Cybersecurity is one of the top concerns as companies migrate to the cloud. Over the past few years, cyber threats have significantly increased. Likewise, companies have been forced to find a combination of strategies to counter these threats. A cloud access security broker (CASB) is one of the most popular solutions. Show
A cloud access security broker provides extra security layers to help against bad actors and enforce existing security. Let’s go over the specifics of CASBs, why they’re popular, and more! What Is a Cloud Access Security BrokerSimply put, a cloud access security broker is a tool for enforcing a company’s security policy in the cloud. It acts as a buffer between a cloud service provider and a consumer. You can run them on-premise or entirely within the cloud. CASB functions as a security layer for all your cloud access and implementations. Most importantly, it enables you to combine different security policies such as authentication, encryption, malware protection, credentialing, and more. In essence, you can have any combination of security policies to suit your business environment. This flexibility is one of the benefits of CASB, and it’s best achieved through 4 “pillars” that highlight what they offer. I’ll discuss those next. The 4 Pillars of Cloud Access Security BrokersCloud access security brokers offer high levels of flexibility, security, and resilience for users through their 4 building blocks or pillars. These define what a cloud access security broker tool should cover for a well-rounded solution. 1. VisibilityEvery company, regardless of size, requires complete visibility into all devices connected to its network. Subsequently, visibility is essential to prevent unauthorized access and security gaps. A CASB makes it easy to discover all managed and unmanaged devices and applications on your network. 2. ComplianceCompliance with different security and privacy standards is essential for your reputation and to protect your assets. CASB helps you follow many standards, such as HIPAA and FINRA, by maintaining these standards and highlighting potential issues. 3. Data SecurityProtecting sensitive data from unauthorized access is vital for every business. A cloud access security broker offers this through detection and mitigation. Examples include encryption and document fingerprinting. Additionally, they go beyond typical on-site security solutions by filling in the gaps where non-cloud security solutions fall short. 4. Threat ProtectionBusinesses must work to expect and prevent threats before they impact the network. This proactive approach entails regular scanning, detection, and remediation of threats and security vulnerabilities. A cloud access security broker can offer this across multiple areas within your company. Now that you know the defining pillars of CASB let’s see how they come together. How Do CASBs Work?CASB works as both on-site and cloud solutions, though it’s more effective as a cloud service because of its scalability and flexibility. Essentially, a cloud access security broker delivers high security and low costs through a 3-phase process. 1. DiscoveryCASB automatically identifies all devices and applications within your company’s cloud. Particularly, they provide a list of third-party features and applications installed on different devices and the users accessing them. 2. ClassificationAfter providing the list of all devices and services, a cloud access security broker identifies their risk levels. It considers many aspects, such as the nature of the application, the type of data it handles, the number of users, and other factors to find the risk levels. 3. RemediationA cloud access security broker sets policies for your data and applications based on these risk scores. It considers your security goals and the existing vulnerabilities and takes action on violations. Next, see some real-world uses for CASBs to better understand their importance. Top Uses for a Cloud Access Security Broker Source: Megan_Rexazin on Pixabay CASBs have many uses for your business. While they’re primarily used to fill the gaps between existing security solutions, they can do much more. Helps You Control Cloud Usage and CostsCASB provides granular visibility and control over your cloud usage and associated costs. It’s highly efficient in discovering “shadow IT” (using company IT without the IT team’s approval) usage. It can accurately point out what’s being used, and what isn’t used enough. Increases Control over Security PoliciesWith a cloud access security broker, you can have granular control over your security policies. Essentially, they make it easy to define policies for specific services, users, and risks. Also, you can block, encrypt, alert, and bypass the enforcement of different policies to suit your needs. Secures Sensitive DataSecuring sensitive data is one of the most common uses of a cloud access security broker. Moreover, most cloud access security broker tools come with advanced data loss prevention (DLP), making it easy to discover and protect sensitive data. It also uses tokenization and encryption to protect sensitive data, regardless of the device. Protects against ThreatsProtection from cloud-based threats is another essential benefit of CASB. In essence, it uses a combination of security strategies, such as anomaly detection and threat intelligence, to detect and block threats immediately. Alerts and NotificationsYou can configure a cloud access security broker to send relevant alerts to specific users or groups to take action when needed. As a result, these alerts and notifications help with better understanding and improved actions. The above uses should give you an idea of what you can do with CASB. Additionally, you can configure and implement these tools to your needs based on your expected outcomes. I’ll go over that next. 3 Ways to Implement Cloud Access Security BrokersSource: Shutterstock A cloud access security broker can be implemented on-site or in the cloud, though cloud-native versions are more popular. You have 3 ways to deploy a CASB solution that you should consider. 1. API ScanningAPI scanning implementation is a good choice for protecting the data in your cloud storage and applications, but only when at rest. This implementation doesn’t offer real-time protection. However, the upsides are that API scanning provides comprehensive coverage and quick deployment. It also offers in-depth visibility into your data and the possible threats in your cloud infrastructure. 2. Forward ProxyThis works best with VPN clients and multiple endpoints, providing Data Loss Prevention (DLP) in real-time. It works well on both sanctioned and unsanctioned devices, adding to your flexibility and coverage. However, it can’t scan data at rest. 3. Reverse ProxyReverse proxy is ideal for devices outside the network security purview as it can redirect all traffic from all devices. Additionally, it offers DLP in real-time, but only on sanctioned applications. As you can see, each of these implementations is different, so make sure to choose the one that best matches your business requirements. Moving on, let’s see how CASB fits into the future of cybersecurity. The Role of CASBs in a SASE-Dominated FutureThe last few years have seen massive changes in cloud architecture. In essence, the outcome has been a comprehensive approach to monitoring, protecting, and easing access to the cloud called Secure Access Service Edge (SASE). It combines different technologies and approaches such as Firewall-as-a-Service (FWaaS), Zero Trust Network Access (ZTNA), CASB, and more. Consequently, the emergence of SASE has enhanced the importance of CASB. That said, companies embracing SASE are looking for unified solutions that include CASB. From a business standpoint, a unified security approach is more effective and comprehensive. Top Security Software to Help You Implement CASBIf you’re looking to implement a CASB in your business, I’ve put together this list of the top 3 CASB solution providers. Broadcom’s Symantec Cloud Secure Web GatewaySymantec Cloud Secure Web Gateway is a resilient and performant cloud security service. This CASB sits between employees no matter where they are. Symantec’s offering protects your enterprise from cyber threats and controls the use of cloud applications. In addition, it’s a great solution for preventing data leaks and ensures you meet industrial security compliance standards. Universal Policy Enforcement (UPE) capabilities also allow you to create protection policies. Benefits
GFI KerioControlGFI KerioControl is a Unified Threat Management (UTM) software with advanced capabilities to identify threats and control traffic. It also blocks viruses and malware from entering your network. Additionally, KerioControl doubles up as a Next-Gen Firewall (NGFW) for businesses of any size. You can use this software in conjunction with your CASB for more control over your cloud security. Benefits
NetskopeNetskope is a great option for your business. With this offering, you get real-time data and threat protection. Protect your data and get excellent threat protection when accessing cloud services, websites, and private apps from anywhere, on any device. Benefits
Before we end, let’s recap all that we have discussed in this article so far. Final WordsCyber attacks become more prevalent daily, and relying on a single security solution is no longer the answer. Utilizing software like CASB can help your company fill the gaps within its security and improve overall protection. CASB solutions offer complete coverage over your cloud network and can let your team breathe easily. We hope this guide acts as a good starting point to evaluate the benefits of adding a CASB solution to your security setup. Do you have more questions about CASB? Check out the FAQ and Resources sections below! Get The Latest Tech News FAQWhat’s the role of a CASB?A cloud access security broker sits between the cloud service providers and consumers. A CASB helps companies to implement custom security policies that identify risks, block unwanted traffic, and prevent the loss or leak of sensitive data. It helps with auditing and compliance as well. Are CASB and SASE the same?No, they are not the same. CASB is one of the components of SASE. You can choose to integrate just a CASB tool in your cloud security infrastructure or have a SASE to get a more comprehensive security cover. Are DLP and CASB the same?No, they’re not. Data Loss Prevention (DLP) protects your sensitive data from leaks or loss and is one of the aspects of a CASB solution. In other words, CASB is more comprehensive and encompasses DLP. Do I need a CASB for my company?Yes, a CASB provides visibility into your cloud infrastructure and helps you stay on top of your cloud usage and the resulting costs. It can also protect your sensitive data and stop viruses and malware from entering your network. Due to these benefits, it’s good to have a CASB in your organization. Is CASB a SaaS?A CASB solution can be implemented on-site or as a SaaS, though the latter is more common. As a SaaS implementation, a CASB can control access to your application, block malicious traffic, and can be the security layer for enforcing your custom security policies. Which of the following is a primary concern of security in the cloud?Challenges in cloud security
The primary concern on cloud security is centered mainly on access and data, as this lies with you. You must understand what data is being stored on the cloud, the level of protection that the cloud provider offers, and who has access to the data within the organization or outside.
Which of the following term relates to the accuracy and consistency of data?Data integrity refers to the accuracy and consistency (validity) of data over its lifecycle.
What is firewall as a service?Firewall as a service (FWaaS) is a network security technology referring to a cloud firewall that delivers advanced Layer 7/next-generation firewall (NGFW) capabilities, including access controls, such as URL filtering, advanced threat prevention, intrusion prevention systems (IPS), and DNS security.
Which of the following best describes an extranet?EDIT: An extranet is a private network that uses Internet technology and the public telecommunication system to securely share part of a business's information or operations with suppliers, vendors, partners, customers, or other businesses.
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Which of the following offerings can be provided by a cloud access service broker CASB?
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