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Cloud access security brokers (CASBs) are a relatively new addition to the security landscape. CASBs are designed to provide a centralized management point for enterprise cloud applications and services. In this article, we will explore what CASBs do and how they can benefit an organization.
What is a Cloud Access Security Broker?
A Cloud Access Security Broker (CASB) is a security service that helps protect cloud-based applications from cyberattacks. CASBs provide a secure interface to cloud services and help ensure that only authorized users can access information in the cloud. CASBs also help to protect data from unauthorized access by warning administrators when sensitive information is accessed by unauthorized users.
How Does a Cloud Access Security Broker Work?
A cloud access security broker (CASB) is a software or hardware appliance that functions as a central point for managing security for cloud-based applications and services. CASBs help organizations to enforce security policies across clouds, data centers, and mobile devices.
CASBs are typically deployed in conjunction with an organization’s perimeter network and intrusion detection/prevention systems (IDS/IPS). CASBs monitor cloud-based applications and services for attempts to access or modify data that should not be accessible by unauthorized users. If an unauthorized attempt is detected, CASB can block the access attempt or report it to the appropriate authorities.
CASBs come in two flavors: on-premises and cloud-based. On-premises CASBs operate within a company’s data center and are accessible using standard network protocols. Cloud-based CASBs are accessed over the Internet and use industry-standard security protocols such as SSL/TLS.
Overall, CASBs provide an important layer of protection for companies that rely on public clouds to store their data and deliver their services. By monitoring cloud activity for signs of malicious activity, organizations can quickly detect and mitigate threats before they become serious breaches.
Benefits of Using a Cloud Access Security Broker
A cloud access security broker (CASB) is a secure gateway between the enterprise and the cloud. CASBs offer several benefits, including:
- Increased Security: CASBs help enterprises protect their data in the cloud by enforcing security policies and managing access permissions.
- Reduced Costs: CASBs can reduce administration costs by automating the management of cloud access permissions and security controls.
- Enhanced Compliance: CASBs can help organizations meet compliance requirements by providing visibility into who is accessing company data in the cloud.
- Improved Performance: CASBs can improve performance by helping to optimize access to enterprise resources in the cloud.
What to Watch Out For when Working with a Cloud Access Security Broker
When considering how to secure data in the cloud, many businesses turn to cloud access security brokers (CASBs). CASBs are third-party companies that help businesses enforce security policies and manage access to data in the cloud. However, before you sign up with a CASB, make sure you understand what they do and watch out for some common pitfalls.
One of the first things you’ll want to do when working with a CASB is identify your cloud provider’s security posture. This will help you determine which CASB is right for your business and which policies it should enforce. Once you have a good understanding of the provider’s security posture, you can start to create specific policies for your data.
While policy creation is important, it’s equally important to remember that enforcement is key to using a CASB correctly. CASBs can’t do anything if the policies aren’t followed, so it’s important to have a good relationship with your CASB in order for them to work effectively. If there are any changes or updates to your provider’s security posture, be sure to let your CASB know so they can update their policies as needed.
