Browser isolation is a cybersecurity technology that separates web browsing activity from the endpoint device, significantly reducing the attack surface for rogue links and files. It aims to physically isolate an internet user's browsing activity (and the associated cyber risks) away from their local networks and infrastructure.
Browser isolation works by rendering and executing web content in a remote, isolated environment, such as a cloud server or a virtual machine, rather than directly on the user's device. This prevents malicious code from interacting with the user's device or local network.
There are two main types of browser isolation:
- Remote browser isolation (RBI): RBI renders and executes web content entirely on a remote server. The user's device only receives a pixel-based stream of the webpage, preventing any malicious code from reaching the device.
- On-premise browser isolation: On-premise browser isolation renders and executes web content on a virtual machine (VM) that is hosted within the user's organization's network. This provides some advantages over RBI, such as lower latency and the ability to access internal websites.
Browser isolation offers several benefits for organizations, including:
- Increased security: Browser isolation significantly reduces the risk of malware infections and data breaches by preventing malicious code from executing directly on the user's device.
- Protection against zero-day attacks: Browser isolation can protect against zero-day attacks, as the remote environment is not vulnerable to the same exploits as the user's device.
- Reduced IT burden: Browser isolation can reduce the workload for IT administrators by centralizing web browsing security and eliminating the need to deploy and update security software on individual devices.
- Improved productivity: Browser isolation can improve employee productivity by providing a secure and consistent web browsing experience across all devices.
However, there are also some potential drawbacks to browser isolation:
- Latency: RBI can introduce some latency, as web content must be rendered and streamed from a remote server.
- Cost: Browser isolation can be more expensive than traditional web security solutions, especially for large organizations.
- Complexity: Implementing and managing a browser isolation solution can be more complex than traditional web security solutions.
Overall, browser isolation is a valuable cybersecurity technology that can significantly improve the security of web browsing. However, it is important to carefully consider the needs of your organization and choose the right browser isolation solution for your specific requirements.
