Are you wondering what is unique about Enterprise browsers? Well, stop wondering because this content will reveal everything users need to know about this browser. Enterprise browsers are designed to address businesses’ unique needs.

They are customized to provide security, manageability, and proper integration of business tools and workflows. They are like carefully designed packages that can help save the day. However, as a critical asset for a company, it must be closely monitored by security teams to prevent potential security incidents.

What is an Enterprise Browser?

Before discussing the benefits of using these browsers, you should know what is an enterprise browser and how it works. An enterprise browser is built on the Chromium browser engine. The same technology is used to power popular consumer browsers like Chrome, Edge, and Brave.An enterprise browser is a web browser designed specifically for business use. Unlike consumer browsers, which are optimized for general web browsing, enterprise browsers, on the other hand, are built with features that enhance security, manageability, and productivity for a business. These browsers can be likened to a customized wristwatch, which might be the one piece owned by a person in the world.

Enterprise Browsers vs. Traditional Browsers

The primary difference between enterprise and traditional browsers is their design and functionality. Traditional browsers, like Google Chrome or Microsoft Edge, are used for almost every possible need by the general user community and are optimized for personal use, too. So, in contrast, enterprise browsers are specifically designed for workplace environments.

Also, enterprise browsers provide a user experience optimized for end users, coupled with an admin console designed for IT and security teams. It carries security and management features, eliminating the need for additional tools and plugins.

Let’s take, for instance, an organization using a mix of cloud-based SaaS applications like Salesforce for CRM and Google Workspace for collaboration. An enterprise browser can integrate with identity and access management (IAM) systems for single sign-on (SSO) capabilities. It can also be used to enforce access controls, restricting certain pages or functions within an application to specific users based on their roles and device status.

Key Features of an Enterprise Browser

1.   Application Access

Enterprise browsers provide secure and controlled access to internal and external web applications, ensuring that users can reach necessary resources efficiently. For example, in a scenario where an organization uses cloud-based SaaS applications and internally hosted web applications for HR and finance, an enterprise browser can integrate with IAM systems for SSO capabilities.

In addition to user identity, an enterprise browser considers the device status, network location, and geolocation to protect against unauthorized access. This means that even if a user’s credentials are exposed, additional security layers prevent unauthorized access to sensitive data.

2.   Data Protection

Enterprise browsers protect sensitive corporate data from leakage or unauthorized access. It achieves this through the control over data interactions within the browser. For instance, a financial analyst working with sensitive customer data in a web-based reporting tool can be prevented from copying and pasting this data into unauthorized web applications or downloading it to an unsecured device. More so, it can be used to configure policies to allow Data interaction within approved applications or block downloads to make sure organizational data doesn’t leave its environment.

3.   Visibility with Privacy

Enterprise browsers balance organizational oversight with individual privacy. They provide user behavioral details and application usage while respecting user privacy. A good example is a healthcare provider that needs to ensure compliance with health information privacy regulations such as HIPAA and can monitor access to patient records through web applications without capturing the personal browsing data of the staff.

Enterprise Browser Use Cases

1.   Securing SaaS and Web Apps

SaaS and web applications are essential aspects of business operations. However, when accessed with a consumer browser, they can also pose security risks to the business. An enterprise browser plays a huge part in ensuring secure access to these applications by providing security policies directly in the browser. As I stated earlier, it can also enforce content and context-aware policies, like restricting copy-paste actions and redirecting downloads to secure cloud storage.

2.   Bring Your Device (BYOD)

BYOD policies increase flexibility and reduce costs but introduce risks associated with mixing personal and corporate data, potential malware infections, and inconsistent security postures. Enterprise browsers enable secure and controlled access to corporate resources from personal devices. They ensure the separation of work and personal data by restricting downloads onto an individual device and applying security policies tuned for BYOD.

3.   Contractor and Third-Party Access

An enterprise browser allows organizations to offer contractors controlled access to necessary applications and data without provisioning new devices. These policies can be fine-tuned to limit access based on the contractor’s role, location, or device, like leaving them in isolation to their own needed information to perform a given task. These protections ensure that sensitive information never leaks outside the browser.

4.   Zero Trust Security

An enterprise browser supports zero-trust security models. It always tries to verify a user, device, and application context for every access request. It also enforces access controls and security policies directly within the browser to ensure that only authenticated and authorized users can access corporate resources.

Benefits of an Enterprise Browser

1.   Built-in Security and Data Protection

Enterprise browsers use advanced security measures to protect against phishing, malware, and adaptive threats. They provide shield-like protections to safeguard enterprise applications and data, ensuring that data are protected to prevent leakage and enhance security without disrupting workflows.

2.   Visibility and Monitoring

Enterprise browsers are good providers of detailed web activity logging. This information is used to offer insights into user interactions and maintain privacy for personal browsing. It also creates a thorough audit trail that aids in compliance, investigations, and threat detection.

3.   Integration with Enterprise Tools

These browsers seamlessly integrate with corporate infrastructure, such as identity management systems and SIEM, ensuring a cohesive and secure IT environment. Such integration reduces compatibility issues and streamlines IT operations, fostering a secure and efficient work environment.

4.   Better User Experience

Enterprise browsers are built on advanced technology, integrate well with enterprise tools, and provide optimized performance that requires minimal training.

5.   Password Protection

One of the key benefits of the browser is how it enhances password security management and protection features that safeguard against phishing and malware. The built-in password management and privileged access management (PAM) capabilities make security easy for shared accounts, securing and efficient access management.

Addressing Common Misconceptions About Enterprise Browsers

• Enterprise Browsers Are Just One Feature of Remote Browser Isolation (RBI)

Although enterprise browsers share some functionality with RBI, they offer much more. Enterprise browsers protect all web activity, not just a portion. They provide higher security at a lower cost and with simpler configuration than RBI deployments.

• Enterprise Browsers Are Just One Feature of Web Security

Enterprise browsers offer security at both ends of web applications and their data. They provide control over actions such as screen capture, copy/paste, and download/upload. Additionally, the integration of robotic process automation (RPA) and multi-factor authentication (MFA) enhances security and workflow efficiency.

• Enterprise Browsers Require Managed Devices to Enforce Policies

Enterprise browsers secure access to web apps and content on any device, managed or unmanaged. They understand the state of the devices they are running on and apply policies accordingly. This capability makes them ideal for securing access for contractors and BYOD users without the complexity of VDI or DaaS implementations.

• Enterprise Browsers Are the Same as Traditional Secure Browsers

Enterprise browsers are built on the same Chromium base as familiar consumer browsers but offer contextual policies that apply security controls only where needed. Unlike single-purpose secure browser products, enterprise browsers can be used as the default browser for all web access.

Conclusion

An enterprise browser is a tool for ensuring high data security and managing business today. With its dynamic nature and advanced technologies, it bridges the gap between traditional browsers, offering users a unique feature of their business. With integration with solution tools like LayerX Security, enterprise browsers provide robust security and efficient management, making the business environment secure, flexible, and productive.

 

Author Bio : Fahad Asif is skilled in developing comprehensive digital marketing strategies that incorporate content creation, technical SEO, link building, and social media marketing. He keeps up to date on the latest trends, tools, and algorithms to provide his clients with cutting-edge expertise. His data-driven and analytical approach helps him optimize clients’ digital marketing efforts to deliver the greatest return on their investment.
You can reach him via LinkedIn : https://www.linkedin.com/in/fahad-asif-90b758136