How can you secure your network with a CASB?

1 What is a CASB?

A CASB is a software tool or service that sits between your network and the cloud providers you use. It acts as a gatekeeper, enforcing security policies and rules for your cloud traffic. A CASB can help you with four main functions: visibility, compliance, threat protection, and data security.

2 How can a CASB improve visibility?

A CASB can give you a comprehensive view of your cloud usage and activity. It can identify and monitor all the cloud services and applications that your network accesses, whether they are authorized or not. It can also track and report on the behavior and performance of your users and devices, as well as the cloud providers. This way, you can gain insights into your network's cloud consumption, risks, and opportunities.

3 How can a CASB ensure compliance?

A CASB can help you comply with various regulations and standards that apply to your network and data. It can scan and audit your cloud services and applications for compliance issues, such as data privacy, security, and governance. It can also enforce compliance policies and actions, such as blocking, alerting, or encrypting data. Additionally, it can generate and store logs and reports for compliance audits and reviews.

4 How can a CASB protect against threats?

A CASB can help you detect and prevent cyberattacks that target your network and data. It can analyze your cloud traffic for anomalies and indicators of compromise, such as malware, phishing, or data breaches. It can also block or quarantine malicious or suspicious activities, such as unauthorized access, data exfiltration, or ransomware. Furthermore, it can integrate with other security tools, such as firewalls, antivirus, or identity and access management, to provide a layered defense.

5 How can a CASB secure your data?

A CASB can help you safeguard your data in transit and at rest. It can encrypt your data before it leaves your network and reaches the cloud, using keys that only you control. It can also decrypt your data when it returns to your network, ensuring that only authorized users and devices can access it. Moreover, it can apply data loss prevention (DLP) policies and techniques, such as masking, redacting, or deleting sensitive data, to prevent data leakage or exposure.

6 How can you choose a CASB?

A CASB can be a valuable asset for your network security, but not all CASBs are the same. You need to consider several factors when choosing a CASB, such as the type, features, compatibility, scalability, and cost of the CASB. You also need to evaluate your network's needs, goals, and challenges, as well as the cloud services and applications you use. By doing so, you can find a CASB that suits your network and enhances your security posture.

7 Here’s what else to consider

This is a space to share examples, stories, or insights that don’t fit into any of the previous sections. What else would you like to add?