Cloud Access Security Brokers (CASBs)

Cloud Access Security Brokers (CASBs) are security tools designed to protect cloud-based services from cyber threats and data breaches. While most CASBs are cloud-hosted, some offer on-premise software or hardware solutions. They integrate various security technologies into a centralized platform, such as shadow IT discovery, access controls and Data Loss Prevention (DLP).

CASBs protect sensitive data by preventing unauthorized sharing and ensuring the integrity of company information, especially considering the rise of AI tools. They also assist organizations in meeting stringent regulatory standards for cloud-based security, such as SOC 2, HIPAA, and GDPR.

CASBs are typically offered by most leading cloud security solutions, but can also be standalone components that are integrated with other security tools to deliver holistic protection across the entire cloud infrastructure.

Key Capabilities of Cloud Access Security Brokers (CASBs)

The key features and capabilities of CASBs include the following:

• Identity verification: CASBs use multi-factor authentication to ensure users are accurately verified before granting access to sensitive cloud apps or resources.
• Access control: CASBs enforce granular, role-based access policies that limit user actions and visibility within company applications.
• Shadow IT discovery: CASBs provide visibility into shadow IT risks by identifying and monitoring unauthorized applications and services used by employees.
• Data Loss Prevention (DLP): CASBs help prevent sensitive data leaks or unauthorized access by implementing rules to monitor and control data movement across an organization's cloud apps and services.
• URL filtering: CASBs block access to known harmful websites to protect users from phishing and malware threats.
• Packet inspection: CASBs analyze incoming and outgoing data packets for malicious content using deep packet inspection techniques.
• Sandboxing: CASBs execute suspicious programs in isolated environments to determine their safety before allowing them on user devices.
• Browser isolation: CASBs run user browsers on remote servers to prevent malicious code from affecting local devices.
• Anti-malware detection: CASBs continuously scan for and neutralize malware to protect systems and data from threats.