Cloud apps make work easier, but they also open the door to new security risks. This blog unpacks everything you need to know, like: what is CASB in cyber security, how it works, and why it matters. We break down the core pillars of CASB, share real-world use cases, and help you understand the benefits it brings to your business. 

What is Cloud Access Security Broker (CASB)?


## Introduction {#introduction}

Imagine waking up to find out that your employee leaked your customer data through a cloud app, and now your business is facing lawsuits and a PR disaster. Cloud adoption is evolving rapidly, but many businesses still lack adequate visibility into what cloud apps employees are using, how data is handled, and where its data flows. 

In fact, [Gartner](https://www.gartner.com/en/newsroom/press-releases/2023-11-29-gartner-says-cloud-will-become-a-business-necessity-by-2028) **projects that by 2028**, more than **50% of enterprises** will be using industry-specific cloud platforms to accelerate business strategies, turning cloud from a competitive edge into a business necessity. With tools like **Google Workspace, Microsoft 365, Salesforce, Zoom,** and others becoming foundational to daily operations, securing cloud access is no longer optional; it’s urgent.

## What is Cloud Access Security Broker (CASB)? {#what-is-casb}

A **Cloud Access Security Broker (CASB)** is a security solution that monitors, controls, and secures all the interactions your users have with work applications, either on-premise or cloud-delivered. 

**CASB defined** in simplest terms: it’s a security tool that applies enterprise-grade policies across all cloud environments, like SaaS platforms. That includes **file-sharing, messaging, collaboration tools, cloud storage, CRM software, and more**.

*“Gartner predicts that by 2025, **80% of enterprises** will have implemented a unified access strategy for web, cloud services, and private applications through a **SASE or SSE architecture**, a sharp rise from just **20% in 2021**.”*

## How Does CASB Work? A Step-by-Step Breakdown {#how-does-casb-work}

If you’re wondering **how a CASB works**, here’s a simple breakdown:

### Step 1: Monitor and Analyze User Activity

[CASB solutions](https://www.miniorange.com/casb/) continuously monitor user activity in real-time across those apps. It looks for behavioral patterns, such as unusual login times or mass file downloads, and flags anything suspicious.

### Step 2: Enforce Security Policies

Based on what it observes, the CASB then **enforces your security policies**. These might include blocking file downloads to personal devices, restricting access from untrusted IP networks, encrypting sensitive documents, or preventing unauthorized sharing or uploads.

### Step 3: Detect and Respond to Threats

Modern CASB solutions are equipped with a **threat detection** feature. They check for login attempts from unusual locations or insider data theft. Once a threat is detected, CASB can trigger alerts or take automated action, like suspending the user account.

### Step 4: Ensure Data Compliance

CASB tools help your organization **meet regulatory requirements** like GDPR, HIPAA, SOC 2, or PCI-DSS by ensuring that all data interactions follow compliance rules. They log every user action, enforce retention policies, and generate audit-ready reports automatically.

### Step 5: Integrate Directly via APIs for Deep Visibility

Some CASBs offer **API-level integrations** with cloud services like Google Workspace or Microsoft 365. This means they can directly access logs and metadata, providing deeper insights and more accurate control than traditional, network-only tools.

## The 4 Pillars of Cloud Access Security Broker (CASB) {#4-pillar-casb-security}

Let’s dive deeper into the [four pillars of Cloud Access Security Broker (CASB)](https://www.miniorange.com/blog/what-are-the-4-pillars-of-casb/). These are the essential capabilities that a complete CASB solution must offer:

![4 Pillars of Cloud Access Security Broker)](/blog/assets/2025/4-pillars-casb-security.webp)

### 1. Visibility

CASB solutions provide detailed reports on app usage, user behavior, and security risks. Whether it’s Google Drive, Dropbox, or Trello, you get a clear picture of everything in use.

Shadow IT remains a significant issue, with employees often using unapproved tools. CASB tools identify hidden usage, allowing organizations to make informed decisions and secure all digital activity.

### 2. Compliance

CASB tools help enforce standards like GDPR, HIPAA, PCI DSS, ISO 27001, and more, with audit trails and automated policy enforcement.

They simplify regulatory reporting and prevent accidental violations by flagging non-compliant activities in real time.

### 3. Data Security

With built-in [Data Loss Prevention (DLP)](https://www.miniorange.com/dlp/), CASB solutions protect sensitive data from being leaked, shared, or mishandled. Policies can restrict file sharing, enforce encryption, and apply redaction.

### 4. Threat Protection

From ransomware to insider threats, CASBs monitor for suspicious behavior and protect your cloud environment in real time.
 
Together, these four pillars deliver a holistic defense against cloud threats while enabling productive, compliant usage of cloud platforms.


## Top 7 Benefits of Using a CASB Solution {#top-7-benefits-of-casb-solution}

When it comes to securing your cloud environment, the **benefits of CASB** go far beyond basic monitoring. 

Let’s break down the key **CASB functions** and the value they bring:

### 1. Full Visibility & Control

CASB gives you complete visibility and control over user sessions in real-time, whether the apps are IT-approved or not. You’ll know who’s accessing what, on which device, and from where. That kind of visibility makes it easy to spot risky behavior, patch up security gaps, and cut down on Shadow IT.

### 2. Smarter Access Policies

CASB makes smart decisions based on context. You can, for example, allow Salesforce access only if someone’s using a company laptop within your country. If they’re logging in from a personal device or sketchy location? Access denied or restricted. Simple, smart, secure.

### 3. Keep Sensitive Data Safe (Data Leakage Protection)

CASB’s built-in Data Loss Prevention (DLP) steps in to stop sensitive data from being copied, downloaded, or shared without permission. You can block uploads, restrict external sharing in real time. It’s like having a digital safety net for your data.

### 4. Spot Threats Instantly 

CASB keeps an eye out 24/7 for suspicious activity. Whether it’s a weird login time or a massive file download, it’ll flag it. And thanks to machine learning and threat intel feeds, it can even catch malware or insider threats before they do damage.

### 5. Works with All Your Favorite Cloud Tools 

Using Microsoft 365, Google Workspace, Salesforce, AWS, or Slack? CASB plugs into these platforms directly, using APIs or proxy-based methods, to apply your security policies without disrupting workflows.

### 6. One Dashboard Control (Multi-Tenant Management)

If you manage multiple departments or clients, especially as an MSSP, CASB makes your life easier. You get one centralized dashboard to apply consistent policies, track activity, and generate reports across every tenant.

### 7. Audit-Ready Reports 

CASB automatically logs user activity, generates compliance dashboards, and keeps everything organized for frameworks like HIPAA, PCI-DSS, SOC 2, or GDPR. Saves you hours and a whole lot of stress.


## Why Is CASB Security Essential for Modern Businesses? {#why-casb-security-essential-for-businesses}

Still unsure **why CASB** is essential? Here’s what makes it critical:

### Employees Use Unsanctioned Apps (Shadow IT)

The average organization uses over 1,000 cloud apps, most without IT’s knowledge. CASB identifies these apps and allows you to either block them or enforce restricted access policies, reducing risk from unauthorized tools.

### Remote Work and BYOD Challenges

In a hybrid workplace, employees access cloud apps from personal devices or public networks. CASB policies ensure that only secure devices can access sensitive data, helping protect against theft, loss, or exposure.

### Meeting Compliance Requirements

Industries like finance, healthcare, and education must meet strict regulations. CASB enforces data policies automatically and ensures your usage logs are complete, making audits smoother and less stressful.

### Insider Threats & Human Error

Accidental sharing of data, downloading data to personal devices, or clicking on malicious links are common. CASB helps prevent these actions through real-time monitoring and alerts.

### Centralized Cloud Data Control

CASB lets you centralize governance for all cloud data access and activity. Whether it’s a file shared on Google Drive or code uploaded to GitHub, you maintain control over who can do what.

The **purpose of a Cloud Access Security Broker** is to fill the visibility and control gap left by traditional network security, allowing safe innovation without compromising data protection.

## CASB Implementation Challenges—and How to Solve Them Fast {#casb-implementation}

Like all security tools, CASB technology isn’t without challenges. Here are some common hurdles you may face:

### Initial Setup Complexity

Getting CASB up and running across multiple cloud services may feel stressful. Mapping users, syncing with your identity provider, and writing initial policies can take time.

### Resistance from Employees

Some employees may view CASB as a blocker to their work, especially if it restricts app access or download capabilities. 

### Policy Overreach

Setting overly strict policies may impact productivity. A balanced approach that combines protection with usability is necessary.

**To solve these challenges:**

- Start with limited pilot deployments focused on high-risk apps
- Educate teams on the value of cloud security and how CASB works.
- Choose a CASB provider like miniOrange that offers:
  - Guided setup
  - Pre-built policy templates
  - 24/7 technical support

## Examples & Use Cases of Cloud Access Security Broker (CASB) {#examples-use-cases-of-casb}

Here are some actual cloud access security broker examples that make a big impact:

[![Use Cases of Cloud Access Security Broker CASB)](/blog/assets/2025/cloud-access-security-broker-use-cases.webp)](https://www.miniorange.com/casb/)

### 1. Finance: Blocking Personal Downloads

Fintech firms facing regulatory audits can use CASB security to prevent sensitive financial reports from being downloaded to personal laptops. The policy can apply only to non-corporate devices and be enforced within minutes.

### 2. Education: Student Data Privacy

Universities can implement CASB solutions to protect student data on platforms like Zoom and Teams. With CASB, they can encrypt file transfers, restrict external sharing, and enable alerts for unauthorized logins from outside the campus network.

### 3. Healthcare: Detecting Unusual Behavior
Hospitals can use CASB to detect unusual activity, such as late-night data transfers to external drives. CASB’s behavior-based alerts can flag these anomalies. If a compromised account is identified, access can be locked before any data is leaked.

### 4. E-commerce: Controlled Access for Vendors

Online marketplaces with multiple vendors can use CASB to enable secure collaboration. Access tiers can be created so that external suppliers only view product images, without accessing inventory or financial data.

## Why Choose miniOrange CASB Solution? {#why-choose-casb-solution}

The miniOrange CASB solution is built with simplicity, power, and flexibility in mind. Whether you're a growing business or an enterprise with complex cloud environments, here’s what makes it stand out:

### 1. Quick & Guided Setup

Unlike many enterprise-grade tools, miniOrange CASB offers a fast and intuitive setup experience. From account sync to pre-built policy templates, everything is streamlined to reduce onboarding time.

### 2. Granular Policies

Fine-tune exactly who can do what. Allow users to view files but block downloads, or permit uploads only from corporate devices or approved locations. Rules can be customized based on user, role, device, time, or geography.

### 3. Threat Intelligence

miniOrange CASB solution integrates with multiple threat intelligence feeds and uses smart anomaly detection to identify suspicious behavior. Get proactive alerts before risks turn into real threats.

### 4. Integration Across Clouds

Whether your team uses Google Workspace, Microsoft 365, Salesforce, Shopify, or Atlassian, miniOrange CASB connects with them all and enforces your policies without disrupting productivity.

### 5. Custom Role-Based Access

Control access based on department, function, or user role. HR, developers, vendors, and interns can all get tailored access that matches their responsibilities.

### 6. Detailed Reporting
Access real-time alerts, weekly summaries, and compliance dashboards, all formatted to meet the needs of both your IT team and external auditors.

### 7. Flexible Pricing Options

miniOrange offers pricing plans that adapt to your business size and needs. Whether you're a startup or a multi-tenant enterprise, you'll get enterprise-grade security without overpaying.

### 8. Personalized Custom Policies

Create policies that fit your exact workflows and compliance needs. You’re not stuck with generic templates; miniOrange lets you define custom rules that align with your business model.

### 9. Adaptive Restrictions

Apply restrictions that automatically adjust based on the situation. For instance, limit access when a user is on a public network or deny file downloads during non-business hours. Security adapts in real time without interrupting productivity.

## Conclusion: Take Control of Your Cloud Security {#conclusion-casb-security}

Understanding what a CASB is and how it works is only the first step; **protecting your cloud environment starts with taking action**. The miniOrange CASB solution gives you everything you need to stay in control, **real-time visibility, adaptive threat protection, smart compliance,** and **customized access policies** that align with your business goals.

You can’t leave your data exposed or trust that every user is always acting with security in mind. With a tool like **miniOrange CASB**, you get smart security, compliance support, and total peace of mind.

Let’s make cloud security simple, smart, and scalable.

**Want to know more? Connect with us for a** [**free trial today!**](https://www.miniorange.com/casb/)

contact us at info@xecurity.com to grab a customized solution for your unique business use case. See how miniOrange CASB can protect your business without getting in the way of it.

## Frequently Asked Questions {#faq}

### 1. What is CASB in Cyber security?

CASB stands for Cloud Access Security Broker. CASB in cybersecurity means a policy enforcement point between users and cloud applications to protect data and ensure secure cloud access.

### 2. How do you choose a CASB?

Look for a solution that integrates easily with your existing apps, offers strong data protection policies, supports compliance, and provides intuitive visibility dashboards. Ease of setup and support also matter.

### 3. Who needs a CASB solution?

Any business that uses SaaS platforms like Google Workspace, Slack, Dropbox, Zoom, or Microsoft 365. Whether you’re a startup or a global enterprise, cloud security is a universal need.

### 4. Why is CASB important for modern businesses?

Cloud is the new normal, and traditional firewalls don’t offer protection beyond your on-premises network. CASB ensures your data stays protected, compliant, and under control wherever it goes.

### 5. Is CASB only for large enterprises?

Not at all. Small and medium businesses also benefit from CASB tools, especially if they use multiple SaaS tools or manage sensitive customer data.

### 6. Can CASB work with on-premises systems?

While CASB is designed for cloud environments, it can be part of a hybrid architecture by integrating with your identity provider or on-prem security tools.

## Additional Resources {#additional-resources}

- [Google Workspace CASB Integration | Cloud Security](https://www.miniorange.com/casb/integrations/google-workspace)
- [Atlassian CASB Integration for Enterprise Security](https://www.miniorange.com/casb/integrations/atlassian-apps)
- [Shopify Security with CASB Solutions](https://www.miniorange.com/casb/integrations/shopify-store)
- [Microsoft Office 365 CASB Integration | Enterprise Security](https://www.miniorange.com/casb/integrations/microsoft-365)
- [Oracle CASB Integration for Secure Oracle Cloud Apps](https://www.miniorange.com/casb/integrations/oracle)
- [CASB vs DLP: Understanding the Differences](https://www.miniorange.com/blog/casb-vs-dlp-differences-and-uses/)
- [Remote Work Security with CASB](https://www.miniorange.com/casb/solutions/remote-work-security)
- [Hybrid Work Security | CASB Solution](https://www.miniorange.com/casb/solutions/hybrid-work-security)
- [CASB Corporate Network Security](https://www.miniorange.com/casb/solutions/office-network-security)


Cloud apps make work easier, but they also open the door to new security risks. This blog unpacks everything you need to know, like: what is CASB in cyber security, how it works, and why it matters. We break down the core pillars of CASB, share real-world use cases, and help you understand the benefits it brings to your business.

Ransomware attacks encrypt your files until you pay. miniOrange’s MFA, PAM, and CASB offer powerful defenses to keep you protected.

What is a Ransomware Attack? Definition, Types & Prevention Strategies

## A Quick Intro
Microsoft 365 is one of the most widely used platforms for business productivity. However, its popularity also makes it a major target for cyberattacks. According to reports, there was a **53% increase in daily cyberthreats** on Microsoft Office in 2023. 

Some of the common challenges businesses face when using Office 365 include:

- Unauthorized access to emails
- Data leaks via attachments
- Insider threats
- Compliance violations (GDPR, HIPAA)

As remote work becomes more common, ensuring data security on Office 365 is more critical than ever. Without proper security measures in place, companies could risk losing sensitive data and face financial penalties. That’s where **CASB and DLP solutions** come in to safeguard your sensitive information.

## What is CASB? {#what-is-casb}

A [**Cloud Access Security Broker (CASB)**](https://www.miniorange.com/casb/) is a tool that acts as a security layer between your Microsoft 365 apps and users, monitoring and controlling data access in the cloud.

Businesses can use CASB solutions to gain visibility into application usage, detect threats, enforce access controls, and ensure compliance with security policies. It helps prevent unauthorized access, detect suspicious activities, and implement security rules that keep sensitive business data protected at all times.

## What is DLP? {#what-is-dlp}

[**Data Loss Prevention (DLP)**](https://www.miniorange.com/dlp/) is another security solution that helps businesses prevent unapproved sharing or leakage of sensitive data. It works by monitoring & controlling data transfer across different platforms, including emails, cloud storage, and devices.

DLP solutions scan emails & files in Office 365 for confidential information, such as credit card details, customer records, or trade secrets. If any sensitive data is detected, DLP can block the transmission, notify the user, or enforce encryption. This ensures that critical business information does not fall into the wrong hands, either intentionally or accidentally.

## How CASB Secures Your Data on MS Office 365? {#how-secures-ms-office} 

[**MS 365 CASB solution**](https://www.miniorange.com/casb/integrations/microsoft-365) adds an extra layer of security to Office 365 by monitoring user interactions with the platform and preventing unauthorized access to sensitive data. It helps block unapproved downloads from untrusted devices or locations, reducing the risk of data leaks. Additionally, CASB detects unusual user behavior, such as multiple login attempts from different networks and regions, which could signal a potential hacking attempt. 

To further enhance security, it enforces [**multi-factor authentication (MFA)**](https://www.miniorange.com/products/multi-factor-authentication-mfa), ensuring that only authorized users can access company data. With CASB, businesses gain better control over their Microsoft 365 security through various protective measures. 

**Here’s how CASB helps protect data on Office 365:**

- **Device Restrictions:** Only authorized and compliant devices can access Office 365 apps and data.
- **Office IP Restriction:** Whitelist trusted networks to prevent unauthorized access.
- **Data Download Restrictions:** Limit file downloads to admins and authorized users to prevent leaks.
- **Data Security:** Blocks unauthorized access and sharing of sensitive information.
- **User Risk Scoring:** Automatically revokes access if the risk score exceeds a set threshold.

![Microsoft office apps casb solution](/blog/assets/2025/casb-secures-emails-ms-office.webp)

## How DLP Secures Your Emails on MS Outlook? {#how-dlp-secures-email-ms-outlook}

Outlook emails are a primary mode of communication for many businesses, but they also pose significant security risks. Employees might accidentally send an email containing sensitive customer data to the wrong person. While cybercriminals might attempt to trick users into sharing confidential business information through phishing attacks. 

[**Email DLP**](https://www.miniorange.com/dlp/solutions/email-security-data-loss-prevention) for Microsoft 365 helps mitigate these risks by scanning outgoing emails for sensitive data, blocking unauthorized transmissions, and preventing potential data breaches. It can enforce automatic encryption for emails containing confidential information, ensuring secure communication within and outside the organization. 

DLP solutions also provide real-time alerts and auditing capabilities to monitor compliance with data security policies. By implementing Email DLP, businesses can prevent accidental leaks, protect against phishing attempts, and maintain compliance with regulations like GDPR and HIPAA.

![Data loss prevention](/blog/assets/2025/dlp-secures-emails-ms-outlook.webp)

## Real-World Use Case {#use-case}

### Scenario 1: Blocking Unauthorized Data Downloads

Imagine an employee working remotely who tries to download sensitive company data onto their personal laptop from an unknown location. Without security measures in place, this data could be exposed to security threats. 

With miniOrange CASB, the system detects that the access request is coming from an untrusted device and blocks the download instantly. This prevents data leakage and ensures that company information is only accessed on secure devices.

### Scenario 2: Preventing Data Leaks via Email

An employee might unknowingly try to send confidential company reports to an external recipient via email. If this email contains financial details or trade secrets, it could lead to serious data breaches. 

Email DLP scans the email in real-time, detects the presence of sensitive data, and blocks the email before it leaves the organization. This ensures that confidential business information is not exposed outside the company.
 

## Benefits of CASB and DLP {#benefits-casb-dlp}

By implementing miniOrange CASB and DLP, businesses can strengthen their security posture and protect their Office 365 data and emails effectively. Here are some key benefits:

- **Improved Security:** Prevents unauthorized access, data leaks, and cyber threats on Microsoft 365.
- **Regulatory Compliance:** Helps businesses comply with GDPR, HIPAA, and other industry regulations.
- **Better Visibility:** Provides insights into user activity and potential security risks.
- **Automated Protection:** Enforces security policies without requiring manual intervention.
- **Reduces Insider Threats:** Stops accidental or intentional data leaks caused by employees.

## Summary {#conclusion}

Protecting Microsoft 365 data and emails is essential for businesses, especially with the growing number of cyber threats. miniOrange CASB and DLP offer a powerful combination to safeguard sensitive business information. 

CASB ensures that only authorized users can access company data, while DLP prevents accidental or intentional data leaks. By implementing these solutions, businesses can maintain data security, comply with industry regulations, and prevent financial and reputational damage.
  
To learn more, contact us at **info@xecurify.com**.

## Additional Resources {#additional-resources} 

- [**CASB vs DLP: Understanding the Differences**](https://www.miniorange.com/blog/casb-vs-dlp-differences-and-uses/)  
- [**How to secure your Jira & Confluence data with Atlassian Data Encryption?**](https://www.miniorange.com/blog/atlassian-casb-data-encryption-solution/)  
- [**Microsoft Office 365 CASB: An Overview**](https://www.miniorange.com/blog/microsoft-office-365-casb-security/)  
- [**Securing Microsoft Teams with the miniOrange MS 365 CASB cloud security solution**](https://www.miniorange.com/blog/ms-365-casb-for-microsoft-teams-security/)  
- [**What are the 4 Pillars of CASB?**](https://www.miniorange.com/blog/what-are-the-4-pillars-of-casb/)  
- [**What is CASB in Cyber Security?**](https://www.miniorange.com/blog/what-is-casb/)  

Businesses rely on Office 365 apps like Outlook and Excel for communication and collaboration. But how secure is your data? In this blog, we’ll explore the challenges businesses face with data security on O365 apps and how miniOrange CASB and DLP can protect your data and Outlook emails.

Protect Your Business Data & Emails on Office 365


## What is CASB Security? {#what-is-casb}

A CASB, or [Cloud Access Security Broker](https://www.miniorange.com/casb/), is a security tool that helps businesses secure their data stored on cloud apps from data breaches, malware, and unauthorized user access to the data. It is an essential security tool for any organization as it operates on [4 pillars](https://www.miniorange.com/blog/what-are-the-4-pillars-of-casb/) i.e., data protection, deep user visibility, advanced threat mitigation, and helping them stay compliant with industry security standards.

## What is a DLP? {#what-is-dlp}

DLP, or [Data Loss Prevention](https://www.miniorange.com/data-loss-prevention-dlp), is a solution that encrypts your sensitive data and controls the transfer of this data outside the company network. It actively checks for security flaws and loopholes in your cloud apps. DLP protects you against malicious emails that ask for your personal information, send unknown email attachments and use risky links. It scans for sensitive data stored in unmanaged folders, all to secure employee identity and company data from foreign threats.

![what is casb](/blog/assets/2023/data-loss-prevention.webp)

### CASB vs DLP {#casb-vs-dlp}

Let’s compare and understand the difference between DLP and [CASB solutions](https://www.miniorange.com/casb/solutions/) in detail.

&nbsp;

**Protection Scope**

- **CASB:** Primarily focuses on cloud applications and services, providing security controls tailored for cloud environments.
- **DLP:** Focuses on data protection across the entire IT infrastructure, including endpoints, networks, and storage systems.

&nbsp;

**Focus**

- **CASB:** They provide visibility into cloud application usage and help control data transfer, ensuring that cloud usage complies with the organization's security policies.
- **DLP:** The main goal of DLP is to prevent sensitive data from being lost, misused, or accessed by unauthorized users.

&nbsp;

**Functions**

- **CASB:** Enforces access policies based on user, device, and location. Ensures that cloud usage complies with regulations and internal policies.
- **DLP:** Identifies and classifies sensitive data based on content and context. Applies policies to prevent unauthorized data transmission or exposure.

&nbsp;

**Outcome**

- **CASB:** Enhances overall cloud security posture, providing comprehensive control over cloud applications and data.
- **DLP:** Specifically aims to prevent data breaches and ensure compliance by protecting sensitive data from unauthorized access and transfer.

### Let’s take a look at the difference between CASB and DLP: {#diff-between-casb-and-dlp}

| Factors      | CASB (Cloud Access Security Broker)    | DLP (Data Loss Prevention)     |
|--------|-------------------------------------------------------|-------------------------------------------------------|
| Primary Function   | Monitors and controls cloud applications | Monitors, detects, and blocks data leakage |
| Visibility | Provides visibility into cloud usage | Provides visibility into data handling  |
| Compliance | Helps ensure compliance with cloud usage | Ensures compliance with data protection laws |
| Threat Protection | Protects against cloud-specific threats | Protects against data breaches and leaks |
| User Activity Monitoring | Monitors user activities in the cloud | Monitors activities related to data |
| Policy Enforcement | Enforces security policies for cloud apps | Enforces data protection policies |

### Why do I need a CASB and DLP solution? {#why-need-casb-and-dlp}

Tons of information gets passed between teams every day within an organization. For example, suppose a company is using Google Workspace apps, storing their confidential documents on Google Docs, sending mail attachments over Gmail, scheduling company and partner meetings over Google Meet, and more. All these points of data exchange need to be secured from unauthorized user access or third-party app access.

To efficiently manage all user groups, the SOC team needs to set up [Google Workspace CASB](https://www.miniorange.com/casb/integrations/google-workspace) to add granular access permissions, prevent unauthorized downloads, manage app usage, and stay security compliant. This helps the SOC teams detect threat vectors.

### How can CASB and DLP enhance cloud data security? {#how-can-casb-and-dlp}

Together, CASB and DLP tools form a robust defense system, ensuring that data in the cloud is accessed securely and preventing leaks of sensitive information. A combination of both CASB and DLP can keep your business secure from data breach threats, stay compliant with industry best practices, and defend against malware and ransomware threats. They provide deep visibility into user actions to detect irregular behavior that could be a security threat. This dual-layered approach of CASB and DLP is critical in today’s digital landscape, where the shift to cloud services is accompanied by increased risks of data breaches and cyber threats.

### In Summary {#conclusion}

In this blog, we explored CASB vs DLP and how CASB and DLP can work together to secure all your cloud applications and data. This combination ensures airtight data security, compliance, malware detection, threat protection, user behavior monitoring, and deep visibility, allowing SOC teams to identify potential vulnerabilities and threats.

If you're in the market for a cloud data security solution featuring both CASB and DLP, miniOrange offers the top solution to help you stay ahead of growing data threats while boosting team productivity—all at the most cost-effective pricing. 

So what are you waiting for? Shoot us a query at [info@xecurify.com](mailto:info@xecurify.com) and we will get right back to you.

### Reference links  {#reference-links}

1. [Google Workspace Security.](https://www.miniorange.com/reverse-proxy/google-workspace-account-security)
2. [G Suite IP Restriction.](https://www.miniorange.com/blog/secure-access-control-for-google-workspace-gsuite-apps/)
3. [Protecting Google Workspace Apps for user roles/groups.](https://miniorange.medium.com/protecting-google-workspace-apps-based-on-user-roles-groups-1ca9aab2781e)
4. [Google Workspace SSO.](https://www.miniorange.com/google-apps-single-sign-on-(sso))


Businesses are experiencing cyber attacks at an alarming rate, with many worried about their data falling into the wrong hands. To keep business data safe and comply with industry security standards, many organizations are turning to tools like Cloud Access Security Brokers (CASB) and Data Loss Prevention (DLP).  But, what exactly are CASB and DLP, what are their differences, and how can using both together benefit your business? Let’s find out!

CASB vs DLP: Understanding the Differences


Learn what Cloud Security Posture Management is and how it can help you:

- Gain visibility into your cloud environment
- Identify and fix security misconfigurations
- Proactively address security threats
- Ensure compliance with regulations

&nbsp;

Read this blog to take control of your cloud security posture!

## What is Cloud Security Posture Management (CSPM)?

Did you know that approximately [125 million user records were exposed](https://www.scmagazine.com/news/google-firebase-may-have-exposed-125m-records-from-misconfigurations) by over 900 improperly configured websites in March 2024? This incident is just one of many that show how difficult it is for companies to secure their cloud environments. 

&nbsp;

Fortunately, there's a solution: Cloud Security Posture Management (CSPM). It is a security practice that helps businesses fix any security weak spots in their cloud setup and keeps their cloud apps and data safe.

&nbsp;

CSPM cloud security prevents misconfigurations, detects & mitigates threats, and solves non-compliance issues across various cloud platforms, including PaaS, IaaS, and SaaS. By integrating with a [CASB solution](https://www.miniorange.com/casb/), CSPM can look out for the entire cloud setup, check for risks, spot any unauthorized access, and do a lot more to make using the cloud smooth and safe.

&nbsp;

Keep reading to discover how CSPM can help protect your cloud environment.

## Why is CSPM important? {#cspm-important}

As businesses start using the cloud more, they must make sure their security policies are in check. Cloud Security Posture Management is super important for cloud admins who are always on the lookout for security risks. Traditional security practices that involve manual processes are inadequate in this context. They fail to keep pace with the rapid deployment cycles and dynamic changes within cloud environments. 

Following are the reasons why organizations should use CSPM cloud security:

&nbsp;

**Lack of visibility:** Businesses struggle to keep track of their cloud technologies, leading to security risks, compliance issues, and wasted IT budgets. Poor visibility means potential problems and misconfigurations may go unnoticed. This can amplify other IT challenges and slow down digital growth. CSPM gives businesses clear visibility so they can efficiently scale and manage their cloud infrastructure.

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**Compliance challenges:** Manual compliance processes cannot keep up with rapidly scaling cloud architectures. Companies need to always check that they're following important guidelines and regulatory frameworks, including NIST CFS/SP/800-171/800-53, PCI DSS, SOC2, HiTrust, and CIS benchmarks for cloud vendors such as Azure, AWS, GCP, and Alibaba, to avoid big fines. CSPM helps companies automatically ensure they're keeping up with these rules and their own special ones.

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**Lack of context:** Companies need better tools to understand and prioritize these mistakes. CSPM cloud security provides them with context around identified misconfigurations to prioritize or focus on the misconfigurations that pose a risk to their environment. It can help organizations reduce alert fatigue and only address legitimate cloud concerns. 

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**Operational effectiveness:** Companies are using modern methods like DevOps to enhance cloud services, but old security tools often can't keep up. Security checks are slow compared to the speedy development processes. Cloud Security Posture Management solves this by integrating security early in the software creation process, known as 'shift left'. This allows developers to understand and fix security issues quickly. The result is fast and safe software development.

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**Challenges of complex multi-cloud architectures:** Cloud infrastructure lets businesses grow their online services easily but it can complicate things. Adding new apps and resources quickly makes the cloud setup complex. CSPM cloud security helps find and fix security issues in these expanding cloud systems. Managing this growth manually is hard and risky. CSPM makes using cloud services safer and more efficient for companies.

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CSPM helps solve these problems. It keeps an eye on cloud security all the time and makes sure that security can keep up with all the new stuff happening in the cloud. It helps prevent policy misconfigurations to prevent unauthorized access to the cloud and set up new security policies to prevent data breaches in their environment.

## How does CSPM work? {#cspm-work}

Following CSPM practices ensures cloud data protection. Let's break down how it works into simple steps:

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**Finding Assets:** Cloud Security Posture Management (CSPM) first looks around your cloud and notes down everything it finds. This could be like computers in the cloud (virtual machines), places where data is stored (storage buckets, databases), and apps running in isolated spaces (containers).

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**Checking Configurations:** Once assets are identified, CSPM cloud security compares the configurations to what’s considered safe and the rules that should be followed. It checks for any misconfigurations, such as open ports, weak access controls, or unencrypted data, which could pose security risks.

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**Threat Detection:** Cloud Security Posture Management keeps an eye out for any suspicious activity and potential security threats. It employs anomaly detection techniques to identify unusual behaviors, such as unauthorized access attempts, unusual data transfers, or configuration changes indicative of a security breach.

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**Policy Enforcement:** CSPM cloud security makes sure all security policies and compliance requirements are enforced across the cloud infrastructure. This includes encryption protocols, resource permissions, and access controls, to mitigate security risks effectively.

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**Automated Remediation:** In case of security incidents or policy violations, CSPM cloud security can fix such issues promptly. This could include applying security patches, revoking access from someone, rolling back changes to keep safe, reducing the response time, and minimizing the damage of security incidents.

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**Continuous Monitoring and Reporting:** Cloud Security Posture Management keeps an eye on cloud safety all the time. It generates alerts for security incidents, compliance violations, or deviations from security policies, enabling security teams to take immediate action.

## Benefits of CSPM

Following Cloud Security Posture Management (CSPM) practices bring a lot of benefits for businesses moving to the cloud, such as:

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**Centralized Security:** It makes it easier for businesses to spot security risks early and fix them through a simple, one-stop dashboard. CSPM keeps a close eye on cloud services, who gets in, and what they do, all in real time. This means any security issues can be caught and dealt with quickly, keeping everything running smoothly and securely. 

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**Compliance Ready:** Businesses can use CSPM cloud security to easily meet important rules and safety standards like HIPAA, GDPR, ITAR, PCI DSS, and ISO 27001. It lets companies apply safety rules, keep an eye on how well they're doing with these rules, and create detailed reports to make sure they're following all the necessary policies.

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**Reduced Risk of Data Breaches:** By identifying and addressing cloud vulnerabilities, misconfigurations, and keeping out unwanted visitors in the infrastructure, CSPM cloud security reduces the risk of data breaches and cyber-attacks. It helps protect important information and creative ideas stored online, keeping your business reputation safe and preventing expensive security problems.

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**Deep Visibility:** CSPM cloud security gives you a clear look at how safe your cloud space is. It helps security teams get a full picture of what’s happening in the cloud, from resources being used to who’s accessing them. Businesses can keep a tight grip on their cloud setup, making sure security rules are followed and quickly dealing with any security problems.

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**Cost Effective:** Make the best use of cloud services while keeping costs low related to security. CSPM blocks security problems before they happen, making sure that cloud services are used in the smartest way possible. This way, CSPM helps businesses save money by avoiding the costs of security breaches, breaking rules, and not using resources efficiently.

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**Streamlined Security Operations:** Cloud Security Posture Management makes security easier by automating checking, fixing, and monitoring security issues. This means less hands-on work and smoother security tasks. It gives security teams clear advice and important warnings and fixes problems automatically, making their work more productive and effective.

## How to Choose the Right CSPM Vendor? {#cspm-vendor}

While choosing a Cloud Security Posture Management (CSPM) vendor, you need to be mindful of some factors to ensure you select the best option for your company. 

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Here’s a list of points you must keep in mind:

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**Check Security Features:** Find out the security features and offerings by the Cloud Security Posture Management (CSPM) vendor. You’ll want to choose one with features like real-time monitoring, configuration assessment, automated threat detection, vulnerability management, and compliance policy enforcement. Make sure CSPM cloud security offers strong protection measures to keep your cloud apps and stuff safe.

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**Identify Scalability:** Check how well Cloud Security Posture Management can grow with your organization's cloud infrastructure. It’s important to see if it can smoothly handle and protect large-scale cloud infrastructures across multiple cloud platforms and regions with peak performance capabilities, all without compromising on cloud security. 

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**Custom Integrations:** Make sure the Cloud Security Posture Management works well with your current security tools and processes. It's important that it can connect smoothly with your existing cloud platforms, Security Information and Event Management (SIEM) systems, [identity and access management (IAM)](https://www.miniorange.com/iam/) solutions, and other security tools. This helps make your security tasks easier and gives you better insight and control.

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**Verify Compliance Inclusion:** Ensure that the Cloud Security Posture Management tool complies with relevant regulations and security standards, such as GDPR, ISO 27001, HIPAA, [ITAR compliance](https://www.miniorange.com/blog/itar-compliance-with-casb-for-data-security/), PCI DSS, and the NIST Cybersecurity Framework, that are significant to your organization. Check that the tool offers helpful reports on compliance, tracks changes accurately and has smart ways to fix issues, helping you keep up with regulations smoothly.

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**Know Usability:** Check out how user-friendly the CSPM tool is, focusing on how easy it is to set up, tweak, and handle. Pick a tool with a clear and simple layout, dashboards you can change to suit your needs, and clear tips that help security teams make smart choices and quickly deal with any security issues.

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**Performance and Reliability:** See how well the CSPM cloud security works in real-world situations. It should be always available, grow with your needs, and be strong enough to keep watching and protecting your cloud data without any breaks or problems.

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**Support and Services:** When picking a CSPM vendor, think about the help and services they offer. Look for a vendor with quick and helpful support, easy-to-understand guides, and thorough training programs. It's great if they also have a lot of knowledge about cloud security. This will make setting up and using CSPM much smoother for you.

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**Pricing:** Make sure to look into the cost and how much you'll pay for the CSPM cloud security. Think about things like the price for signing up, different plan options, and any extra fees for special features or services. The prices must be clear, steady, and fit well with what you can afford and what you need.

## Future of CSPM Security {#cspm-security}

As more companies use cloud services for their work, CSPM is becoming super important for keeping things safe and sound. In the future, CSPM is going to get even better by working closely with other security tools to predict risks before they happen and automating more tasks to keep security tight without needing to constantly check on it. It's going to be key for companies to keep up with the latest in CSPM to make sure their cloud stuff stays safe.

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The need to keep cloud services secure, in line with rules, and running smoothly is a never-ending task that needs constant attention. With cloud technology getting more complex, CSPM's job of protecting against new security threats, ensuring rules are followed, and clearly showing how secure a cloud service is more important than ever. CSPM is your friend in making sure your cloud services are not just secure but also working in the best way possible.

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Ready to Elevate Your Cloud Security Game?

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Don't wait for a security breach to reveal the vulnerabilities in your cloud environment. Take proactive steps to safeguard your cloud assets with [miniOrange](https://www.miniorange.com/) Cloud Security Posture Management (CSPM).

Our team of experts is ready to assist you in selecting the perfect CSPM tools tailored to your organization's unique needs and challenges. 

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So, what are you waiting for? Drop us an email at info@xecurify.com and we will get right back to you!


### Reference links  {#reference-links}

Check out more resources by miniOrange for SASE security.

1. [ Google Workspace CASB](https://www.miniorange.com/casb/integrations/google-workspace)
2. [ Atlassian CASB](https://www.miniorange.com/casb/integrations/atlassian-apps)
3. [ Microsoft 365 CASB](https://www.miniorange.com/casb/integrations/microsoft-365)
4. [ Remote Work Security](https://www.miniorange.com/casb/solutions/remote-work-security)
5. [ Hybrid Work Security](https://www.miniorange.com/casb/solutions/hybrid-work-security)
6. [ Corporate/Office Network Security](https://www.miniorange.com/casb/solutions/office-network-security)






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