Cloud Access Security Broker (CASB) solutions refer to a set of security tools and practices that organizations use to protect their data and applications stored in cloud services such as Software as a Service (SaaS), Infrastructure as a Service (IaaS), and Platform as a Service (PaaS). CASBs operate as a security layer between cloud service providers and users, helping organizations to maintain control and visibility over their cloud data, while simultaneously preventing unauthorized access and data leakage.
CASBs have emerged as a crucial tool for organizations because they address a number of security concerns in cloud services. For example, they address cloud risk from the cloud provider by providing crucial visibility and control measures that enable organizations to identify and block access to sensitive data in real time. They also enable organizations to track usage and data access by users, which helps in the early detection of malicious activity or unauthorized data access.
There are several benefits that organizations can gain from using CASBs:
- Visibility: CASBs enable organizations to gain visibility into cloud usage across different cloud services. This enables IT professionals to gain insights into which applications are being used, who is using them, and how they are being used.
- Control: CASBs enable organizations to implement policies and controls that govern access and usage of cloud services. This provides organizations with the ability to enforce data security policies and better manage their cloud data.
- Compliance: CASBs enable organizations to comply with regulatory standards and data privacy requirements by providing the necessary visibility and control over their data in the cloud.
- Data Protection: CASBs provide organizations with the necessary tools and measures that can be used to protect their data from external and internal threats such as cyber-attacks, data breaches, and accidental data leakage.
- Cost Optimization: CASB solution providers offer pricing options that are flexible and scalable, offering organizations the ability to optimize costs based on usage and organizational requirements.
CASBs work by providing various functionalities, including risk assessment, data classification, data loss prevention, user activity monitoring, and secure access to cloud services.
The following are some of the key functionalities of CASBs:
- Discovery: CASBs help organizations to identify and discover cloud service usage across multiple platforms and users, providing a detailed report of cloud services through an inventory of cloud applications.
- Risk Assessment: CASBs provide risk analysis mechanisms that help organizations to assess the risk level of their cloud applications based on various parameters such as user authentication, access levels, and usage patterns.
- Data Classification: CASBs provide data classification solutions that enable organizations to categorize and classify their data, making it easier to monitor and control access.
- Data Loss Prevention: CASBs provide data loss prevention solutions that are designed to prevent accidental or intentional data loss when data is being moved or stored in the cloud.
- User Activity Monitoring: CASBs allow organizations to monitor user activity in real time, in order to detect any anomalies or unauthorized access to sensitive data.
- Secure Access: CASBs allow organizations to manage access to cloud services by providing secure authentication and identity management solutions that protect user credentials and access privileges.
CASBs are an important component of cloud security strategy. They provide the needed visibility and control over cloud data and services, while ensuring that the data is protected against risks such as data breaches, accidental data loss or unauthorized access. By implementing a CASB solution, organizations can achieve secure cloud adoption and reap the benefits of cloud services.
SKYHIGHSECURITY
Skyhigh CASB provides unmatched data protection, device-based controls, and inline threat protection for all cloud applications using multi-mode cloud solution all from a single platform.
- Monitor and regulate access to cloud apps
- Control over data and cloud activity from any source
- Protect against cloud security threats and misconfigurations
NETSKOPE
Netskope’s cloud access security broker (CASB) solution enables you to identify and manage cloud application use, whether managed or unmanaged.
- Cloud app risk scoring
- Advanced data loss protection
- Granular visibility and control
- Real-time enforcement
- Streamlined operations
- Global scale and performance
UMBRELLA.CISCO
Cisco Umbrella is cloud-delivered enterprise network security which provides users with a first line of defense against cybersecurity threats.
- App Visibility & Control
- Data Loss Prevention
- Cloud Malware
FORCEPOINT
Forcepoint ONE Cloud Access Security Broker (CASB) protects sensitive data on any cloud application, wherever it accessed.
- Secure data in any cloud application
- Extend best-in-class DLP to the cloud
- Frictionless access from any device
- High availability, high performance
ZSCALER
Zscaler Cloud Access Security Broker (CASB) enables organizations to securely adopt and govern the use of multiple SaaS applications.
- Discover shadow IT and risky apps across a comprehensive cloud app database
- DLP measures prevent uploads of sensitive data to sanctioned and even unsanctioned apps
- Real-time advanced threat protection leverages ML-powered cloud sandbox to stop known and unknown malware
- Cloud Browser Isolation streams sessions as pixels for BYOD to prevent data leakage without reverse proxy headaches
ORACLE
Gain visibility and detect threats on the entire cloud stack for workloads and applications with Oracle CASB.
- Adopt machine learning to learn behavioral patterns
- Use predictive analytics to manage threats
- Prevent manual configuration errors
- Identify cloud risks
- Quickly respond to out of policy application usage
SYNOPSYS
Synopsys Cloud combines the availability of advanced compute and storage infrastructure with unlimited access to EDA software licenses on-demand so you can focus on what you do best – design chips, faster.
- Access to the entire Synopsys Cloud portfolio of applications
- On-demand access to run unlimited parallel jobs
- Unlimited parallel regressions, reducing the time to results from weeks to days, days to hours, and hours to minutes
- Arbitrary resource constraints are removed, providing access to everything required at any time
CATONETWORKS
Cato SASE Cloud converges SD-WAN, security, global backbone, and remote access into a global cloud-native service.
- Onboarding
- Inspection context breadth
- Application coverage
- Inline enforcement granularity
PALOALTONETWORKS
Keep pace with your exploding SaaS with the industry’s only Next-Generation cloud access security broker, brought to you by Palo Alto Networks.
- Limited visibility and control
- Complex and costly architecture
- Inadequate data protection
- Poor Security
OKTA
Okta with Cloud Access Security Brokers provides a policy-based, automated approach to securing and protecting data and apps in the cloud.
- Detect potentially malicious user behavior, such as repeated unauthorized application access requests
- Protect data from unauthorized access and from being exploited
- Ensuring that network traffic to cloud apps complies with the organization’s security policies
- Automate policies to manage security incidents centrally for trend analysis and compliance
PROOFPOINT
Proofpoint Cloud App Security Broker (CASB) helps protect users of cloud apps and their data from advanced threats, data loss, and compliance risks.
- Visibility and executive reporting
- Machine learning and DLP
- Machine learning and threat intelligence-based detection
- Deep security ecosystem integrations
- Fast time to value
Different types of CASB deployment models
1. API-based Deployment: API-based deployment is the most common type of CASB deployment model. In this model, the CASB solution is integrated with the cloud service provider’s API. The integration enables the CASB solution to access and monitor the data traffic between the cloud service provider and the enterprise’s users. The CASB solution identifies the cloud service provider’s APIs and monitors the data traffic in real-time. This makes it possible for the CASB solution to detect any unauthorized access, data leakage, or other security threats.
API-based deployment is beneficial because it is easy to implement and it works with most cloud service providers. Additionally, it offers real-time monitoring of data traffic and allows for quick response to security threats.
2. Proxy-based Deployment: In proxy-based deployment, the CASB solution is deployed as a proxy between the enterprise’s users and the cloud service provider. The proxy intercepts all data traffic between the enterprise and the cloud service provider, and analyzes the data to identify any security threats, such as unauthorized access or data leakage. The CASB solution focuses on specific cloud services or applications that require additional security.
Proxy-based deployment offers more advanced security features, such as data encryption and real-time data scanning. Additionally, it provides granular control over cloud services and applications, enabling enterprises to set specific access policies for different users or groups.
3. Agent-based Deployment: In agent-based deployment, the CASB solution is installed as software on each endpoint device used by an enterprise’s users. The agent monitors and controls the data traffic between the device and the cloud service provider. The agent is installed on each endpoint device, such as laptops, mobile phones, or tablets.
Agent-based deployment offers the most comprehensive level of security. It provides complete control over all endpoints, including user devices, and can detect security threats even when the devices are not connected to the corporate network. Additionally, agent-based deployment provides offline monitoring of endpoints, enabling enterprises to remotely monitor user activity and enforce security policies.
4. Hybrid Deployment: Hybrid deployment combines different deployment models to provide a more comprehensive security solution. For example, a hybrid deployment may combine agent-based deployment with API-based deployment to provide offline monitoring of endpoints and real-time monitoring of cloud services traffic.
Hybrid deployment offers a flexible deployment option that enables enterprises to customize their security solutions according to their specific needs. It allows enterprises to focus on specific cloud services or applications that require additional security while providing comprehensive security coverage.
5. Inline Deployment: Inline deployment involves integrating the CASB solution with a virtual firewall or web application firewall (WAF) to provide real-time security protection. The CASB solution analyzes the data traffic in real-time and blocks any unauthorized access or malicious activity.
Inline deployment provides the most advanced and comprehensive level of security. It enables enterprises to detect and block threats in real-time, reducing the risk of data breaches and other security incidents. Additionally, it provides granular control over cloud services and applications, enabling enterprises to set specific access policies for different users or groups.
Choosing the right CASB deployment model depends on the specific security requirements of an organization. Enterprises must assess their security needs and evaluate different deployment models before selecting the one that best suits their requirements. Ultimately, the goal of CASB deployment is to provide comprehensive security coverage and ensure the safe and secure use of cloud services.