# Best Cloud Access Security Broker (CASB) Software - Page 5 *By [Lauren Worth](https://research.g2.com/insights/author/lauren-worth)* Cloud access security broker (CASB) software is used to provide a layer of protection and policy enforcement for employees accessing cloud-based software. CASB serves as a gateway through which companies can enforce their security requirements beyond on-premise and secure connections between employees and cloud service providers. Companies use CASB software to reduce risks related to cloud applications and network connections while simultaneously monitoring actions and behaviors. CASB solutions are also used to identify abnormal behaviors from internal actors and then alert administrators of potential shadow IT and noncompliant behaviors. These tools typically monitor and record the actions taken by an individual using the CASB, who can leverage the data collected for behavioral analysis and reporting. To qualify for inclusion in the Cloud Access Security Broker (CASB) category, a product must: - Secure connections between end users and cloud service providers - Enforce security policies beyond local networks and infrastructure - Protect data and connected devices from cloud-based threats and malware ## How Many Cloud Access Security Broker (CASB) Software Products Does G2 Track? **Total Products under this Category:** 51 ## 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 - 51+ 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. ## Which Cloud Access Security Broker (CASB) Software Is Best for Your Use Case? - **Leader:** [Netskope One Platform](https://www.g2.com/products/netskope-one-platform/reviews) - **Highest Performer:** [Zscaler Zero Trust Cloud](https://www.g2.com/products/zscaler-zero-trust-cloud/reviews) - **Easiest to Use:** [Cato SASE Cloud](https://www.g2.com/products/cato-networks-cato-sase-cloud/reviews) - **Top Trending:** [Cato SASE Cloud](https://www.g2.com/products/cato-networks-cato-sase-cloud/reviews) - **Best Free Software:** [Netskope One Platform](https://www.g2.com/products/netskope-one-platform/reviews) --- **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%3D5&secure%5Btoken%5D=100c4c7b9cb4109eb667b92e77aaa6315defcef22c18c5734a6c229a79819314&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 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.