Cloud Browser Isolation Attains FedRAMP Moderate For More Secure Web Browsing and Application Access for Government Agencies Niraj Gopal

In an age where cyber threats evolve at an alarming pace, government agencies are under constant pressure to safeguard their data and infrastructure. The importance of robust cybersecurity measures cannot be overstated, particularly for government agencies that manage sensitive information and critical systems.

In response to these growing threats, Zscaler’s Cloud Browser Isolation (CBI) has now achieved FedRAMP Moderate authorization, marking a significant milestone in the landscape of government cybersecurity solutions. This blog will delve into what Cloud Browser Isolation is, how it benefits agencies, and why this capability is vital for government institutions.

What is Cloud Browser Isolation?Cloud Browser Isolation renders web content in the cloud, and streams threat-free web page content to users, preventing web-based threats from reaching and infecting employee devices. Web page content is rendered in the cloud and streamed as a set of rendering instructions to the local browser. The device renders the content locally for a pixel-perfect, native-like web experience, free of threats or harmful content. Another use case for Isolation is using it as an alternative to VDI, to deliver secure application access, with data security, for workers and contractors on unmanaged devices.

With the browsing session occurring in the cloud, any threats are contained and neutralized before they can reach the user’s device or the agency’s network.

How Cloud Browser Isolation helps agencies1. Enhanced Security PostureGovernment agencies must maintain effective security postures. CBI significantly enhances security by preventing web-based threats from reaching users’ devices. This includes malware, ransomware, phishing attacks, and the exploitation of emerging vulnerabilities. By isolating web content in the cloud, agencies can effectively mitigate the risk of these prevalent threats, ensuring a safer browsing environment for their employees.

2. Protecting Sensitive DataFederal agencies often handle highly sensitive information that, if compromised, could have severe consequences. Cloud Browser Isolation ensures that sensitive data remains protected by enforcing last mile data controls to prohibit the use of the clipboard, uploads and downloads, printing, text inputs, and watermarking to discourage screenshots. This is particularly crucial when employees are working remotely on potentially unsecured, unmanaged devices.

3. Native-like User ExperienceWhile security is paramount, user experience should not be overlooked. CBI provides a seamless, native-like browsing experience, using Turbo Mode. This ensures that users can access the web without noticeable latency or performance issues. This balance between security and usability is essential for maintaining productivity and user satisfaction within government agencies.

4. New use case: VDI AlternativeMany governmental organizations want to enable third-party contractors or partners working from their own devices to access SaaS and private applications for productivity. But the de facto solution to date, VDI, has become incredibly expensive. Zscaler has developed secure, agentless access for employees or contractors on unmanaged devices, with browser isolation at its core. Government contractors and employees get access to the applications they need, from their current browser, with data security fully baked-in, and without the cost of VDI.

The importance of FedRAMP Moderate AuthorizationFedRAMP (Federal Risk and Authorization Management Program) is a government-wide program that provides a standardized approach to security assessment, authorization, and continuous monitoring for cloud products and services. Achieving FedRAMP Moderate authorization is a significant accomplishment for Zscaler’s Cloud Browser Isolation, as it validates that the solution meets the stringent security requirements necessary for government use.

1. Assurance of ComplianceFedRAMP Moderate authorization assures government agencies that CBI complies with rigorous security standards. This includes comprehensive controls for data protection, incident response, vulnerability management, and continuous monitoring. By choosing a FedRAMP-authorized solution, agencies can trust that their security and compliance requirements are being met.

2. Facilitating Cloud AdoptionFederal agencies are increasingly adopting cloud technologies to enhance their operational efficiency and scalability. However, security concerns can be a major barrier to cloud adoption. The FedRAMP authorization of CBI provides agencies with the confidence to leverage cloud-based security solutions, knowing that they adhere to government security standards. This facilitates broader cloud adoption while maintaining a strong security posture.

3. Streamlined Procurement ProcessFedRAMP authorization streamlines the procurement process for government agencies. Since CBI has already undergone a rigorous security assessment, agencies can expedite the acquisition process, reducing the time and effort required to vet and authorize new security solutions. This allows agencies to quickly implement advanced security measures without unnecessary delays.

Why Cloud Browser Isolation is vital for federal agencies1. Addressing Evolving ThreatsThe cyber threat landscape is constantly evolving, with adversaries employing increasingly sophisticated tactics to breach defenses. Traditional security measures may not be sufficient to counter these advanced threats. Cloud Browser Isolation represents a proactive approach to cybersecurity, addressing the root cause of many web-based threats by isolating potentially harmful content before it can reach the user’s device.

2. Supporting Remote work and Unmanaged DevicesThe COVID-19 pandemic has accelerated the shift towards remote work, introducing new security challenges for government agencies. Employees accessing agency resources from remote locations–on their own devices–may make organizations more vulnerable to cyber threats. CBI provides a robust security solution that protects remote users, ensuring that web-based threats are isolated even when employees are working outside the traditional office environment, even on their own computer.

3. Enhancing Cyber ResilienceCyber resilience is the ability of an organization to continue operating effectively in the face of cyberattacks. Cloud Browser Isolation enhances cyber resilience by providing an additional layer of defense against web-based threats. This ensures that government agencies can maintain their operations and protect critical data, even when faced with sophisticated cyber threats. What is more, CBI can offer endpoint business continuity, offering continued secure access to app from their own device should government issued devices become nonfunctional.

ConclusionAchieving FedRAMP Moderate authorization for Zscaler’s Cloud Browser Isolation is a significant milestone that underscores the importance of advanced security solutions for government agencies. By isolating web content in the cloud, CBI provides enhanced protection against web-based threats, simplifies security management, and supports remote work. The FedRAMP authorization assures agencies of compliance with rigorous security standards, facilitating cloud adoption and streamlining the procurement process. In an era of evolving cyber threats, Cloud Browser Isolation is a vital tool for government agencies to enhance their security posture and ensure the protection of sensitive data and critical systems.  

​[#item_full_content] [[{“value”:”In an age where cyber threats evolve at an alarming pace, government agencies are under constant pressure to safeguard their data and infrastructure. The importance of robust cybersecurity measures cannot be overstated, particularly for government agencies that manage sensitive information and critical systems.

In response to these growing threats, Zscaler’s Cloud Browser Isolation (CBI) has now achieved FedRAMP Moderate authorization, marking a significant milestone in the landscape of government cybersecurity solutions. This blog will delve into what Cloud Browser Isolation is, how it benefits agencies, and why this capability is vital for government institutions.

What is Cloud Browser Isolation?Cloud Browser Isolation renders web content in the cloud, and streams threat-free web page content to users, preventing web-based threats from reaching and infecting employee devices. Web page content is rendered in the cloud and streamed as a set of rendering instructions to the local browser. The device renders the content locally for a pixel-perfect, native-like web experience, free of threats or harmful content. Another use case for Isolation is using it as an alternative to VDI, to deliver secure application access, with data security, for workers and contractors on unmanaged devices.

With the browsing session occurring in the cloud, any threats are contained and neutralized before they can reach the user’s device or the agency’s network.

How Cloud Browser Isolation helps agencies1. Enhanced Security PostureGovernment agencies must maintain effective security postures. CBI significantly enhances security by preventing web-based threats from reaching users’ devices. This includes malware, ransomware, phishing attacks, and the exploitation of emerging vulnerabilities. By isolating web content in the cloud, agencies can effectively mitigate the risk of these prevalent threats, ensuring a safer browsing environment for their employees.

2. Protecting Sensitive DataFederal agencies often handle highly sensitive information that, if compromised, could have severe consequences. Cloud Browser Isolation ensures that sensitive data remains protected by enforcing last mile data controls to prohibit the use of the clipboard, uploads and downloads, printing, text inputs, and watermarking to discourage screenshots. This is particularly crucial when employees are working remotely on potentially unsecured, unmanaged devices.

3. Native-like User ExperienceWhile security is paramount, user experience should not be overlooked. CBI provides a seamless, native-like browsing experience, using Turbo Mode. This ensures that users can access the web without noticeable latency or performance issues. This balance between security and usability is essential for maintaining productivity and user satisfaction within government agencies.

4. New use case: VDI AlternativeMany governmental organizations want to enable third-party contractors or partners working from their own devices to access SaaS and private applications for productivity. But the de facto solution to date, VDI, has become incredibly expensive. Zscaler has developed secure, agentless access for employees or contractors on unmanaged devices, with browser isolation at its core. Government contractors and employees get access to the applications they need, from their current browser, with data security fully baked-in, and without the cost of VDI.

The importance of FedRAMP Moderate AuthorizationFedRAMP (Federal Risk and Authorization Management Program) is a government-wide program that provides a standardized approach to security assessment, authorization, and continuous monitoring for cloud products and services. Achieving FedRAMP Moderate authorization is a significant accomplishment for Zscaler’s Cloud Browser Isolation, as it validates that the solution meets the stringent security requirements necessary for government use.

1. Assurance of ComplianceFedRAMP Moderate authorization assures government agencies that CBI complies with rigorous security standards. This includes comprehensive controls for data protection, incident response, vulnerability management, and continuous monitoring. By choosing a FedRAMP-authorized solution, agencies can trust that their security and compliance requirements are being met.

2. Facilitating Cloud AdoptionFederal agencies are increasingly adopting cloud technologies to enhance their operational efficiency and scalability. However, security concerns can be a major barrier to cloud adoption. The FedRAMP authorization of CBI provides agencies with the confidence to leverage cloud-based security solutions, knowing that they adhere to government security standards. This facilitates broader cloud adoption while maintaining a strong security posture.

3. Streamlined Procurement ProcessFedRAMP authorization streamlines the procurement process for government agencies. Since CBI has already undergone a rigorous security assessment, agencies can expedite the acquisition process, reducing the time and effort required to vet and authorize new security solutions. This allows agencies to quickly implement advanced security measures without unnecessary delays.

Why Cloud Browser Isolation is vital for federal agencies1. Addressing Evolving ThreatsThe cyber threat landscape is constantly evolving, with adversaries employing increasingly sophisticated tactics to breach defenses. Traditional security measures may not be sufficient to counter these advanced threats. Cloud Browser Isolation represents a proactive approach to cybersecurity, addressing the root cause of many web-based threats by isolating potentially harmful content before it can reach the user’s device.

2. Supporting Remote work and Unmanaged DevicesThe COVID-19 pandemic has accelerated the shift towards remote work, introducing new security challenges for government agencies. Employees accessing agency resources from remote locations–on their own devices–may make organizations more vulnerable to cyber threats. CBI provides a robust security solution that protects remote users, ensuring that web-based threats are isolated even when employees are working outside the traditional office environment, even on their own computer.

3. Enhancing Cyber ResilienceCyber resilience is the ability of an organization to continue operating effectively in the face of cyberattacks. Cloud Browser Isolation enhances cyber resilience by providing an additional layer of defense against web-based threats. This ensures that government agencies can maintain their operations and protect critical data, even when faced with sophisticated cyber threats. What is more, CBI can offer endpoint business continuity, offering continued secure access to app from their own device should government issued devices become nonfunctional.

ConclusionAchieving FedRAMP Moderate authorization for Zscaler’s Cloud Browser Isolation is a significant milestone that underscores the importance of advanced security solutions for government agencies. By isolating web content in the cloud, CBI provides enhanced protection against web-based threats, simplifies security management, and supports remote work. The FedRAMP authorization assures agencies of compliance with rigorous security standards, facilitating cloud adoption and streamlining the procurement process. In an era of evolving cyber threats, Cloud Browser Isolation is a vital tool for government agencies to enhance their security posture and ensure the protection of sensitive data and critical systems.”}]]