Cisco ASA-SSP-60-INC: Next-Generation Security Services Processor

Jun 06 , 2025 7

**Cisco ASA-SSP-60-INC: Next-Generation Security Services Processor**  

For enterprises demanding robust threat protection without compromising performance, the **Cisco ASA-SSP-60-INC** security services processor is engineered to transform your ASA firewall into a high-throughput security powerhouse. Here’s an in-depth analysis of its capabilities:

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**1. Performance Benchmarks**  

| **Metric**          | **ASA-SSP-60-INC** | **Base ASA 5585-X** |  

|----------------------|---------------------|----------------------|  

| **Throughput**       | 20 Gbps            | 10 Gbps             |  

| **VPN Speed**        | 10 Gbps            | 4 Gbps              |  

| **Concurrent Sessions**| 10 million        | 4 million           |  

| **Threat Inspection**| 5 Gbps             | 2 Gbps              |  

| **RAM**              | 32 GB DDR4         | 16 GB DDR3           |  

*Real-world tests show 3× faster malware blocking during DDoS attacks.*

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**2. Critical Functional Features**  

- **Threat Intelligence**: Integrated Snort 3.0 engine with real-time IOC updates.  

- **Encryption**: Suite B cryptography (AES-GCM-256, SHA-384) for classified data.  

- **High Availability**: Stateful failover <200ms with SSP hardware sync.  

- **Application Visibility**: Identifies 3,000+ apps (e.g., Zoom, Salesforce, custom APIs).  

- **IoT Security**: Automatically profiles and segments industrial IoT devices.  

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**3. Ruggedized Design**  

- **Form Factor**: Hot-swappable module (fits ASA 5585-X chassis Slot 1).  

- **Cooling**: Dual counter-rotating fans (55 dBA noise ceiling).  

- **Resilience**: Operates at 40°C ambient temperature (IEC 60068-2-14 certified).  

- **LEDs**: Health/Status/Throughput indicators with color-coded alerts.  

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**4. Operational Experience**  

- **Deployment**: 15-minute hardware swap vs. full firewall replacement.  

- **Management**: Single pane in Cisco Defense Orchestrator (CDO).  

- **Troubleshooting**: Built-in packet capture to SSD (no external taps needed).  

- **Scalability**: Add up to 4 SSPs per chassis for 80 Gbps aggregate throughput.  

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**5. Total Cost Analysis**  

| **Component**       | **New**      | **Refurbished**  |  

|----------------------|--------------|-------------------|  

| Module               | $18,000      | $8,500            |  

| 3YR Smart Net        | $4,200       | Not applicable    |  

| **5YR TCO Savings**  | **$42,000**  | **$19,000**       |  

*Note: Refurbished units include 90-day warranty.*

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**6. Power & Environmental Impact**  

- **Consumption**: 120W max (ASA chassis power supply handles load).  

- **Battery**: None – uses chassis UPS compatibility.  

- **Carbon Footprint**: 38% lower than standalone NGFW appliances (per ESG audit).  

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**7. Compatibility & Integration**  

- **Supported Platforms**: ASA 5585-X only (requires SSP slot).  

- **Software**: ASA OS 9.16.2+ with FirePOWER 7.0+.  

- **SD-WAN**: Integrates with Cisco vEdge 2000/5000 via Viptela overlay.  

- **Cloud**: Native Azure/AWS gateway templating in Cisco Secure Firewall Manager.  

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**8. Software & Support Lifecycle**  

- **Updates**: Quarterly threat def packs via Cisco Security Intelligence Feed.  

- **EoL Schedule**: Last software update 2030; hardware support until 2033.  

- **API**: RESTful APIs for Splunk/SIEM integration and automated playbooks.  

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**Why Upgrade to ASA-SSP-60-INC?**  

1. **Zero Tradeoffs**: Maintain full IPS/AV inspection at 20 Gbps line rate.  

2. **Future-Proofing**: Ready for post-quantum cryptography (Cisco’s roadmap).  

3. **ROI Case**: Pays for itself in 14 months by consolidating standalone sensors.  

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**English Translation**  

**Cisco ASA-SSP-60-INC: Next-Generation Security Services Processor**  

Transform your ASA firewall into a high-speed security engine with the **Cisco ASA-SSP-60-INC**. Key advantages:  

**Performance Dominance**:  

- 20 Gbps firewall throughput  

- 10 million concurrent sessions  

- 5 Gbps threat inspection  

**Critical Features**:  

- Snort 3.0 engine with live threat updates  

- AES-256 encryption for sensitive data  

- <200ms hardware failover  

**Design**:  

- Hot-swappable module for ASA 5585-X  

- Industrial-grade cooling (55°C operational)  

- Color-coded status LEDs  

**Operational Perks**:  

- 15-minute deployment  

- Central management via Cisco Defense Orchestrator  

- Scales to 80 Gbps with multiple modules  

**Pricing**:  

- New: $18,000 | Refurbished: $8,500  

- 5YR TCO savings up to $42,000  

**Compatibility**:  

- ASA 5585-X chassis only  

- Requires ASA OS 9.16.2+  

**Why Choose It?**:  

- Eliminates security-vs-speed compromises  

- Future-proof for quantum computing threats  

- Pays for itself in 14 months  

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