Best 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

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.

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.