CASBs are cloud access security brokers
Cloud access security brokers (CASBs) apply security policies between cloud service providers and enterprise users. The ability of CASBs to integrate various security policies from encryption and malware detection to authentication and credential mapping offers adaptable enterprise solutions that support cloud app security across managed and unmanaged devices as well as authorized and unauthorized apps.
Knowing CASBs
Why make use of a CASB?
Businesses are in charge of more intricate security enforcements between users and cloud-based apps in the modern workplace. Cloud-based businesses that deal with several locations and devices can no longer rely on traditional binary security systems that merely block or permit access. By offering customized alternatives for the modern workforce and striking a balance between access and data protection, a CASB enables an organization to implement security policies with agility and flexibility.
The four pillars of CASBs
Visibility
IT departments can identify all cloud services in use and evaluate subsequent risk considerations with the use of CASBs. CASBs provide a thorough picture of all cloud-based apps that employees are using, which is helpful for businesses who are struggling with shadow IT. IT’s access policy, which incorporates more complex controls based on specific personnel and device requirements, is then informed by the data from risk assessments.
Security of data
Data loss prevention (DLP), a fundamental part of a CASB system, lowers the risk of expensive data breaches by extending an enterprise’s security to all data moving to, within, and stored in the cloud. Both the data and its transfer are safeguarded by a CASB.
Threat Protection
CASBs can spot unusual behavior and identify malicious activity by compiling and comprehending regular usage patterns. Malware mitigation, adaptive access control, and other features aid in defending the company against internal or external threats. All contemporary dangers, whether malevolent or careless, are defended against by CASB threat defense.
Compliance
For businesses that need to adhere to regulatory standards like HIPAA or PCI DSS, CASBs monitor compliance and assist in ensuring adherence to data privacy and safety laws.
How a CASB works?
CASBs make guarantee that network traffic between cloud providers and on-premises devices conforms with security standards of an organization.
The capacity of cloud access security brokers to provide information about how cloud applications are used across cloud platforms and spot unauthorized use is what makes them valuable. In industries that are subject to regulations, this is particularly crucial.
The discovery, classification, and remediation processes are how CASBs operate. The classification process evaluates each application and generates a risk factor, the remediation process finds and fixes recognized hazards in accordance with the organization’s security policy, and the discovery phase finds cloud applications that are currently in use.
Cloud applications in use, high-risk apps, high-risk users, and other important risk characteristics are identified by CASBs via auto discovery. Cloud access security brokers enforce a variety of security access rules, including encryption and device profiling. In the event that single sign-on (SSO) is unavailable, they can also offer additional services like credential mapping.
How to Put a CASB in Place
Implementing a CASB essentially consists of determining your needs, aligning them with the appropriate product, configuring it to work effectively with your systems, and doing regular audits and monitoring. Five steps could be used to examine it:
- Evaluate your surroundings and strategies. Recognize the risks associated with the cloud services and apps you employ, as well as your security policy and compliance requirements.
- Choose the CASB option that best suits your requirements. Selecting the correct vendor is just as crucial as selecting the ideal product; pick a partner you can rely on.
- Connect the CASB to your user directories and cloud services. To provide seamless authentication and safe user access, employ SSO.
- Set up security, DLP, access, and data sharing rules. Your encryption regulations may require extra attention, depending on your sector.
- Make threat identification and tracking possible in real time. As the needs of your company change, you’ll also need to periodically review and revise your policies.
Top CASB Use Cases
Learn About and Manage Shadow IT
Your data security is compromised when users store and exchange company files and data using unapproved cloud apps. You must comprehend and safeguard cloud utilization in your company in order to combat this.
Safe Non-Business SaaS Renters
Apps such as Google Drive can be used by users in both authorized and unauthorized ways. In response, permitting the app or prohibiting it completely can either promote improper sharing or reduce productivity.
Limit Dangerous File Exchange
Unprecedented cooperation and sharing are made possible by cloud apps. To avoid allowing malicious parties to access your data, your security teams must be aware of who is sharing what in approved apps.
Fix Misconfigurations in SaaS
To guarantee that a cloud service runs correctly and securely, careful setup is essential throughout deployment and management. Your security hygiene is harmed by misconfigurations, which also make sensitive data easily accessible.
Stop Data Leaks
You must recognise and manage sensitive data patterns in the cloud in addition to cloud resource misconfigurations that may allow data breaches and leaks. HIPAA, PCI DSS, GDPR, and numerous other standards control a great deal of this type of data.
Stop Effective Attacks
An infected file can swiftly spread to other users’ devices and other apps once it has passed your organization’s security and entered one of your approved cloud apps. This is why you need a real-time defense against threats while you’re uploading and when you’re not.