In today’s age, where hybrid and web-centric work is the new norm, ensuring the security of our digital workspaces has become paramount. Cyber threats are on an exponential rise, targeting not only businesses but also individuals. In this landscape, Remote Browser Isolation (RBI) emerges as a game-changing solution to bolster digital workspace security as you switch from ‘identify and eliminate’ to ‘isolate and ignore’ improving your protection level from web based malware to ‘near 100%’.
The Need for Enhanced Security
The digital workspace has transformed the way we work, offering flexibility and efficiency in tools and even location we work from. However, this shift has also increased our exposed attack surface and made us more vulnerable to cyberattacks. Phishing attempts, malware, and malicious websites lurk on the internet, waiting to compromise our data and systems. Traditional security measures, while essential, often fall short in providing comprehensive protection and limit our productivity as they operate by limiting what we can access to mitigate risk.
What Is Remote Browser Isolation?
Remote Browser Isolation is a cutting-edge security technology that isolates web browsing activities from the local environment. When users access websites from their browser or click on links, instead of rendering web content directly on their devices, RBI redirects these activities to a remote, isolated session. Users interact with the web content remotely, and only safe, sanitized information is sent back to their devices.
Benefits of RBI:
1. Protect from (un)known Web-Based Threats: RBI acts as a shield, preventing malicious code from reaching user devices. Even if a user accidentally stumbles upon a malicious website, the threat remains contained within the isolated environment.
2. Enhance User Productivity and Experience: With RBI, web content is processed on powerful servers, reducing the strain on local devices. RBI even allows remote access to company internal websites without the need of VPN or 3rd party protocols. Finally RBI also allows you to eliminate web site blacklisting as every site becomes ‘equally safe’.
3. Simplified Endpoint Management and Security: By isolating web activity, RBI reduces the attack surface of endpoints. As RBI does not require any local agent to be installed it simplifies endpoint security management and lowers the risk of breaches.
4. Flexible Endpoint Strategy will Lower Cost: As all your web-based work and security is managed through RBI you may open your device strategy to new concepts without additional risk – BYOD, Chromebook, Shared device, Access from a Hotel Convenience Terminal or even a Smart TV … it makes no difference.
5. Improve Compliance & Privacy (GDPR/DSGVO): With remote execution of active web content and document transfer policies available within RBI all upload and download of documents may be restricted, eliminating not only security risks but also data theft.
Sample Use Cases
While many people still have not heard of RBI, market adoption is on a strong rise as use-cases and deployment benefits are so obvious.
Improve productivity and flexibility enabling users for risk-free access to any website from any device and place – while keeping control of what documents may be up- or downloaded
Access defined company internal web service from any place – without the need of a client configuration or VPN – for employees but also for external partners, contractors or as part of a M&A situation
WorkOnAnyDevice allows instant work after loss of device or a corporate emergency – but also opens saving potentials with BYOD
Implementing RBI
Deploying RBI in your digital workspace involves a few key steps:
Assessment: Identify your organization’s specific security needs and the web browsing habits and demands of your users.
Set Security Standards: Define what existing security standards may be adapted due to RBI (e.g. Blacklisting, BYOD) and which users to participate (all or just specific groups/individuals)
Deploy RBI Solution: Define what components you want to operate yourself and what to consume from a service provider. Integrate the infrastructure with your network to ensure a seamless user experience.
Notify & Educate Users: Instruct users on the usage of the solution – but keep up also general Cybersecurity Training to keep users sensitive on their web behaviour.
Conclusion
Remote Browser Isolation is a powerful tool in the arsenal of digital workspace security. It offers protection against web-based threats, enhances productivity, reduces data compliance issue and simplifies security management. In a world where the internet is both a boon and a potential hazard, RBI provides the safety net needed to navigate the digital landscape securely.
By adopting RBI and following best practices, organizations can safeguard their data, maintain user productivity, and stay one step ahead of cyber threats in the ever-evolving digital workspace.