Why Secure Service Edge (SSE) Customers Should Consider Adding Network Detection and Response (NDR)

       

By Jeff Yeo · April 14, 2025

In the modern cybersecurity landscape, Secure Service Edge (SSE) has become a vital framework for organizations aiming to secure access to cloud and on-premises environments. By integrating technologies like Zero Trust Network Access (ZTNA), Secure Web Gateway (SWG), and Cloud Access Security Broker (CASB), SSE ensures secure access to resources. However, while SSE excels at perimeter security, it falls short in detecting and responding to threats that bypass its defenses. This is where Network Detection and Response (NDR) becomes a critical addition.

The Gaps in SSE That NDR Fills

SSE solutions focus on securing traffic at the network edge but often lack the tools to monitor and detect threats within the internal network. Here’s how NDR complements SSE:

• Internal Threat Visibility: While SSE secures north-south traffic (user-to-application), NDR provides visibility into east-west traffic (within the network), identifying lateral movement and anomalous behaviors.
• Advanced Threat Detection: NDR uses AI-driven analytics and behavioral insights to detect zero-day attacks, insider threats, and other sophisticated exploits that SSE may miss.
• Deep Packet Inspection: Unlike SSE, which relies on rule-based detection, NDR inspects raw network traffic to uncover hidden threats like data exfiltration or command-and-control communications.

How SSE and NDR Work Together

Combining SSE with NDR creates a layered security approach that addresses both external and internal threats. Here’s how they complement each other in key scenarios:

Why Trellix NDR Stands Out

Trellix’s Network Detection and Response solution offers unparalleled capabilities for organizations looking to enhance their security posture:

1. Comprehensive Visibility Across Environments: Trellix NDR monitors traffic across on-premises networks, hybrid clouds, branch offices, and IoT devices, eliminating blind spots.
2. AI-Driven Threat Detection: Leveraging advanced machine learning models aligned with the MITRE ATT&CK framework, Trellix NDR detects sophisticated threats like ransomware, advanced persistent threats (APTs), and insider attacks.
3. Proactive Threat Hunting: With deep packet inspection and real-time analytics, Trellix enables security teams to proactively hunt for threats before they escalate.
4. Seamless Integration: Trellix NDR integrates with existing security tools such as Security Information and Event Management (SIEM) platforms, Endpoint Detection and Response (EDR), and Extended Detection and Response (XDR) solutions for a unified defense strategy.

Best Practices for Implementing SSE + NDR

To maximize the benefits of combining SSE with NDR, organizations should consider the following strategies:

1. Adopt a Zero Trust Architecture: Use SSE to enforce strict access controls while leveraging NDR to monitor for anomalies that indicate potential breaches.
2. Leverage Behavioral Analytics: Deploy NDR solutions like Trellix that use AI-driven behavioral analysis to detect unusual patterns indicative of insider threats or compromised accounts.
3. Integrate Security Tools: Ensure seamless integration between SSE, NDR, and other tools like SIEMs or EDRs to create a unified view of your security environment.
4. Invest in Continuous Monitoring: Use NDR for 24/7 monitoring of east-west traffic across your network to identify lateral movement or data exfiltration attempts.
5. Enable Proactive Threat Hunting: Equip your security teams with tools like Trellix NDR that allow them to proactively search for hidden threats using packet-level data.

The Case for Security-in-Depth

Relying solely on SSE leaves organizations vulnerable to advanced threats that exploit internal network weaknesses. By adding NDR to your security stack, you achieve true security-in-depth:

• SSE reduces the attack surface; NDR ensures no threats go undetected.
• SSE secures perimeters; NDR monitors what happens inside the network.
• Together, they form a robust defense against both external and internal threats.

Final Thoughts

In an era where cyberattacks are becoming increasingly sophisticated, organizations need more than just perimeter security—they need complete visibility into their networks to detect hidden threats before they cause damage. By combining Secure Service Edge with Network Detection and Response, businesses can create a resilient defense strategy capable of addressing today’s most pressing cybersecurity challenges.

If you’re an existing SSE customer looking to bolster your security posture, now is the time to consider adding Trellix NDR to your toolkit. With its advanced threat detection capabilities and seamless integration with existing tools, Trellix NDR empowers organizations to stay one step ahead of attackers.

For more information about how Trellix can help secure your organization, visit Trellix’s official website.