore how Cisco Secure Access can transform your security posture? Learn more or Request a demo today.

Network Solutions, Inc. (NSI), founded in 1989 is a Managed Services and Cisco Gold Provider demonstrating advanced competencies across Cisco's solutions, including networking, security, collaboration, and data center technologies. This designation reflects NSI's commitment to delivering reliable, high-quality services backed by Cisco’s latest technology and best practices, ensuring that customers receive expert guidance and support for their implementations.

To learn more about Network Solutions or our NSI ADVANCE Managed Services, including 

• Secure Network (managed network)
• Secure User (managed security)
• Managed Cisco XDR (Extended Detection and Response)
• Everyone Connected (managed collaboration)