With a new year comes a renewed focus. For CISOs, that emphasis is always on the most innovative tactics to protect their data. With the growth of cloud environments and a distributed workforce, traditional solutions won’t cut it. With 18 billion connected IoT devices worldwide, leaders must rely on advanced approaches like Zero Trust Network Access and Security Service Edge.
Let’s discuss how the integration of AI, Zero Trust, and SSE creates a modern cybersecurity plan. A Modern hybrid perimeter security solution is designed to mitigate the latest AI based threats by taking a “all of the above” approach. NWN utilizes SSE, NGFW, cloud management, remote endpoint security, and more to deliver end-to-end Zero Trust enforcement. We’ll also explore how NWN’s Secure-by-Design method, delivered by the Experience Management Platform, provides greater visibility across your entire tech stack.
By its Definition
Zero Trust with its “never trust, always verify” approach is unlike edge security models, which assume everything inside the network is trustworthy.
Security Service Edge (SSE) is a set of cloud-delivered security services providing secure access to apps and data.
Secure Access Service Edge (SASE) A larger idea that combines SSE’s security with WAN. It’s meant to optimize a cloud-based environment.
When SSE and SASE are combined, it applies security across multiple clouds, data centers, and apps. SSE with an advanced SD-WAN creates a Secure Access Service Edge (SASE) architecture that considerably improves the end-user experience for cloud-hosted environments. This means easy access for users yet an ironclad barrier for hackers.
While Zero Trust is not a new concept (introduced by a Forrester researcher in 2010), combined with AI and SSE, it creates a holistic security framework. One that NWN experts, along with its strategic partners, rely on to guide customers across all industries, particularly, in healthcare and financial services.
How AI Fuels Zero Trust
- AI-Driven Threat Detection
AI can identify security threats by monitoring network traffic, user habits, and endpoint activity. By analyzing large data models, it can quickly detect suspicious models. For example, an AI system could discover unusual login behavior and block access.
- Real-Time Incident Response
AI can improve incident response times by automating actions based on predefined threats. When a threat is detected, AI can take actions like isolating compromised devices, canceling access, or alerting security teams.
- Continuous Risk Assessment
One of the core theories of Zero Trust is that security must be continuously evaluated. For example, if a user tries to access a sensitive application from a new device, AI can “rethink” the authentication process.
- Role of Cloud-Delivered Security in the Modern Enterprise
The ability to secure cloud-based applications and services in 2025 is key. Traditional on-premises security systems don’t compare to the flexibility and scale of the cloud. This is where SSE and AI-driven solutions do well.
- Cloud-delivered security allows organizations to extend their security posture beyond the physical perimeter. By integrating AI, our customers can monitor and mitigate threats across the cloud (of course, with the guidance of human security professionals).
NWN’s Secure-by-Design Approach: Enhancing Visibility Across Your Tech Stack
NWN’s Secure-by-Design approach is a framework that integrates security at every layer of an organization’s tech stack, from the cloud to the edge. By combining Zero Trust and SSE with AI, NWN’s Experience Management Platform gives users greater visibility and control across platforms. Key features:
- Threat Intelligence
- Simplified Operations
- Advanced Risk Assessment
- Automated Incident Response
- Secure Access
NWN’s Secure-by-Design approach ensures that organizations have the visibility, control, and automation needed to maintain a resilient security posture across a full tech stack. With AI’s ability to continuously analyze data and adjust security policies, businesses can safeguard their most valuable IP.
As you look ahead to the new year, now is the time to modernize your security strategy and integrate these innovative technologies. Together, Zero Trust, SSE, and AI form a strong defense against today’s most advanced cyber threats.
Adopt an integrated security plan that’s ready for the future – speak with an expert!
