The advent of cloud computing and digital transformation has fundamentally changed the landscape of conventional network security solutions. With the capabilities offered by the cloud and the Internet, users are now able to communicate globally, use SaaS applications from anywhere in the world, and tap into knowledge resources that enhance their core business operations.
This evolution has introduced a plethora of new functionalities for end users. Consequently, the web browser has emerged as the central hub for contemporary enterprises. It acts as a critical junction between on-premises systems and cloud platforms, granting users access to an array of online resources—from managed external SaaS applications to unauthorised apps and websites—alongside internal enterprise applications.
However, this increased accessibility through browsing also exposes organisational systems to various risks. The browser can be a conduit for data security breaches, including incidents involving data leakage to shadow SaaS services, unmanaged devices, or risks associated with human error while using web browsers.
Comprehensive Guide to Browser Security Solutions for Businesses
Web-based threats, such as malware injections, phishing scams, and harmful exploits, significantly contribute to breaches within enterprises. While website sessions are crucial for business operations, they also pose a security vulnerability. This is where browser security becomes essential. A robust browser security platform safeguards users and sensitive information from various risks, including data leakage, data exfiltration, malware attacks, ransomware incidents, phishing schemes, unintentional data exposure, and other malicious threats.
Understanding Browser Security for Businesses: Functionality Overview
Modern enterprises often utilise solutions like forwarding proxies and Cloud Access Security Brokers (CASB) to protect their web traffic. However, these options typically offer limited protection rather than comprehensive end-to-end security at a detailed level. In contrast, a dedicated browser security platform secures traffic directly from the browser endpoint itself, allowing for thorough inspection, monitoring, and governance of web activity.
Capabilities
The browser security solution offers three essential functions:
1. Secure Access Enforcement: Actively blocks dangerous user behaviours within the browser that could jeopardise applications, devices, and data, often achieved through policy implementation.
2. Risk Detection: Evaluate all user interactions and web sessions, identifying irregularities that may signal potential risks during browsing activities.
3. Visibility and Monitoring: Provides detailed oversight of all online activities across various websites, sessions, and data transfers.
Advantages
Transform the browser into a safeguarded and controllable environment for security experts. Safeguard enterprise legacy systems, data, and devices against threats originating from the web, browsing vulnerabilities, and insider risks. Enhance transparency regarding user behaviour during web browsing. Ensure a positive user experience with specific solutions. Implement zero trust principles within the browser environment. Protect both managed and unmanaged devices from external threats as well as third-party risks.
Local Browser Isolation Tools are designed to separate browsing activities within virtual environments or adjust browser performance on the fly. This approach helps contain potential attacks and prevents exploits, remote code execution, and malware downloads from affecting the device’s actual operating system and file system. Advantages include strong protection against browser vulnerabilities, while disadvantages involve a subpar user experience and diminished browsing security features.
Here’s a compilation of notable Browser Security Solution Providers suitable for enterprises:
– LayerX Security
– ManageEngine Browser Security Plus
– Island
– Talon
– SlashNext
– Seraphic Security
– Grip Security
– Perception Point
– Checkpoint Harmony Endpoint
LayerX Security
LayerX Security is ideal for organisations needing a complete browser security solution that works with any browser. It protects users without affecting their productivity or privacy.
LayerX is a security platform that monitors browsing activity in real time across all browsers. It uses advanced AI to analyse web sessions, spot risks, and enforce secure browsing. This allows employees to access any web resource safely, protecting them from various online threats.
LayerX offers detailed monitoring and risk analysis, giving security teams clear visibility into user activities without disrupting user experience or privacy. This supports companies in adopting a cloud-first approach.
Features include:
– Creating and enforcing usage policies for different SaaS applications based on roles, locations, and security risks.
– Isolating suspicious web pages and files to block malware.
– Scanning web pages for malicious content using AI.
– Monitoring user activities on websites and SaaS applications.
– Preventing account takeovers by managing access and monitoring for credential theft.
– Enhancing email and endpoint security.
– Improving authentication and authorisation.
– Restricting data interactions.
– Supporting both managed and unmanaged devices.
Verdict: LayerX is a robust browser security platform that helps security teams monitor and manage user activities across all browsers while ensuring productivity and privacy.
ManageEngine Browser Security Plus
ManageEngine Browser Security Plus is powerful software that protects your systems from various threats, such as viruses, ransomware, phishing, Trojans, and watering hole attacks. It secures and manages multiple browsers across your network, giving you complete visibility into browser usage trends.
You can enforce security settings for different browsers and control access to browser-based applications.
Features:
– Detect and manage browser vulnerabilities
– Enforce security settings
– Gain complete visibility into browser add-ons and usage
– Control browser plugins, sites, and extensions
Verdict:
ManageEngine Browser Security Plus is an excellent tool for IT administrators to protect sensitive data from cyber-attacks. It provides everything you need to secure and manage different browsers from one console.
Island
Island is a custom enterprise browser designed for organisations that want to control their browser usage. It is based on Chromium and allows for customisation of both its features and appearance.
Key Features
– Create usage policies for employees and third parties.
– Monitor user activities and incidents.
– Customize the browser’s look, workflow, and code.
– Support for both managed and unmanaged devices.
– Manage privileged user accounts.
– Integrate anti-malware and isolation technology before encryption.
– Compatible with Explorer.
Conclusion
Island is a leading choice in the enterprise browser category, especially for large organisations. Its robust features give businesses complete control over their browser, though it does create some dependency on the vendor.
Talon
Talon is designed for organisations that want to use an Enterprise browser for unmanaged devices.
Solution Type
Talon is a Chromium-based enterprise browser. It keeps website traffic secure at the device level and works with Identity Providers to facilitate user onboarding and policy enforcement.
Features
– Data loss prevention: Encrypt files to stop sensitive information from being shared or stored on devices.
– Activity restrictions: Limits what users can do.
– URL filtering: Blocks harmful websites and enhances safe browsing.
– Scanning engine: Prevents the use of malicious files.
– Zero trust verification: Ensures only trusted users can access resources.
– Third-party browsing monitoring: Keeps track of external browsing activities.
– Device hygiene checks: Ensures devices are secure and compliant.
Conclusion
Talon is a tool that helps keep unmanaged devices secure by using a custom browser.
SlashNext
Best for protecting against new phishing sites.
Solution Type: Browser-Agnostic security platform.
SlashNext protects organisations from spear-phishing and human hacking. It detects new phishing threats by analysing billions of URLs daily using virtual browsers and machine learning.
Features:
– Multi-Vector Protection
– Phishing protection across all channels
– Handles encryption challenges
– Works with all major browsers
– Designed for enterprise users
– Includes SlashNext Endpoint Management System
– Offers multiple deployment options
Verdict: A cloud-based protection solution for all browsers, focused on keeping users safe from new phishing sites.
Seraphic Security
Seraphic Security is designed to protect older and unpatched browsers from attacks. It is a local browser isolation tool that runs as a lightweight agent in browsers. This tool helps monitor all browser activities to guard against exploits, social engineering, and web application vulnerabilities. It also enforces security policies.
Features:
– Prevents exploitation by creating a barrier between JavaScript code and its engine.
– Detects harmful code behaviour.
– Analyzes web pages to find unusual or suspicious activities.
– Prevents data loss by scanning files, limiting user actions, and adding watermarks.
– Keeps audit logs.
– Provides dynamic analysis and scoring.
– Supports older browsers.
Verdict: Seraphic focuses on stopping browser exploits, which are uncommon attacks. However, it lacks detailed management and analysis features that organisations need to identify browsing risks.
Grip Security
Solution Type: Browser-Agnostic Platform
Grip Security helps identify risks in SaaS, such as shadow SaaS, unused accounts, and misuse of cloud apps. It prioritises risks and implements policies to prevent security issues.
Key Features:
– Focus on corporate identities and accounts.
– Detects SaaS risks and analyses threats.
– Retains data for ten years.
– Prioritizes risks.
– Allows customisable security and data policies.
– Strengthens authentication.
– Provides visibility into user activities, app usage, and data metrics without invading privacy.
– Controls versions and applications.
Verdict: Grip Security is excellent for ensuring visibility and secure access to SaaS apps. However, it may not offer as many features as some other browser security platforms.
Perception Point Web Security
Best for isolating browsers from threats and malware.
Solution Type: Local browser isolation
Perception Point provides a local browser isolation solution that detects threats and blocks phishing sites and harmful file downloads. It also protects enterprise web apps from third parties and unmanaged devices.
Features:
– Browser isolation
– Protection for enterprise web apps
– Prevention of phishing
– Blocking access to web threats, including zero-day vulnerabilities
– Cloud-based solution
Verdict: Perception Point’s solutions result from acquiring Hysolate, which is integrated with its phishing detection. However, its web isolation approach has not gained popularity due to its negative impact on user experience.
Checkpoint Harmony Endpoint
This solution is best for current Checkpoint EDR customers.
Solution Type:
It works on any browser.
Description:
This endpoint solution protects against ransomware, phishing, and malware attacks by automatically detecting and responding to threats.
Features:
– Automated detection and fixing of issues
– Behavioral analysis using machine learning
– Automated analysis of forensic data
– Complete containment and remediation of attacks
Verdict:
This is an older solution designed to support existing Checkpoint EDR customers.
Conclusion
A browser security solution helps businesses protect themselves from online threats and browsing dangers. With this solution, users can benefit from web browsing while avoiding risks like data leaks, malware, ransomware, and phishing. This article reviewed eight browser security solutions, which fall into three categories:
1. Browser-Agnostic Platforms: LayerX, Slashnext, Grip Security, Checkpoint Harmony Endpoint.
2. Custom Browsers: Island, Talon.
3. Local Browser Isolation: Seraphic Security, Perception Point.
When choosing a browser security solution, consider these five key points:
1. Relevant Security Scope: The solution should be able to detect and protect against current web threats, not just old ones.
2. High Employee Productivity: The solution should allow employees to browse the internet easily, as they did before.
3. Zero User Experience Impact: Choose a solution that works smoothly for employees, allowing them to use familiar tools without delays.
4. User Privacy Protection: Ensure that employee privacy is protected and that sensitive information does not leave their devices.
5. Simple Deployment: Look for a solution that is easy to set up. This will help avoid resistance from employees and make it easier for security teams to promote its use.
Maxthon
In the realm of online enterprise, the Maxthon Browser emerges as a remarkably secure and trustworthy choice. It utilises sophisticated encryption techniques and anti-phishing measures to safeguard your personal and financial information against various threats. A notable aspect of Maxthon is its robust ad blocker, which proficiently removes intrusive advertisements, creating a more seamless and concentrated browsing experience. Additionally, it features a robust privacy mode tailored to shield sensitive data from prying eyes. This protective layer ensures that unauthorised individuals cannot access your information.
Maxthon’s robust privacy mode stands as a formidable barrier between your sensitive information and unwanted scrutiny. This feature acts like an impenetrable shield, meticulously designed to guard against any unauthorised access to your data.
In our modern digital landscape, where cyber threats lurk at every corner, such protection is not just convenient; it is essential. When navigating the vast expanse of the internet, each click can potentially expose personal details to prying eyes. The need for robust security measures has never been more pressing.
With Maxthon’s privacy mode, users can browse with an enhanced sense of security. It diligently prevents tracking by third-party advertisers and keeps your browsing history hidden from potential snoopers.
This level of protection allows users to explore freely, knowing their activities are concealed from anyone who might wish to invade their privacy. As concerns about data breaches and online surveillance continue to grow, tools like Maxthon become not just beneficial – they transform into vital safeguards in our daily lives.
Ultimately, Maxthon empowers users with peace of mind while they navigate the complexities of the digital world, helping them maintain control over their personal information amidst increasing security risks.
Moreover, Maxthon’s integrated ad blocker not only boosts browsing speed but also helps preserve user anonymity. Together, these features form an all-encompassing security system that empowers users to navigate the web with confidence while keeping their personal information secure.
In our current digital age, dealing with unwanted advertisements can be both annoying and disruptive. Ad blockers excel at eliminating these bothersome ads, allowing users to enjoy an uninterrupted browsing experience without squandering valuable bandwidth on unnecessary distractions. Beyond simply blocking ads, these tools play a significant role in enhancing online safety by reducing the likelihood of encountering harmful content. Ultimately, Maxthon enriches the online experience by prioritising user safety and data protection above all else.