This article explores how the core design principles of mainstream browsers have pushed cyber security professionals to look at other solutions to improve security and visibility. The new category of enterprise browsers emerges as a key enabling technology for protecting sensitive data, enabling business productivity, and mitigating cyber threats.
We will explore the importance of enterprise browsers, the benefits of using them, and which key features should be included in an enterprise browser as you evaluate it for use in a corporate environment.
We All Understand the Vulnerabilities of Traditional Browsers
The browser is the most widely used application in enterprises. However, it is important to recognize that the browser is not typically considered an enterprise application.
It is widely known by cyber security professionals that any browser, including the most common examples like Chrome, Firefox, and Safari, is frequently the first target in cyber security attacks. Malicious actors look to exploit unpatched vulnerabilities or manipulate users into taking actions that open the door for attacks.
Phishing, malware, and ransomware attacks all rely on the ubiquity of the web browser and take advantage of a user's momentary lack of vigilance to hijack credentials or gain unauthorized access to sensitive data.
The core problem is that mainstream browsers often lack enterprise-aware security features and configurations, making it easier for cyber criminals to exploit vulnerabilities and compromise systems. For example, a common browser may not detect a spoofed phishing site and prevent the user from submitting their credentials. Mainstream browsers offer limited, if any, capabilities to stop data leakage and freely allow data to leave the browser through downloads, screenshots, or simple copy & paste.
Therefore, organizations often build layers upon layers of security measures around the browser, creating a complex and fragile security stack that can burden security teams and disrupt productivity. "We haven't rethought how we access web properties, SaaS properties, and cloud properties in almost 20 years. We just layer on more technology. If you're using a consumer product for business that hasn't been rethought in 20 years, you can imagine the technical debt, complexity and challenges that have now started to rain on this environment." Mike Fey, Co-Founder & CEO of Island.
Instead of surrounding a consumer-oriented browser with layers of enterprise security tools, enterprise browsers present a welcome alternative. By choosing a browser that’s designed for the enterprise, with integrated security and data protections at its core, organizations can achieve their security goals without burdening their security teams or interrupting end-user workflows.
Benefits of using enterprise browsers for organizations
Using enterprise browsers offers several benefits for organizations in terms of cyber security. These benefits lead to:
- Enhanced data protection: Enterprise browsers provide advanced security features that help protect sensitive data from unauthorized access or leakage. You have the power to shape how users engage with your applications and data through policies defined by your company.
- Improved threat detection and prevention: With built-in threat detection mechanisms, enterprise browsers can identify and block potential cyber threats, reducing the risk of phishing attacks, malware infections, and data breaches.
- Simplified management: Centralized management capabilities of enterprise browsers allow organizations to streamline browser configuration, enforce security policies, and monitor browsing activities, resulting in improved operational efficiency.
A good enterprise browser should allow you to have complete control over the browser's behavior and gain full visibility into all activities happening within the browser. This is in addition to also providing users with a familiar experience that is secure and optimized for all work-related tasks. However, this is just the tip of what a good enterprise browser should entail.
Key Features of Enterprise Browsers that Enhance Security
Enterprise browsers should be designed to integrate seamlessly with the organization's current systems to provide a powerful tool enhancing their cyber security measures. Features you should look for when selecting an enterprise level browser include:
Integration with Your Identity Stack: By verifying the user's identity, including multi-factor authentication challenges, these browsers ensure a seamless and secure authentication process, allowing users to access sensitive information and systems. An enterprise browser should evaluate other factors, like device posture, geolocation, and network connection to make access decisions.
Advanced Threat Protection: Enterprise browsers incorporate advanced threat detection and prevention mechanisms, such as web categorization and risk scoring, anti-phishing protections, malware scanning, and tamper-proof local storage.
Secure Sandboxing: These browsers utilize sandboxing technology to isolate web applications, preventing them from accessing critical system resources and reducing the risk of malware infections.
Data Control: Ability to provide granular control over the data that’s displayed and how it can be used. Organizations can define specific policies and restrictions to ensure that sensitive information is accessed and shared securely, reducing the risk of data leakage and overly-permissive access.
Built-In ZTNA: Enterprise browsers often bundle features like Zero Trust Network Access (ZTNA) to enable secure access to private applications or resources. Delivering ZTNA as part of an enterprise browser simplifies deployment and ongoing management for zero trust access.
Device Management: The enterprise browser should offer device management capabilities to aid in IT planning and incident response. For example, it should offer a full inventory of every device where the enterprise browser is installed and allow for immediate revocation of access for any device that’s lost, stolen, or compromised.
Designed to Cooperate with Enterprise Systems and Controls: One of the primary features of a strong enterprise browser is its intentional design to cooperate with enterprise systems and controls. Unlike mainstream browsers, which are designed for personal use at home, enterprise browsers should integrate and extend other platforms like Security Information and Event Management (SIEM), Endpoint Detection and Response (EDR), secure cloud storage platforms, and more. Look for an enterprise browser that offers a full API for custom integrations as well.
Native DLP and PAM: Enterprise browsers should offer built-in Data Loss Prevention (DLP) and Privileged Access Management (PAM). Since the browser is the place where most data sharing and sensitive application access takes place, it’s the natural place to implement these practices.
Incorporating An Organization's Identity: From a branding perspective, enterprise browsers should offer a tailored experience that aligns with the company's identity and brand. At the same time, the enterprise browser should leverage a familiar user experience and rendering engine aligned with other popular browsers to make a painless transition for users.
Conclusion
The advantages of utilizing enterprise browsers are clear: enhanced data protection, improved threat detection, and simplified management through centralized controls. An ideal enterprise browser should provide complete control, ensuring security without compromising user experience, along with robust features like advanced threat protection, secure sandboxing, and granular data control.
The key features include seamless integration with enterprise systems, alignment with identity stacks, and interoperability with security tools. These browsers should strive to embody the balance between user familiarity and improved security.
