What is a cloud access security broker provider? What are the reasons why companies are employing these providers? See below to know.
Cloud Access Security Broker Provider
A cloud access security broker (CASB) provider refers to a cloud-based security solution that provides security and compliance enforcement for cloud applications. A CASB vendor delivers cloud application security. This is done by monitoring, analyzing, and controlling cloud application usage.
Then, there are several reasons why a company or enterprise may employ the use of a CASB provider. Some of these include:
- Data Loss Prevention (DLP). DLP solutions in the cloud are mostly based on monitoring, detecting, and blocking sensitive data from being transmitted over the internet. It also monitors critical data from being transferred out of the organization’s network. Then, the data encryption on the cloud is also monitored to ensure that it has not been tampered with.
- Compliance. Most CASB providers have built-in support for compliance standards such as PCI DSS, HIPAA, SOX, and EU Data Protection Directive. They also offer monitoring tools. One that allows companies to test their compliance with specific standards during their normal course of business operations.
- Data Security. A CASB protects against unauthorized access by providing strong authentication methods that are more secure than traditional forms of authentication. They also monitor all activities performed by users within the cloud environment. And can also initiate multifactor authentication methods when suspicious activities are detected.
- Access Control. A CASB can be used for enforcing access control policies based on user identity, threat level risk assessment, or even location. This is especially useful for enterprises that want to make sure that only authorized employees from specific countries can access their resources.
- Network Access Control (NAC). NACs are employed for enforcing network security policies once a user has been authenticated by a CASB. Then, NACs can be used for enforcing computer access control, user identification and authentication, and more.
Cloud Access Security Broker: The Rise
Why, then, is there a rise in the usage of CASB? As we all know, most of the use today rely upon the use of cloud applications such as Gmail, Office 365, Salesforce, Workday, and more. We also know that using these applications for work-related activities is a more efficient way to get things done.
Security and compliance are two terms that are often mentioned when we talk about cloud adoption. But some people still feel like they don’t have to worry about the security risks of using cloud apps. Because they are doing everything inside their network. However, as more businesses adopt cloud apps, the threat level rises as well.
This is where CASBs come in handy. They bridge the gap between regulations and the execution of those regulations. So, there has been a rise in the number of companies adopting cloud services.
Conclusion
If this trend continues, there might be an increase in the number of companies relying on CASB providers to protect their sensitive data. This is probably why companies are investing millions into CASBs right now. So, what do you think?