You’re looking to secure your cloud data. What are the best CASB platforms?

CASB stands for Cloud Access Security Broker it is security tool in cybersecurity solutions that helps the organization keep an eye on their data in the cloud. It ensures that sensitive information is doesn't get leaked, manages Who can Access What and gives protection against online threat.

According to Microsoft, a cloud access security broker, often abbreviated as CASB, is a security policy enforcement point positioned between business users and cloud service providers. CASBs can combine several different security policies, from authentication and credential mapping to encryption, malware detection, and more, offering flexible enterprise solutions that help ensure cloud application security across authorized and unauthorized applications and managed devices. unmanaged.

A CASB platform is essential for bolstering cloud security, functioning like a vigilant sentinel overseeing user-cloud interactions. It offers crucial insights into cloud usage patterns, enhancing visibility in the often opaque cloud environment. CASBs go beyond cloud providers' fundamental security measures, filling pivotal gaps in data protection and compliance—a crucial factor in the current regulatory climate. This platform’s capability to encrypt and safeguard sensitive data is vital for robust defense against potential leaks and exposures in cloud operations. Serving as an intermediary, it ensures comprehensive surveillance and adherence to compliance standards, thus fortifying an enterprise's cloud security framework.

In the dynamic realm of cloud computing, relying solely on cloud service providers for security is a precarious stance. While CSPs lay the groundwork for security, the nuances and complexities of cloud data protection demand more. Here, CASBs emerge as a pivotal layer, offering a much-needed consolidation of security practices across diverse cloud environments. They bring uniformity in policy enforcement and threat detection across multiple CSPs, addressing the complexities of multi-cloud architectures. The adoption of a CASB platform is not merely an enhancement but a necessity to mitigate the elevated risks and potential costs associated with cloud data breaches, safeguarding both the enterprise's reputation and operational continuity.

Security and acceptable risk level is a journey, not a destination (and driven by use case). While CSPs certainly provide good security features that reduce risk of breach, one may not be able to depend solely upon these features to meet the business needs. CASB aim to provide enhanced value security functions above and beyond the baseline CSP features (which also vary in their implementations, usability, etc). Like an automobile's GPS, a CSP may get one to an identified security destination, but a CASB generally provides a (hopefully current and more up to date) robust and comprehensive capability to make the journey with fewer incidents.

Best method to decide CASB platforms is the evaluate how best the use case is been met by the solution. Some of the key use cases to evaluate are - 1. Visibility of the application usage and user authentications. 2. Application usage tracing (cloud and hybrid) 3. Compliance requirement and data security guidelines 4. Threat Protection to detect virus, malware and other threats. 5. User behavior analytics to detect the changes in behavior of users in accessing the cloud applications and data.

Selecting a CASB platform necessitates a thorough examination of an organization's unique cloud ecosystem. This decision should be informed by the types and quantity of CSPs in use,the specific security features of the CASB,and its adaptability to the enterprise's existing IT infrastructure. Evaluating a CASB's scalability and performance capabilities is crucial, ensuring it can grow and adapt alongside the organization's evolving needs. Cost and vendor support also play significant roles, requiring a balance between budget constraints and the level of service required. The selection process is a delicate balancing act, aiming to find a platform that seamlessly integrates with current systems while providing comprehensive security coverage.

When selecting a CASB platform, prioritize factors such as your organization's needs, integration capabilities, ease of use, and the extent of visibility and control. Ensure to stay informed by checking the latest reviews and features for each platform. Here's a concise list of CASB platforms for your consideration: - Netskope - McAfee MVISION Cloud - Cisco Cloudlock - Symantec CloudSOC (Broadcom) - Microsoft Cloud App Security - Bitglass - Palo Alto Networks Prisma SaaS - Forcepoint Cloud Security - IBM Cloud Security Enforcer (HCL Technologies) - Zscaler Cloud Security

Bitglass stands out in the CASB market with its hybrid architecture, expertly combining security with user experience. Its adoption of machine learning for threat detection aligns well with the dynamic cyber threat landscape. McAfee MVISION Cloud, known for its extensive integration with numerous CSPs, is an adaptable choice for diverse cloud environments. Netskope, with a focus on comprehensive security for cloud and web applications, benefits from a cloud-native architecture. Each CASB offers unique features like real-time control and advanced threat protection, emphasizing the need for organizations to select a CASB that meets their specific requirements.

Some of the leaders in CASB solutions which can be considered for evaluation are lists as below. Again these tools offers multiple features and solve use cases, identify the OEM tool which is more relevant and apt for your business. 1. Skyhigh networks - They are one of the pioneers in bringing CASB solution to the market. 2. Microsoft - If you are majorly on MS platform and Azure, then MS CASB is a no brainer. 3. Netskope - They are delivering CASB as part of their cloud SWG and having vast integrations. 4. Proofpoint - They are recent entrant in this space and having good threat protection features. 5. Zscaler - They are also delivering CASB form their cloud SWG and ZTNA solution

Effectively deploying a CASB platform begins with a clear understanding of the organization's cloud security requirements. The process involves a strategic alignment of the CASB with the enterprise's IT infrastructure, followed by integration with cloud services and endpoint devices. Setting up robust security policies and rules within the CASB is critical to its efficacy. Continuous monitoring and management through the platform's dashboard are essential for maintaining a secure cloud environment. Regularly reviewing and adapting security strategies based on the CASB's insights ensures that the organization's cloud security posture evolves in tandem with emerging threats and technological advancements.

When contemplating cloud security, it's crucial to recognize the evolving nature of cloud threats and the continuous innovation in CASB technologies. An effective CASB strategy should anticipate future security challenges and scale accordingly. Additionally, understanding the interplay between CASB functionalities and other security tools within the organization's arsenal is vital for creating a cohesive and comprehensive security framework. Considering the human aspect – user behavior and interaction with cloud services – is equally important in shaping an effective CASB deployment strategy. Ultimately, a CASB is not just a tool but a strategic component in the broader context of an organization's cybersecurity landscape.

Again - this is a journey (meaning an on-going process, which is ideally documented and formalized). What are the current protections that are in place and are there any obvious gaps? Define, what is the minimum reasonable security one need provide for the environment, users, services and information that need protection backed by a reasonable defects analysis of how the current protection is implemented and can it be enhanced within the context of current CSP and/or CASB tools? Are there security enhancements (i.e., robustness rules) that should be considered and how best can they be implemented?