The “Bring Your Own Device” (BYOD) concept has become increasingly popular with the rise of hybrid work. It provides enhanced flexibility for employees and greater accessibility for work-related applications. However, managing security on disparate and unmanaged devices is an uphill battle. The browser has become the common tool for accessing web and software-as-a-service (SaaS applications) across all devices.
This challenging new reality requires companies to rethink their security architectures that have not traditionally focused on the browser. That’s because the browser has become a major target for malicious actors. In fact, a report commissioned by Palo Alto Networks and conducted by Omdia found that the majority of companies surveyed said they’d experienced browser-based attacks across all devices in the past 12 months.
What can resolve this dilemma? Companies can ensure applications and sensitive data remain protected on employee-owned devices by using a secure browser and secure access service edge (SASE).
The shifting workplace landscape
Today’s work environment has seen substantial change, highlighted by three massive shifts. The first is the uptick in hybrid and remote work, even though many companies are calling employees back to the office. The second shift is the adoption by many companies of a mix of managed and unmanaged devices, such as BYOD, within their ecosystem – making security compliance harder.
Last is the massive rise in consumption of software-as-a-service (SaaS) and, more recently, generative (genAI) AI apps. Some enterprises are using thousands or tens of thousands of applications. A major aspect of SaaS and genAI app use is that they are typically accessed through a browser. In the above-mentioned report, respondents said that sometimes more than 80% of daily work is done using a browser.
There are challenges facing security visibility and controls, too. Standard security controls aren’t deployed evenly; only a fraction of enterprises report widespread coverage across their IT estates. This can lead to protection and visibility gaps. Security teams face ongoing pressure to implement security controls without impeding employee productivity. Even with such controls widely implemented, security incidents remain prevalent. More than 90% of Omdia’s report participants experienced phishing, ransomware and browser-based attacks.
Addressing the challenges
Two technologies worth considering when looking at possible ways to move forward are SASE and secure browsers.
SASE unites software-defined wide area network (SD-WAN) with secure web gateway (SWG), cloud access security broker (CASB), firewall as a service (FWaaS), zero trust network access (ZTNA), and other security functions via its cloud-native architecture. This SASE architecture converges “security as a service” and networking functions into one service delivered by the cloud at the network edge.
Companies are then able to automatically support a distributed workforce by linking them to nearby cloud gateways rather than redirecting traffic to the company data centers. This also offers reliable and consistent secure access to all applications, yet at the same time, sustains total visibility and inspection of all traffic.
This approach significantly streamlines management and lowers complexity. The perimeter is transformed into a dependable group of cloud-based capabilities; security teams can deploy them when and where needed.
A secure browser is the companion technology for SASE. Because the browser has become the primary workspace, SASE needs to be extended to new areas. A secure browser aids in extending the principles of zero trust to all devices that access the company’s resources on any web application. Secure browsers, unlike standard commercial browsers, are created with management and security features baked in.
They provide unmatched control and visibility into all web traffic. That includes the ability to administer granular security policies and defend against threats – as well as a better user experience. Secure browsers have centralized management capabilities that make operations easier by giving security teams a holistic view of web activities throughout the company. Essentially, a secure browser extends SASE protection seamlessly to every device, bringing unmatched agility, security, and control to the business. No wonder that Gartner forecasts enterprise browser management adoption to become widespread by 2030.
Four benefits of using SASE and a secure browser
Together, these two technologies help organizations achieve benefits that include:
- Real-time detection and prevention – These combined technologies detect and prevent highly evasive threats faster. A network security platform uses AI-powered, real-time network traffic analysis to detect threats in-line. It assists security teams with staying on top of emerging cyber threats so they can confidently halt unknown, known, and zero-day threats.
- End-to-end network protection – Gain expanded network real-time security utilizing all aspects of SASE SSE, SD-WAN, and secure browser, covering cloud and on-premises infrastructures, branch locations, industrial sites and remote users.
- Easier operations and management – SASE and a secure browser empower security teams to manage the whole network security environment from one location. This enables enhanced visibility and control over each environment, device, app, and user.
- Secure AI adoption – Limit organizational risk by giving employees the opportunity to access public genAI apps while blocking the ability to expose sensitive company data.
Enabling productivity and security
As hybrid and remote work options persist, companies must find ways to enable work while keeping their networks and everyone on them safe. After all, BYOD employees work, on average, two additional hours per day and send 20 more emails. Modern businesses can reap the benefits of BYOD by implementing SASE and a secure web browser.
With centralized management, Prisma Access Browser simplifies operations and provides comprehensive oversight of all traffic. As the only SASE solution with a natively integrated secure browser, Prisma SASE 3.0 sets a new standard for security, enhancing user experience and reducing costs and complexity. The missing piece of SASE is now generally available.
Don’t stay behind the threats in your browser. Book a demo today.
Read More from This Article: Securing BYOD with secure browser and SASE
Source: News