Modern web browsers have undergone a major transformation in recent years, becoming essential tools in today’s digital age. They facilitate online communications and offer unparalleled productivity, especially as organizations move to hybrid work models and adopt cloud-based operations. Unfortunately, security infrastructure has not evolved as quickly as expected, making these browsers more vulnerable to attacks.
However, the Secure Access Service Edge (SASE) framework presents a unique opportunity for enterprises. Its holistic approach to cybersecurity brings together wide area network and security services into a unified, cloud-delivered platform. Incorporating enterprise browsers into a SASE architecture enhances security by providing stronger, more comprehensive protection tailored to the unique challenges of modern web usage.
Web application usage reaches a tipping point
in spite of Approximately 85-100% Most of the work that takes place within web browsers is so under-secured that many companies are not prepared to deal with the threats. In fact, a recent study found that: Palo Alto Networks Survey95% of respondents reported experiencing browser-based attacks such as account takeover or malicious extensions in the past 12 months, a concern that becomes even more acute when you consider that enterprises already operate around 370 web and SaaS applications. 50% increase Application usage over the next 24 months.
An influx of vulnerable browsers and applications can have serious consequences for businesses, including data breaches, financial losses, and reputational damage. For example, account takeovers can lead to unauthorized access to sensitive information, allowing attackers to steal data or disrupt business operations. Malicious browser extensions can introduce malware, exfiltrate data, or provide a backdoor for further attacks. Data breaches can also lead to regulatory penalties, loss of customer trust, and significant financial costs associated with remediation and recovery efforts.
As these threats become more sophisticated, the potential impact to an enterprise becomes more severe, requiring a more sophisticated and comprehensive security strategy. Enterprise browser-based SASE can detect and prevent threats as they occur, in real time, in the browser. Advanced threat intelligence and machine learning algorithms detect anomalies, phishing attacks, malicious file uploads and downloads, and malware infections. Such threats require a proactive security approach that addresses potential issues before your network is compromised.
Hybrid work models and personal device challenges
The shift to a hybrid work model has led to the widespread use of personal devices to access corporate applications. Approximately 90% of organizations allow employees to access some corporate applications and data from their personal devices. However, personal devices do not have the same strict security controls as corporate devices, making them ideal targets for cyber attacks. 80 and more 50% of successful ransomware attacks originate from these unmanaged devices.
SASE is Zero Trust PrinciplesEnsure all access to SaaS, web, and GenAI apps is authenticated and authorized. Zero Trust Network Access It continuously validates users and devices before granting access to corporate applications, significantly reducing the risk of unauthorized access and data leakage. By extending SASE protection through the enterprise browser, personal devices can achieve the same level of security as corporate-managed devices.
Phishing attacks and organizational vulnerabilities
Phishing remains a pervasive threat. 94% of organizations Similar incidents have occurred over the past year, and strengthening your defenses against these threats is essential to protecting sensitive data and keeping your organization resilient.
SASE automatically detects and filters phishing. By scanning links, websites, and files, SASE can identify and block phishing websites and other attempts. In addition, SASE’s data loss prevention (DLP) capabilities monitor data flow and enforce policies to prevent unauthorized data transfers from the SaaS service side after a successful phishing attack, preventing sensitive information from leaking. In this way, DLP minimizes the impact to critical data, even in the event of a successful phishing attack.
The economic impact of threats to unmanaged devices
Securing your modern browser isn’t just about protecting your data; it’s about protecting your organization’s bottom line. Nearly one-third of businesses say losses due to poorly managed or unmanaged devices have a greater financial cost and business impact than all other security incidents. Even more troubling, despite all the tools available to address cybersecurity challenges, 53% of organizations They expressed a lack of confidence in their ability to address security issues with unmanaged or poorly managed devices.
An enhanced device security and management strategy is essential to mitigate the financial and operational impact of these threats. A SASE solution significantly reduces the risk of costly breaches and strengthens your overall security posture.
Future trends and considerations
The mismatch between growing web browser usage and stagnating security practices highlights the need for urgent action. Future trends indicate an increased reliance on AI-driven security practices, highlighting the importance of combining security tools within a unified SASE platform.
By integrating enterprise browsers into a SASE framework, organizations benefit from unified visibility across all devices, managed and unmanaged AI-powered security from app to browser, and improved ease of use with the ability to apply a single policy across all apps in a unified console.
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