Cloud Access Security Broker
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41%
Employees use applications not visible to IT departments (source: Gartner)
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11%
Unauthorized use of a SaaS solution is at the root of most cyber incidents (source: Kasperksy)
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76%
of SMEs consider Shadow IT to be a security risk (source: Capterra)
The CASB acts as an intermediary between the user and cloud service providers, guaranteeing enhanced security. It enables security policies to be applied, user activity to be supervised and abnormal behavior to be detected, while offering complete visibility over the use of cloud services. This ability to centralize and secure access to the cloud makes it a key element in corporate security strategy.
CASB addresses several crucial issues in the management of cloud environments. The first is visibility. In a multi-cloud or hybrid environment, it's difficult to keep precise track of which cloud applications are being used, and how data flows through them. CASB helps to overcome this difficulty by providing an overview of authorized and unauthorized cloud applications (Shadow IT).
The second challenge is compliance. Companies need to ensure that their activities comply with local and international data protection regulations (such as the RGPD). CASB helps enforce strict compliance rules and ensure that data stored in the cloud meets these standards.
Another major challenge addressed by CASB is securing sensitive data. The cloud offers many advantages, but also exposes companies to increased risks of data exfiltration and cyber-attacks. CASB protects critical information, limiting its exposure to unauthorized third parties and detecting any malicious activity. In this way, CASB enables companies to adopt cloud solutions while minimizing the risks to their data.
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Precise visibility of SaaS application usageOne of the major advantages of a CASB solution is the in-depth visibility it offers over the use of SaaS applications within the enterprise. CASB enables real-time monitoring of all connections and transactions between users and these applications, whether authorized or not. This not only provides a clear view of which applications are most frequently used, but also enables the detection of any vulnerabilities, anomalies or risky behavior. This visibility is essential for proactive security management, and helps improve compliance with regulations and corporate policies.
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Securing application useCASB enables access control policies to be applied based on context, such as geolocation, device used or user behavior, while ensuring strong authentication. In addition, it incorporates intrusion detection and behavioral analysis mechanisms that can prevent attacks or data breaches in real time. As a result, the company benefits from enhanced control over who accesses what, and under what conditions, thus reducing the risks associated with cyber-attacks or human error.
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Optimizing usage costsWith clear visibility of the applications used within the enterprise, IT managers can easily identify duplicates, under-utilized licenses or unauthorized applications that unnecessarily increase expenditure. CASB helps rationalize the use of SaaS services by encouraging better resource management, deactivating unnecessary subscriptions or consolidating redundant applications. What's more, the ability to accurately track costs per application and per user means that contracts and licenses can be adjusted in line with actual needs, reducing unnecessary expenditure while maintaining productivity and security.