Cisco Secure Access – Security Service Edge (SSE) Platform

Cisco Secure Access is a cloud-delivered Security Service Edge platform that provides secure, zero trust access to private applications, SaaS and internet destinations for hybrid workforces. It uses ZTNA, secure web gateway and SaaS controls to replace separate legacy access tools and help teams apply more consistent protection for users on-site, remotely or on unmanaged networks.

Cisco Secure Access – Security Service Edge (SSE) Platform

Cisco Secure Access Key Platform Specifications

  • Platform Type: Security Service Edge (SSE)
  • Primary Function: Secure Access & Zero Trust
  • Deployment Model: Cloud-Delivered
  • Management Scope: User, Application & Internet Access
  • Target Environment: Hybrid Workforce
  • Licensing Model: Subscription-Based
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Cisco Secure Access Overview

As users work across offices, homes and roaming networks, security and operations teams need consistent access control and traffic protection without exposing the wider network.

Cloud-Delivered Zero Trust Access

Cisco Secure Access is a cloud-delivered Security Service Edge platform for secure access to private applications, SaaS and internet destinations. It supports SASE and zero trust environments and works across remote users, on-site staff and unmanaged networks.

How It Applies Control in Production

For private applications, it uses ZTNA to replace broad VPN connectivity with identity- and policy-based access to specific apps. For web and DNS traffic, it applies secure web gateway, DNS-layer security and firewall-as-a-service controls in the cloud. For SaaS and browser-based use, CASB and data protection policies help govern sanctioned and unsanctioned services.

Operational Outcome

This gives IT teams a more consistent access model and helps reduce network exposure while simplifying the shift away from separate VPN and web security tools. Cisco integrations with Cisco Secure Client, Duo, Umbrella, Identity Intelligence, Cisco XDR and SAML providers such as Microsoft Entra ID and Okta support identity-aware protection.

If you are evaluating Cisco Secure Access for zero trust access, secure internet control or VPN replacement, our team can help assess how it fits your environment.

Cisco Secure Access Key Features​

Cisco Secure Access is a cloud-delivered Security Service Edge platform for hybrid workforces, providing zero trust access to private applications, SaaS, and internet destinations from a single policy framework.

Zero Trust Access Control

Private Application Access
The platform delivers zero trust network access for private applications so users can reach specific resources without exposing broader network segments through traditional VPN tunnels.

Identity-Aware Policy Enforcement
Cisco Secure Access applies access decisions based on identity and context, helping teams control who can connect to applications and services across distributed work locations.

Secure Internet Protection
It provides secure web gateway, firewall-as-a-service, and DNS-layer security controls for internet traffic from offices, homes, and roaming users.

SaaS and Web App Security
The service adds CASB and data protection controls for sanctioned and unsanctioned cloud applications, supporting browser-based access protection where perimeter controls are limited.

Unified Cloud Security Management

Hybrid Workforce Coverage
As a cloud-delivered SSE platform, Cisco Secure Access uses one access model for office and remote users across private applications, SaaS, and internet destinations.

Cisco Ecosystem Integration
The platform integrates with Cisco Secure Client, Duo, Umbrella, Identity Intelligence, and Cisco XDR to extend access protection and security visibility across the Cisco stack.

SAML Identity Provider Support
Cisco Secure Access works with SAML identity providers such as Microsoft Entra ID and Okta to support identity-aware access workflows in enterprise environments.

Speak to a Cisco Security Specialist

If you are replacing VPN access, securing SaaS usage, or tightening control over internet and AI web traffic, our Cisco experts can help align Cisco Secure Access to your zero trust requirements.

Cisco Secure Access Use Cases

Zero Trust Network Access

Use Cisco Secure Access to replace broad VPN-style connectivity with identity- and device-aware access to specific private applications, delivering cloud-based ZTNA for users who need secure access without exposing the wider network.

Secure Internet Access

Use Cisco Secure Access for roaming and office users who browse the web or reach internet services, combining secure web gateway, DNS-layer security and firewall-as-a-service controls in a single cloud-delivered SSE policy layer.

SaaS and Web Application Protection

Use Cisco Secure Access to govern managed and unmanaged access to SaaS and web applications, applying CASB, web controls and data protection policies from the Cisco security cloud to help reduce data loss and shadow IT risk.

Hybrid Workforce Security

Use Cisco Secure Access to provide consistent protection for employees working from the office, home or on the move, so security follows the user through cloud-delivered access controls rather than relying on every session backhauling through a legacy VPN concentrator.

VPN Replacement Programmes

Use Cisco Secure Access when modernising away from AnyConnect-style network VPN dependency, using ZTNA for private application access while keeping tight integration with Cisco Secure Client, Duo, Identity Intelligence, Cisco XDR and SAML identity providers such as Microsoft Entra ID and Okta.

Generative AI Application Control

Use Cisco Secure Access to manage how users access sanctioned and unsanctioned AI services, applying cloud policy controls to web and SaaS traffic to limit data exposure and enforce governance over generative AI usage.

Supported Cisco Secure Access Environments & Integrations

Cloud-Delivered SSE Platform

Cisco Secure Access delivers zero trust security as a cloud-based SSE service with central policy enforcement for distributed users.

Private Applications & ZTNA

Supports identity- and device-based access to private applications, replacing broad network connectivity with application-specific control.

Internet, DNS & Web Traffic Protection

Provides secure web gateway, DNS-layer security and cloud firewall controls for roaming and office users accessing the internet.

SaaS & Web Application Access

Protects managed and unmanaged SaaS access with CASB, web controls and data protection policies across cloud applications.

Hybrid Workforce Environments

Cisco Secure Access applies consistent cloud security for users in offices, at home or travelling without routing every session through VPN.

Cisco Security and Identity Integrations

Integrates with Cisco Secure Client, Duo, Umbrella, Identity Intelligence, Cisco XDR and SAML providers such as Microsoft Entra ID and Okta.

Cisco Secure Access Licensing Options

Cisco Secure Access Essentials

Cisco Secure Access Essentials is the core SSE subscription for the workforce, licensed per protected user and including DNS security, secure web gateway, cloud-delivered firewall, ZTNA, inline CASB and basic remote browser isolation.

Cisco Secure Access Advantage

Cisco Secure Access Advantage adds advanced threat protection, SaaS API CASB, full DLP, the full RBI catalogue and Cisco AI Assistant for Secure Access on top of Essentials.

User-Based Subscription Licensing

Cisco Secure Access is sold as a named-user subscription on 1-, 3- or 5-year terms, with user counts bought in defined bands and no separate metering for bandwidth, sites, branches or protected applications.

Included Adjacent Entitlements

Cisco Secure Access subscriptions include the right to use required Cisco Secure Client modules for SSE and ZTNA, plus Duo MFA entitlement at Essentials level for the same protected users.

Enterprise Agreement Alignment

Aligns with Cisco Security EA 3.0, allowing Secure Access user counts to be pooled under the agreement with True Forward for easier portfolio management.

Licence Review & Optimisation

Our team can help assess protected user count, Essentials versus Advantage needs, Duo tier requirements, branch on-ramp model, IdP integration, private-app ZTNA scope, EA alignment, term length and migration from Umbrella or AnyConnect.

Cisco Secure Access Implementation and Support

Solution Design & Planning

We help assess how Cisco Secure Access should fit your zero trust and SASE objectives, including which user groups need private app access, safer internet protection and cloud controls for SaaS usage.

Deployment & Configuration

Our team can assist with Cisco Secure Access setup, policy configuration and user onboarding so your security teams can apply consistent access rules for remote, office and roaming users.

Integration with Existing Environments

We support integration of Cisco Secure Access with Cisco Secure Client, Duo, Microsoft Entra ID, Okta and Cisco XDR, along with supporting infrastructure workflows that align identity and traffic protection.

User Adoption & Operational Readiness

We can help prepare administrators for Cisco Secure Access operations by aligning access policies, escalation processes and handover steps so day-to-day management is clear before rollout.

Ongoing Support & Lifecycle Management

We support Cisco Secure Access with ongoing service reviews, policy refinement, renewal planning and licence alignment, helping you maintain the right subscription fit as user needs and security priorities change.

Commercial Optimisation & Support for Cisco Secure Access

Subscription & Licence Reviews

We help assess Cisco Secure Access protected user counts, subscription term and Essentials or Advantage requirements so the commercial model stays aligned to how much zero trust, web security and SaaS protection your workforce actually needs.

Enterprise Agreement Alignment

Where relevant, we can review Cisco Security EA alignment, user band structure and co-terming opportunities so Secure Access sits neatly alongside the wider Cisco security portfolio with clearer commercial visibility.

Commercial Optimisation

Our team can assess subscription structure, tier fit and adjacent entitlements such as Cisco Secure Client or Duo coverage to help align Cisco Secure Access investment with hybrid workforce priorities and broader security objectives.

Renewal Planning & Lifecycle Management

We support proactive renewal planning by reviewing changing user demand, feature needs and migration requirements from legacy VPN or Umbrella arrangements so your Secure Access position remains current as the environment evolves.

Adoption & Value Realisation

Long-term value depends on adoption and ongoing use, and we help maximise value from Cisco Secure Access through usage review, capability take-up, policy optimisation and lifecycle guidance.

Related solutions for Cisco Secure Access

The software and technologies listed here support different requirements and are often used together as part of a wider IT stack.

As an official partner to vendors including Cisco, Juniper, HPE and Fortinet, we can help confirm which software or combination provides the capabilities your team needs, while avoiding under- or over-licensing.

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