What is the purpose of a Cloud Access Security Broker (CASB)?

The purpose of a Cloud Access Security Broker (CASB) is to provide secure access to cloud services. CASBs serve as intermediaries between cloud service users and cloud service providers, ensuring that organizational security policies are enforced consistently across diverse cloud environments. They play a critical role in offering visibility into cloud application usage, implementing security controls, and ensuring compliance with regulatory requirements.

By providing secure access, CASBs enable organizations to harness the benefits of cloud technologies while safeguarding sensitive data and protecting against threats. They often include features such as data encryption, access controls, threat detection, and activity monitoring. These functionalities help mitigate risks associated with using cloud services, such as data breaches and unauthorized access. This supportive layer of security is essential for maintaining a secure cloud infrastructure in today's digital landscape, making secure access the central function of a CASB.