# Best Enterprise Cloud Access Security Broker (CASB) Software *By [Lauren Worth](https://research.g2.com/insights/author/lauren-worth)* Products classified in the overall Cloud Access Security Broker (CASB) category are similar in many regards and help companies of all sizes solve their business problems. However, enterprise business features, pricing, setup, and installation differ from businesses of other sizes, which is why we match buyers to the right Enterprise Business Cloud Access Security Broker (CASB) to fit their needs. Compare product ratings based on reviews from enterprise users or connect with one of G2's buying advisors to find the right solutions within the Enterprise Business Cloud Access Security Broker (CASB) category. In addition to qualifying for inclusion in the Cloud Access Security Broker (CASB) Software category, to qualify for inclusion in the Enterprise Business Cloud Access Security Broker (CASB) Software category, a product must have at least 10 reviews left by a reviewer from an enterprise business. ## How Many Cloud Access Security Broker (CASB) Software Products Does G2 Track? **Total Products under this Category:** 52 ### Category Stats (May 2026) - **Average Rating**: 4.45/5 (↑0.02 vs Apr 2026) - **New Reviews This Quarter**: 13 - **Buyer Segments**: Mid-Market 54% │ Small-Business 23% │ Enterprise 23% - **Top Trending Product**: Cato SASE Cloud (+0.007) *Last updated: May 18, 2026* ## How Does G2 Rank Cloud Access Security Broker (CASB) Software Products? **Why You Can Trust G2's Software Rankings:** - 30 Analysts and Data Experts - 2,000+ Authentic Reviews - 52+ Products - Unbiased Rankings G2's software rankings are built on verified user reviews, rigorous moderation, and a consistent research methodology maintained by a team of analysts and data experts. Each product is measured using the same transparent criteria, with no paid placement or vendor influence. While reviews reflect real user experiences, which can be subjective, they offer valuable insight into how software performs in the hands of professionals. Together, these inputs power the G2 Score, a standardized way to compare tools within every category. --- **Sponsored** ### SecureW2 JoinNow SecureW2 is a cloud-native authentication solution designed to enhance security by eliminating credential compromise through its innovative JoinNow Platform. This platform combines Dynamic Public Key Infrastructure (PKI) and Cloud RADIUS to facilitate real-time trust validation and continuous authentication for users accessing networks and applications. Each access request initiates an identity-based risk assessment, which determines the issuance of certificates and the corresponding access privileges. Once access is granted, the system continuously validates the compliance of devices, ensuring that only verified entities maintain their authorization. The JoinNow Platform caters to a diverse range of users, including K-12 and higher education institutions, mid-market businesses, and global enterprises. By providing scalable and resilient authentication solutions, SecureW2 addresses the unique security needs of various sectors without placing an additional burden on IT teams. The platform's ability to seamlessly integrate with existing identity providers, such as Entra ID (formerly Azure AD), Okta, and Google Workspace, allows organizations to implement adaptive, passwordless authentication without the need for complex upgrades or disruptions. SecureW2 effectively tackles several prevalent security challenges. Credential compromise remains a significant concern, as traditional passwords and multi-factor authentication (MFA) can be vulnerable. By utilizing certificate-based authentication, SecureW2 eliminates these risks entirely. Additionally, the platform addresses high operational overhead associated with managing legacy security systems by automating certificate issuance, revocation, and lifecycle management. This automation not only saves IT resources but also enhances visibility and control, providing real-time insights into authentication processes. Key features of SecureW2 include its agentless architecture, which eliminates software bloat while ensuring secure and frictionless authentication. The extensive policy engine allows organizations to create customized policies that are automatically enforced both before and after authentication. Continuous authentication adapts in real time, validating access dynamically based on evolving security conditions. Furthermore, the platform’s interoperability ensures compatibility with any identity provider, mobile device management (MDM) system, and security stack, making it a versatile choice for organizations looking to enhance their security posture. In summary, SecureW2 redefines authentication for modern businesses by ensuring that every access request is trust-validated. Its scalable, lightweight design enables rapid deployment and effortless scaling, allowing organizations to maintain robust security without the complexities and costs typically associated with traditional authentication solutions. [Visit website](https://www.g2.com/external_clickthroughs/record?secure%5Bad_program%5D=ppc&secure%5Bad_slot%5D=category_product_list&secure%5Bcategory_id%5D=1860&secure%5Bdisplayable_resource_id%5D=1497&secure%5Bdisplayable_resource_type%5D=Category&secure%5Bmedium%5D=sponsored&secure%5Bplacement_reason%5D=neighbor_category&secure%5Bplacement_resource_ids%5D%5B%5D=1848&secure%5Bprioritized%5D=false&secure%5Bproduct_id%5D=146605&secure%5Bresource_id%5D=1860&secure%5Bresource_type%5D=Category&secure%5Bsource_type%5D=category_page&secure%5Bsource_url%5D=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.g2.com%2Fcategories%2Fcloud-access-security-broker-casb%3Fpage%3D3&secure%5Btoken%5D=061318e6e31dfce5ba1bdab4d24141d005b0d733347c1f99e8bb3b4e47df715e&secure%5Burl%5D=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.securew2.com%2Fjoinnow-platform%3Futm_source%3Dg2%26utm_medium%3Dcpc%26utm_campaign%3Dcategory-listing&secure%5Burl_type%5D=custom_url) --- ## What Are the Top-Rated Cloud Access Security Broker (CASB) Software Products in 2026? ### 1. [Netskope One Platform](https://www.g2.com/products/netskope-one-platform/reviews) Netskope is the leader in cloud security — we help the world’s largest organizations take advantage of cloud and web without sacrificing security. Our Cloud XD™ technology targets and controls activities across any cloud service or website and customers get 360-degree data and threat protection that works everywhere. We call this smart cloud security. **Average Rating:** 4.4/5.0 **Total Reviews:** 70 **How Do G2 Users Rate Netskope One Platform?** - **Ease of Use:** 8.5/10 (Category avg: 8.8/10) - **Anomoly Detection:** 8.8/10 (Category avg: 8.5/10) - **Cloud Gap Analytics:** 8.1/10 (Category avg: 8.3/10) - **Cloud Registry:** 8.5/10 (Category avg: 8.5/10) **Who Is the Company Behind Netskope One Platform?** - **Seller:** [Netskope](https://www.g2.com/sellers/netskope) - **Year Founded:** 2012 - **HQ Location:** Santa Clara, CA - **Twitter:** @Netskope (11,276 Twitter followers) - **LinkedIn® Page:** https://www.linkedin.com/company/3338050/ (3,281 employees on LinkedIn®) **Who Uses This Product?** - **Top Industries:** Information Technology and Services, Computer & Network Security - **Company Size:** 57% Enterprise, 34% Mid-Market #### What Are Netskope One Platform's Pros and Cons? **Pros:** - Ease of Use (5 reviews) - Easy Integrations (4 reviews) - Security (4 reviews) - Visibility (4 reviews) - Data Protection (3 reviews) **Cons:** - Complex Configuration (5 reviews) - Complex Implementation (4 reviews) - Complexity (3 reviews) - Integration Issues (3 reviews) - Complex Setup (2 reviews) ### 2. [Citrix Workspace](https://www.g2.com/products/citrix-workspace-2024-10-30/reviews) Citrix Workspace Essentials provides a comprehensive, zero-trust approach to deliver secure and contextual access to corporate internal web apps, SaaS, and virtual applications. With Citrix Workspace Essentials, IT can consolidate traditional security products such as VPN, single-sign on, multi-factor authentication, and provide usage analytics for Web and SaaS apps. Citrix Workspace Essentials provides end-users with simplified, secure, and VPN-less access to Web apps, SaaS, virtualized apps, and data. **Average Rating:** 4.4/5.0 **Total Reviews:** 65 **How Do G2 Users Rate Citrix Workspace?** - **Ease of Use:** 8.8/10 (Category avg: 8.8/10) - **Anomoly Detection:** 8.5/10 (Category avg: 8.5/10) - **Cloud Gap Analytics:** 8.6/10 (Category avg: 8.3/10) - **Cloud Registry:** 8.4/10 (Category avg: 8.5/10) **Who Is the Company Behind Citrix Workspace?** - **Seller:** [Citrix](https://www.g2.com/sellers/citrix) - **Year Founded:** 1989 - **HQ Location:** Fort Lauderdale, FL - **Twitter:** @citrix (198,193 Twitter followers) - **LinkedIn® Page:** https://www.linkedin.com/company/2641/ (4,262 employees on LinkedIn®) - **Ownership:** NASDAQ:CTXS **Who Uses This Product?** - **Top Industries:** Information Technology and Services, Financial Services - **Company Size:** 63% Enterprise, 32% Mid-Market #### What Are Citrix Workspace's Pros and Cons? **Pros:** - Security (6 reviews) - Ease of Use (4 reviews) - Remote Work (4 reviews) - Secure Access (4 reviews) - Internet Security (3 reviews) **Cons:** - Slow Loading (3 reviews) - Slow Performance (3 reviews) - Connection Issues (2 reviews) - Slow Internet (2 reviews) - Access Issues (1 reviews) ### 3. [Prisma Access](https://www.g2.com/products/prisma-access/reviews) Palo Alto Networks Prisma® Access protects the hybrid workforce with the superior security of ZTNA while providing exceptional user experiences from a simple, unified security product. Purpose-built in the cloud to secure at cloud scale, only Prisma Access protects all application traffic with best-in-class capabilities while securing both access and data to dramatically reduce the risk of a data breach. With a common policy framework and single-pane-of-glass management, Prisma Access secures today’s hybrid workforce without compromising performance, backed by industry-leading SLAs to ensure exceptional user experiences. **Average Rating:** 4.3/5.0 **Total Reviews:** 71 **How Do G2 Users Rate Prisma Access?** - **Ease of Use:** 8.2/10 (Category avg: 8.8/10) - **Anomoly Detection:** 8.8/10 (Category avg: 8.5/10) - **Cloud Gap Analytics:** 8.5/10 (Category avg: 8.3/10) - **Cloud Registry:** 8.9/10 (Category avg: 8.5/10) **Who Is the Company Behind Prisma Access?** - **Seller:** [Palo Alto Networks](https://www.g2.com/sellers/palo-alto-networks) - **Year Founded:** 2005 - **HQ Location:** Santa Clara, CA - **Twitter:** @PaloAltoNtwks (128,910 Twitter followers) - **LinkedIn® Page:** https://www.linkedin.com/company/30086/ (21,355 employees on LinkedIn®) - **Ownership:** NYSE: PANW **Who Uses This Product?** - **Top Industries:** Information Technology and Services, Computer Software - **Company Size:** 46% Enterprise, 28% Mid-Market #### What Are Prisma Access's Pros and Cons? **Pros:** - Security (34 reviews) - Protection (23 reviews) - Secure Access (22 reviews) - Internet Security (21 reviews) - Threat Protection (21 reviews) **Cons:** - Complex Setup (20 reviews) - Complex Implementation (19 reviews) - Complex Configuration (17 reviews) - Expensive (15 reviews) - Difficult Learning Curve (11 reviews) ### 4. [Microsoft Defender for Cloud Apps](https://www.g2.com/products/microsoft-defender-for-cloud-apps/reviews) Microsoft Defender for Cloud Apps is an enterprise-grade security for cloud apps. **Average Rating:** 4.4/5.0 **Total Reviews:** 46 **How Do G2 Users Rate Microsoft Defender for Cloud Apps?** - **Ease of Use:** 8.4/10 (Category avg: 8.8/10) - **Anomoly Detection:** 8.7/10 (Category avg: 8.5/10) - **Cloud Gap Analytics:** 8.7/10 (Category avg: 8.3/10) - **Cloud Registry:** 8.5/10 (Category avg: 8.5/10) **Who Is the Company Behind Microsoft Defender for Cloud Apps?** - **Seller:** [Microsoft](https://www.g2.com/sellers/microsoft) - **Year Founded:** 1975 - **HQ Location:** Redmond, Washington - **Twitter:** @microsoft (13,101,622 Twitter followers) - **LinkedIn® Page:** https://www.linkedin.com/company/microsoft/ (227,697 employees on LinkedIn®) - **Ownership:** MSFT **Who Uses This Product?** - **Top Industries:** Information Technology and Services, Financial Services - **Company Size:** 53% Enterprise, 26% Mid-Market #### What Are Microsoft Defender for Cloud Apps's Pros and Cons? **Pros:** - Security Protection (1 reviews) **Cons:** - Expensive (1 reviews) ### 5. [Citrix Secure Private Access](https://www.g2.com/products/citrix-citrix-secure-private-access/reviews) Citrix Secure Workspace Access provides a comprehensive, zero-trust approach to deliver secure and contextual access to the corporate internal web apps, SaaS, and virtual applications. It enables the consolidation of traditional security products like VPN, single sign-on, and browser isolation technologies and provides advanced security controls for managed, unmanaged, and BYO devices. Citrix Secure Workspace Access provides a holistic security approach based on zero-trust principles, protecting users, applications, and corporate data against internet web threats and data exfiltration. **Average Rating:** 4.5/5.0 **Total Reviews:** 69 **How Do G2 Users Rate Citrix Secure Private Access?** - **Ease of Use:** 9.0/10 (Category avg: 8.8/10) - **Anomoly Detection:** 8.1/10 (Category avg: 8.5/10) - **Cloud Gap Analytics:** 8.5/10 (Category avg: 8.3/10) - **Cloud Registry:** 8.0/10 (Category avg: 8.5/10) **Who Is the Company Behind Citrix Secure Private Access?** - **Seller:** [Citrix](https://www.g2.com/sellers/citrix) - **Year Founded:** 1989 - **HQ Location:** Fort Lauderdale, FL - **Twitter:** @citrix (198,193 Twitter followers) - **LinkedIn® Page:** https://www.linkedin.com/company/2641/ (4,262 employees on LinkedIn®) - **Ownership:** NASDAQ:CTXS **Who Uses This Product?** - **Top Industries:** Information Technology and Services, Computer Software - **Company Size:** 59% Enterprise, 26% Mid-Market #### What Are Citrix Secure Private Access's Pros and Cons? **Pros:** - Ease of Use (1 reviews) - Easy Access (1 reviews) - Intuitive (1 reviews) - Login Efficiency (1 reviews) - Simple (1 reviews) **Cons:** - Connection Issues (1 reviews) - Delay Issues (1 reviews) - Login Issues (1 reviews) - Slow Internet (1 reviews) ### 6. [Check Point Harmony Email & Collaboration](https://www.g2.com/products/check-point-harmony-email-collaboration/reviews) Check Point Harmony Email & Collaboration, protects enterprise data by preventing targeted attacks on SaaS applications and cloud-based email. **Average Rating:** 4.6/5.0 **Total Reviews:** 464 **How Do G2 Users Rate Check Point Harmony Email & Collaboration?** - **Ease of Use:** 9.1/10 (Category avg: 8.8/10) - **Anomoly Detection:** 8.8/10 (Category avg: 8.5/10) - **Cloud Gap Analytics:** 8.7/10 (Category avg: 8.3/10) - **Cloud Registry:** 8.9/10 (Category avg: 8.5/10) **Who Is the Company Behind Check Point Harmony Email & Collaboration?** - **Seller:** [Check Point Software Technologies](https://www.g2.com/sellers/check-point-software-technologies) - **Year Founded:** 1993 - **HQ Location:** Redwood City, CA - **Twitter:** @CheckPointSW (71,000 Twitter followers) - **LinkedIn® Page:** https://www.linkedin.com/company/check-point-software-technologies/ (8,356 employees on LinkedIn®) - **Ownership:** NASDAQ:CHKP **Who Uses This Product?** - **Who Uses This:** IT Manager, Systems Administrator - **Top Industries:** Information Technology and Services, Computer & Network Security - **Company Size:** 59% Mid-Market, 24% Enterprise #### What Are Check Point Harmony Email & Collaboration's Pros and Cons? **Pros:** - Email Security (94 reviews) - Security (83 reviews) - Protection (74 reviews) - Ease of Use (50 reviews) - Phishing Protection (45 reviews) **Cons:** - False Positives (29 reviews) - Complexity (23 reviews) - Complex Setup (22 reviews) - Limited Features (18 reviews) - Configuration Difficulties (17 reviews) ### 7. [Symantec Web Security Service](https://www.g2.com/products/symantec-web-security-service/reviews) Symantec Web Security Service (WSS) provides the same proactive web protection capabilities delivered by the market’s leading on-premises Secure Web Gateway, Symantec ProxySG, but delivered as a resilient and performant cloud security service. Sitting between employees, wherever they are located, and the Internet, the service protects the enterprise from cyber threats, controls and protects corporate use of cloud applications and the web, prevents data leaks, and ensures compliance with all company information and web/cloud access policies. Symantec WSS delivers web and cloud security from a diversified network of certified global data centers. Universal Policy Enforcement (UPE) capabilities allow administrators to define protection policies once and distribute them to all of their gateways. Whether they are in the cloud or on-premises, enterprises can ensure consistent protection is in place. Its best-in-class feature set, combined with powerful integrated solution options, enterprise-class network security capabilities, and flexible subscription pricing model, has made WSS the smart choice for companies looking for enterprise-class security capabilities in a cloud-delivered service. **Average Rating:** 4.4/5.0 **Total Reviews:** 109 **How Do G2 Users Rate Symantec Web Security Service?** - **Ease of Use:** 8.9/10 (Category avg: 8.8/10) - **Anomoly Detection:** 8.4/10 (Category avg: 8.5/10) - **Cloud Gap Analytics:** 8.7/10 (Category avg: 8.3/10) - **Cloud Registry:** 8.7/10 (Category avg: 8.5/10) **Who Is the Company Behind Symantec Web Security Service?** - **Seller:** [Broadcom](https://www.g2.com/sellers/broadcom-ab3091cd-4724-46a8-ac89-219d6bc8e166) - **Year Founded:** 1991 - **HQ Location:** San Jose, CA - **Twitter:** @broadcom (63,483 Twitter followers) - **LinkedIn® Page:** https://www.linkedin.com/company/broadcom/ (55,707 employees on LinkedIn®) - **Ownership:** NASDAQ: CA **Who Uses This Product?** - **Top Industries:** Information Technology and Services, Computer Software - **Company Size:** 48% Enterprise, 28% Small-Business #### What Are Symantec Web Security Service's Pros and Cons? **Pros:** - Security Protection (6 reviews) - Ease of Use (5 reviews) - Simple (2 reviews) - Affordable (1 reviews) - Analytics (1 reviews) **Cons:** - Notification Issues (2 reviews) - Expensive (1 reviews) - Integration Issues (1 reviews) - Poor Customer Support (1 reviews) - Slow Performance (1 reviews) ### 8. [Trend Micro Cloud App Security](https://www.g2.com/products/trend-micro-cloud-app-security/reviews) Trend Micro Cloud App Security delivers advanced threat and data protection for Office 365 and cloud file-sharing services. **Average Rating:** 4.4/5.0 **Total Reviews:** 43 **How Do G2 Users Rate Trend Micro Cloud App Security?** - **Ease of Use:** 8.5/10 (Category avg: 8.8/10) - **Anomoly Detection:** 9.1/10 (Category avg: 8.5/10) - **Cloud Gap Analytics:** 9.4/10 (Category avg: 8.3/10) - **Cloud Registry:** 8.5/10 (Category avg: 8.5/10) **Who Is the Company Behind Trend Micro Cloud App Security?** - **Seller:** [Trend Micro](https://www.g2.com/sellers/trend-micro) - **Year Founded:** 1988 - **HQ Location:** Tokyo - **LinkedIn® Page:** https://www.linkedin.com/company/4312/ (8,090 employees on LinkedIn®) - **Ownership:** OTCMKTS:TMICY - **Total Revenue (USD mm):** $1,515 **Who Uses This Product?** - **Top Industries:** Computer Software, Information Technology and Services - **Company Size:** 41% Enterprise, 41% Mid-Market #### What Are Trend Micro Cloud App Security's Pros and Cons? **Pros:** - Email Security (1 reviews) - Security (1 reviews) - Security Protection (1 reviews) - Threat Protection (1 reviews) **Cons:** - Access Limitations (1 reviews) - Limited Features (1 reviews) - Storage Limitations (1 reviews) ### 9. [Forcepoint Data Security Cloud](https://www.g2.com/products/forcepoint-data-security-cloud/reviews) Forcepoint Data Security Cloud delivers unified visibility, control, and protection for data across endpoints, web, SaaS, and private applications, powered by Forcepoint’s AI Mesh and Data Security Everywhere architecture. The platform integrates Data Loss Prevention (DLP), Cloud Access Security Broker (CASB), Secure Web Gateway (SWG), and Zero Trust Network Access (ZTNA) capabilities to help organizations prevent breaches, streamline compliance, and safely embrace AI and the cloud. Key capabilities include: • Unified data security across endpoints, web, cloud, and private apps • Distributed enforcement via endpoint, inline proxy, and API connectors • AI-driven data classification and adaptive risk protection • Industry-leading threat and data protection from one console • Seamless user experience with Zero Trust access and continuous monitoring Forcepoint Data Security Cloud simplifies and strengthens your security, delivering the freedom to work securely anywhere. **Average Rating:** 4.2/5.0 **Total Reviews:** 100 **How Do G2 Users Rate Forcepoint Data Security Cloud?** - **Ease of Use:** 8.6/10 (Category avg: 8.8/10) - **Anomoly Detection:** 8.1/10 (Category avg: 8.5/10) - **Cloud Gap Analytics:** 7.8/10 (Category avg: 8.3/10) - **Cloud Registry:** 8.3/10 (Category avg: 8.5/10) **Who Is the Company Behind Forcepoint Data Security Cloud?** - **Seller:** [Forcepoint](https://www.g2.com/sellers/forcepoint) - **Year Founded:** 1994 - **HQ Location:** Austin, TX - **Twitter:** @Forcepointsec (65,439 Twitter followers) - **LinkedIn® Page:** https://www.linkedin.com/company/forcepoint/ (1,658 employees on LinkedIn®) **Who Uses This Product?** - **Top Industries:** Information Technology and Services, Computer & Network Security - **Company Size:** 50% Enterprise, 38% Mid-Market #### What Are Forcepoint Data Security Cloud's Pros and Cons? **Pros:** - Features (7 reviews) - Ease of Use (6 reviews) - Security (6 reviews) - Customer Support (5 reviews) - Monitoring (5 reviews) **Cons:** - Complex Configuration (4 reviews) - Expensive (4 reviews) - Complexity (3 reviews) - Complex Setup (3 reviews) - Difficult Setup (3 reviews) ### 10. [CloudSOC Cloud Access Security Broker (CASB)](https://www.g2.com/products/cloudsoc-cloud-access-security-broker-casb/reviews) Securely adopt cloud apps and meet your regulatory compliance requirements with an industry-leading Cloud Access Security Broker (CASB) that integrates with the rest of your enterprise security. CloudSOC CASB provides visibility, data security and threat protection for today’s generation of cloud users across a wide range of sanctioned and unsanctioned apps. **Average Rating:** 4.3/5.0 **Total Reviews:** 28 **How Do G2 Users Rate CloudSOC Cloud Access Security Broker (CASB)?** - **Ease of Use:** 8.1/10 (Category avg: 8.8/10) - **Anomoly Detection:** 7.8/10 (Category avg: 8.5/10) - **Cloud Gap Analytics:** 7.4/10 (Category avg: 8.3/10) - **Cloud Registry:** 8.1/10 (Category avg: 8.5/10) **Who Is the Company Behind CloudSOC Cloud Access Security Broker (CASB)?** - **Seller:** [Broadcom](https://www.g2.com/sellers/broadcom-ab3091cd-4724-46a8-ac89-219d6bc8e166) - **Year Founded:** 1991 - **HQ Location:** San Jose, CA - **Twitter:** @broadcom (63,483 Twitter followers) - **LinkedIn® Page:** https://www.linkedin.com/company/broadcom/ (55,707 employees on LinkedIn®) - **Ownership:** NASDAQ: CA **Who Uses This Product?** - **Top Industries:** Information Technology and Services - **Company Size:** 58% Enterprise, 27% Small-Business #### What Are CloudSOC Cloud Access Security Broker (CASB)'s Pros and Cons? **Pros:** - Cloud Integration (1 reviews) - Cloud Management (1 reviews) - Cloud Security (1 reviews) - Cybersecurity (1 reviews) - Data Protection (1 reviews) **Cons:** - Complex Configuration (1 reviews) - Complexity (1 reviews) - Inefficiency (1 reviews) - Licensing Issues (1 reviews) ## What Is Cloud Access Security Broker (CASB) Software? [Security Software](https://www.g2.com/categories/security) ## What Software Categories Are Similar to Cloud Access Security Broker (CASB) Software? - [Zero Trust Networking Software](https://www.g2.com/categories/zero-trust-networking) - [Cloud Edge Security Software](https://www.g2.com/categories/cloud-edge-security) - [Secure Service Edge (SSE) Solutions](https://www.g2.com/categories/secure-service-edge-sse-solutions) --- ## How Do You Choose the Right Cloud Access Security Broker (CASB) Software? ### What You Should Know About Cloud Access Security Broker (CASB) Software ### What is Cloud Access Security Broker (CASB) Software? Cloud access security broker (CASB) technology secures data stored within or processed by cloud-based applications, typically software as a service (SaaS) solutions. Cloud security access brokers focus on protecting cloud applications. Users of CASB can launch and access their cloud applications in a secured environment.These tools utilize multiple security technologies that help prevent unapproved parties from accessing applications while also preventing data loss and data breaches. They provide a single, secure location for users to access applications. Many platforms support single sign-on for easier access once operating in the CASB environment. Some CASB tools provide users with a sandboxed environment. The sandbox is a resource-isolated working environment that ensures files and data are transferred directly to the cloud application provider. Other CASB tools utilize firewall and malware detection features, along with security policy enforcement mechanisms to protect information connected to SaaS applications. These tools can be utilized across devices and operated locally, regardless of the user’s physical location. Individual users can be isolated and cut off from the network. These tools can function across a variety of SaaS applications and software vendors. They can be integrated directly or chosen from a marketplace. Many tools have centralized access through a single sign-on portal. Users can log in to a secure portal and have access to all of the cloud applications they use. Key Benefits of CASB Software - Improves cloud application and data security - Simplifies management to improve compliance-related operations - Improves identity management and user governance - Increases visibility of users, activities, and anomalies ### Why Use Cloud Access Security Broker (CASB) Software? These tools make it easier for businesses to provide secure access to cloud-based applications for their employees. Almost all the benefits of using a CASB system pertain to information security. The majority of benefits can be classified into three categories: threat protection, data security, and governance. **Threat protection —** Threats come in multiple forms and CASB products are prepared to defend against them from any direction. Common threat protection features are designed to prevent phishing, malware, account takeover, and malicious content. Phishing can be prevented by securing cloud-based email applications. Malicious attachments and urls can be flagged or sent to spam. Malware can come from emails, downloads or any other kind of malicious content; if malware is present, CASB software can alert users and prevent them from engaging with it. Account takeover can be discovered by monitoring functionality designed to detect abnormal behavior, policy violations, and unexpected configuration changes. **Data security and loss prevention —** All data requires security, but some information requires more protection than others. CASB tools help users discover sensitive data within cloud-based applications. Most CASB tools allow for user permission policy enforcement, this helps prevent unauthorized parties from viewing or downloading sensitive information. Many sensitive datasets require increased encryption; these files must be classified as such and CASB solutions will enforce stronger encryption and anomaly monitoring on those specific files. **Governance and compliance —** Compliance goes hand in hand with data security and loss prevention. However, increased visibility is a key benefit of CASB solutions. This makes it easier to discover non-compliant datasets and audit systems for policy requirements. They improve a company’s ability to delegate user permissions, enforce security policies and alert security teams of both cloud-based and insider threats. ### What are the Common Features of Cloud Access Security Broker (CASB) Software? **Single sign-on (SSO) —** SSO features provide a single access point for users to access multiple cloud products without multiple logins. This reduces the time users spend finding applications and logging onto them, improving productivity and user experience. **User analytics —** User analytics and monitoring allow companies to view and document individual behaviors and report suspicious activities. They can also alert security teams to compromised accounts by flagging anomalous behaviors. **Cloud gap analytics —** Cloud gap analysis features examine data associated with denied entries and policy violations. This helps provide security teams with information that can be used to improve authentication and security protocols. **Anomaly detection —** Anomaly detection identifies abnormal behavior by monitoring activity related to user behavior and comparing it to benchmarked patterns. **Cloud registry —** Cloud registries provide a list or marketplace of SaaS applications compatible with a CASB solution. Users can access this list to explore integrations or new applications. **Mobile device management (MDM) —** MDM functionality offers users the ability to set standards for types of mobile devices and networks capable of accessing data. This allows security teams to customize access requirements and permissions of off-premise and mobile device users. **Access control —** Access control features typically refers to support of lightweight directory access protocol (LDAP). This simplifies an administrator’s ability to edit or update application availability and information access. **Data encryption —** Data encryption features might refer to data-centric policy enforcement for sensitive information or encompassing encryption for any information stored or accessed through the CASB system. ### Software and Services Related to Cloud Access Security Broker (CASB) Software [**Secure web gateways**](https://www.g2.com/categories/secure-web-gateway) **—** Secure web gateways are similar to CASB products. However, secure web gateways focus on browser security and cloud security access brokers focus on protecting cloud applications. With a CASB, users launch and access their cloud applications within a secured environment. [**Secure email gateways**](https://www.g2.com/categories/secure-email-gateway) **—** Like secure web gateways, secure email gateways operate similarly to CASB technology, but serve a different purpose. Instead of protecting information in cloud-based apps, these tools protect email, text, data, and attachments. [**Firewall software**](https://www.g2.com/categories/firewall) **—** Firewall software is one of the many technologies that allow CASB systems to function securely. While a firewall is necessary for CASB usage, firewalls can be used to secure anything from an entire network to a single endpoint as well.