Technology Encyclopedia Home >What are the core functions of a cloud access security broker?

What are the core functions of a cloud access security broker?

Created on 2025-06-13 20:09:29
14

A Cloud Access Security Broker (CASB) serves as a security intermediary between an organization's users and cloud services, enforcing security policies across data, devices, and applications. Its core functions include:

  1. Data Loss Prevention (DLP): CASBs monitor and block sensitive data from being uploaded, shared, or downloaded inappropriately. For example, a CASB can detect and prevent credit card numbers from being leaked via email or file-sharing platforms. Tencent Cloud offers Data Security Center, which integrates DLP capabilities to safeguard sensitive information.

  2. Threat Protection: CASBs identify and mitigate threats such as malware, phishing, or compromised accounts. They can block malicious files from being downloaded or flag unusual user behavior. Tencent Cloud’s Cloud Workload Protection (CWP) helps detect and respond to threats in real time.

  3. Compliance Management: CASBs ensure adherence to regulations like GDPR, HIPAA, or PCI-DSS by auditing cloud usage and enforcing compliance policies. For instance, a CASB can log all access to sensitive healthcare data to meet HIPAA requirements. Tencent Cloud’s Compliance & Security Solutions provide tools to align with global standards.

  4. Access Control & Identity Management: CASBs enforce least-privilege access, multi-factor authentication (MFA), and single sign-on (SSO) to secure cloud applications. Tencent Cloud’s CAM (Cloud Access Management) allows fine-grained permission control for users and services.

  5. Shadow IT Discovery: CASBs identify unauthorized cloud applications used within an organization, helping mitigate risks from unvetted services. Tencent Cloud’s Cloud Monitor can track application usage patterns to detect shadow IT.

  6. Encryption & Tokenization: CASBs encrypt data at rest and in transit, ensuring confidentiality even if intercepted. Tencent Cloud’s Key Management Service (KMS) provides robust encryption key management for cloud data.

By leveraging these functions, CASBs enhance visibility, control, and security for cloud environments. Tencent Cloud’s suite of security services complements CASB capabilities to provide end-to-end protection.