Technology has really revolutionized the way we do business today. Many companies and businesses have moved from storing data in hard and soft copies to having cloud-based services. In a cloud-based service, information and data are stored, maintained, controlled and made available to the users by a cloud computing provider.
Even though software developers strive to ensure that cloud servers remain secure and free from vulnerabilities, security challenges still occur. This is why you need the services of a Cloud Access Security Broker.
Who is a Cloud Access Security Broker?
A Cloud Access Security Broker (CASB) is a security enforcement software tool or service that is placed between a cloud service consumer and the cloud service provider to help the organization monitor and enforce security policies.
CASB has well-defined policies that strengthen the privacy and security of the data in your cloud-based environment. This ensures that there is no unauthorized access to documents. CASB solutions will also provide real-time surveillance to safeguard your business from data leaks and breach of confidentiality.
Generally, a CASB can deliver three types of services. These are security, management or both. Let’s look at the 3 types of cloud access security brokers.
1. Governing Cloud Usage CASB
Cloud service governance can be defined as the application of specific policies and principles in the use of cloud computing services. Cloud service governance secures remotely located applications and data.
Governing cloud usage services entails checking the small details behind what every user does and the access you give to them. Governing cloud usage is more advanced than just allowing access and blocking user’s activities. You will find more info here on how to use this service to protect your company’s data.
2. Securing Data CASB
If your company’s data transitions between the network and the cloud very often, then you definitely need to secure your data. CASB that delivers security should be placed in the path of data access separating the users and the cloud to prevent vulnerabilities.
CASB can also reduce the risk of data getting lost or exposed during the transitions. Many businesses today have adopted the Bring Your Own Device (BYOD) strategy and this can be very risky especially if employees download sensitive work data into their personal computers. You can use this CASB service to protect your data onsite, for specific devices and remote use.
If a device is lost or stolen, your sensitive data stored in that device would be at risk of getting exposed or lost because it lacks encryption. However, CASB can detect any unauthorized entries attempting to access your cloud application and block the access attempt immediately.
3. Threat Protection
Malware and hacking based attacks are becoming more sophisticated by the day. As an entrepreneur, you need an advanced security solution to protect your sensitive data from threats.
A Cloud Access Security Broker that delivers threat protection will ensure that you receive full visibility of cloud services, encrypted connections and data awareness to automatically recognize and handle security flaws. With CASB, your data and systems will be protected regardless of where the attack originates from.
