Top 10 CASB Solutions for 2024

In 2024, Cloud Access Security Brokers (CASBs) remain vital for securing cloud applications and preventing data loss. Below, we review the top 10 CASB solutions, drawing insights from G2 and Gartner reviews.

CASB Use-Cases

1. Visibility into Cloud Usage

• CASBs provide granular visibility into which cloud applications are being used, how they’re being used, and by whom. This helps organizations track shadow IT and ensure that only approved apps are accessed.

2. Data Loss Prevention (DLP)

• A CASB ensures that sensitive data (e.g., PII, financial data, etc.) is not shared or leaked to unauthorized users or external parties through cloud applications. They can scan content for sensitive information and apply encryption, redaction, or blocking.

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3. Threat Protection

• CASBs can detect and respond to abnormal behaviors, such as a compromised account accessing large amounts of sensitive data or performing unauthorized activities. This involves identifying malware, ransomware, or insider threats within cloud applications.

4. Compliance Monitoring

• CASBs help organizations comply with regulatory standards like GDPR, HIPAA, PCI-DSS, etc., by ensuring that data is handled, shared, and stored in compliance with these regulations across cloud services.

5. Access Control and Identity Management

• CASBs enable organizations to enforce strict access policies based on user role, device, location, or other factors. For instance, users can be allowed to view certain data from secure locations but blocked from downloading it from public networks.

6. BYOD (Bring Your Own Device) Protection

• With the increasing use of personal devices for work, CASBs can ensure that data accessed via non-corporate devices is secured, controlling actions like downloads, uploads, or sharing sensitive data.

7. Monitoring and Managing API Use

• CASBs monitor how APIs are used by applications and users to access cloud services. They ensure secure API connections and prevent unauthorized or risky API usage.

8. SaaS and Cloud Security

• CASBs protect against unintended sharing of sensitive data via collaboration platforms like Google Drive, Slack, or Microsoft Teams, ensuring that data isn’t accidentally shared with external users.

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9. Control Over SaaS, PaaS, and IaaS

• CASBs offer security for all types of cloud services—whether it's software, platform, or infrastructure as a service—by providing governance over the data and applications used in these environments.

20. GenAI and Data Protection

• With the rise of generative AI models, CASBs help control what data is fed into these models, ensuring sensitive customer or business data is not used to train AI without proper safeguards.

1. Strac CASB

Pros:

• Real-time sensitive data discovery & protection for SaaS, Cloud apps & endpoint devices
• Along side Data Discovery (DSPM), Strac CASB provides all DLP (Data Loss Prevention) remediation capabilities like redaction, labeling, blocking, alerting, deleting
• Quick (10 minute) integration for all SaaS, Cloud apps

  

Cons:

• Large-scale environments may require additional resources for deployment​

Best for: Companies looking for a flexible, scalable CASB solution that covers SaaS, cloud, and endpoints.

2. Netskope CASB

Pros:

• Extensive support for cloud apps like Office 365 and Box.
• Granular controls and DLP capabilities with machine learning integration.
• Real-time visibility for shadow IT and detailed threat protection​(TrustRadius)​

Cons:

• Steep learning curve, particularly for new users.
• Issues with IP addresses, affecting performance in some regions​(Twingate: It's time to ditch your VPN

Best for: Large enterprises with complex multi-cloud environments.

3. Microsoft Defender for Cloud Apps

Pros:

• Seamless integration with Microsoft tools like Azure and Office 365.
• Excellent reporting and data protection for Microsoft environments.

Cons:

• Limited support for non-Microsoft platforms.
• Azure AD dependency makes setup complex​(Strac)​

Best for: Organizations that primarily use Microsoft cloud services.

4. Cisco Cloudlock

Pros:

• Comprehensive DLP with low false-positive rates.
• Strong integration with G-Suite and other cloud platforms​(Strac)​

Cons:

• User interface can be challenging to navigate.
• Limited integration with non-Cisco tools​

Best for: Companies already invested in Cisco infrastructure.

5. Palo Alto Networks Prisma Cloud

Pros:

• Wide cloud platform support and excellent SaaS protection.
• Real-time threat protection and anomaly detection​

Cons:

• High complexity during implementation.
• Expensive pricing models for small to medium businesses​

Best for: Enterprises with large-scale, multi-cloud environments looking for robust threat detection.

6. Symantec CloudSOC

Pros:

• Strong DLP capabilities across structured and unstructured data.
• Advanced threat protection with machine learning​

Cons:

• Needs better troubleshooting support.
• Issues with data classification lead to false positives​

Best for: Companies dealing with large datasets and hybrid environments.

7. Forcepoint CASB

Pros:

• Strong shadow IT discovery and real-time behavior monitoring.
• High scalability and availability due to AWS integration​(Forcepoint)​(Comparitech)

Cons:

• Customer support falls short of expectations.
• Implementation process can be time-consuming​

Best for: Enterprises with a focus on shadow IT and user behavior analytics.

8. Proofpoint CASB

Pros:

• Excellent threat protection, particularly for Microsoft 365.
• Comprehensive visibility across 46,000 apps with strong API integration​

Cons:

• Prone to false alarms.
• Higher pricing compared to competitors​

Best for: Businesses looking for top-tier threat detection and phishing protection.

9. Lookout CASB

Pros:

• Strong protection for sensitive data with zero-trust integration.
• Historical data scanning for open file shares​(Strac)

Cons:

• High cost for small to medium-sized businesses.
• Limited flexibility for unsanctioned apps​(Strac)

Best for: Regulated industries needing stringent data protection.

10. iboss CASB

Pros:

• Zero-trust model with strong cloud integration.
• Comprehensive reporting and visibility​(Strac)

Cons:

• Expensive for smaller businesses.
• Learning curve for new users​(Strac)

Best for: Organizations focusing on zero-trust security and cloud adoption.

Conclusion

Each CASB solution in this list offers unique strengths, making them ideal for different business needs. Netskope and Palo Alto Networks excel in multi-cloud and large enterprise environments, while Microsoft Defender and Proofpoint are ideal for those heavily invested in specific ecosystems. Strac CASB, however, stands out for its balance of flexibility, real-time monitoring, and easy integration across platforms, making it a top contender in the 2024 CASB landscape.