What is the primary role of a cloud access security broker (CASB)?

The primary role of a cloud access security broker (CASB) is to enforce security policies between cloud service consumers and providers. CASBs serve as intermediaries that facilitate secure access and interaction between the users and the cloud services they utilize. They provide visibility and control over the usage of cloud applications, allowing organizations to monitor and enforce data security policies.

This includes functions like data encryption, activity monitoring, and threat protection, which are crucial for safeguarding sensitive information within the cloud environment. Additionally, CASBs address compliance concerns by ensuring that the security measures in place align with established standards and regulations.

Other roles included in the options, such as managing hardware resources, overseeing local network access, and ensuring compliance with on-premise regulations, do not align with the specific functions of a CASB. A CASB focuses primarily on the security of data in the cloud, rather than on physical resource management or local network issues.