Securing the modern workplace: The case for an enterprise browser https://ciso.economictimes.indiatimes.com/news/brand-solution/securin...

Securing the modern workplace: The case for an

Brand Connect Initiative, ET CISO

Browsers are an indispensable tool for the modern workplace. Whether it’s accessing web
applications, SaaS platforms, collaboration tools, online portals or websites, enterprises
increasingly rely on browsers for cloud-based workloads and remote work environments.

This makes it the primary endpoint for nearly every critical activity and interaction within the day-
to-day work. With this evolution comes a heightened risk profile, making browsers prime targets
for cyberattacks.

The rise of remote work, reliance on extended workforces, and the influx of unmanaged devices
have further complicated endpoint security, making the browser an obvious and effective
enforcement point for securing endpoints. Enterprise browsers such as Chrome Enterprise offer a
key enforcement point for safeguarding the enterprise environments against advanced threats,
driving their adoption as a strategic component of enterprises’ security strategy.

Chrome Enterprise Premium, Google’s secure enterprise browsing solution, provides protection
against data exfiltration, insider threats and shadow IT as well as securing BYOD and access to
unmanaged devices - challenges associated with securing endpoints amidst enterprises’ new work
styles.

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Gartner reiterates the growth outlook. “By 2030, enterprise browsers will be the core platform for
delivering workforce productivity and security software on managed and unmanaged devices for a
seamless hybrid work experience,” it states.

Rise in Browser-Based Attacks

Reliance on the web has exposed businesses to heightened security threats, including phishing,
malware, and credential thefts, among others. Browsers provide the threat actors an entry point to
gain initial access to the enterprise network for cyberattacks.

The accelerated pace of digital transformation, including the rise in cloud workloads and the
changing dynamics of the work environment, have made these challenges even more pronounced.

According to CERT-In, the Indian Computer Emergency Response Team, there was a 51% increase
in ransomware incidents reported in the first half of 2022 compared to 2021. Data Security Council
of India (DSCI)’s India Cyber Threat Report 2023, highlights 400 million malware detections
reported across 8.5 million endpoints, averaging 761 detections every minute.

The increased mobility and flexibility of the modern work styles are further expanding the attack
surface, which means that browser-based attacks are likely to continue growing rapidly in the
future. To effectively secure the modern workplace, enterprises are now considering enterprise
browsers as a critical part of their overall security strategy and incorporating them as a core
component into their enterprise security architecture.

Advancing Secure Enterprise Browsing

Chrome Enterprise Core allows IT teams to streamline their browser management from the cloud-
based centralized tool for configuring and managing browser policies, settings, apps, and
extensions across Chrome browsers.

In addition to policy management, Chrome Enterprise Core enhances security and efficiency with
advanced extension security and management, fleet risk management, and robust support for
BYOD (Bring Your Own Device) and third-party contractors. It also facilitates managed profiles on
unmanaged devices, ensuring secure access without compromising user flexibility. The solution
integrates seamlessly with other security solutions and offers comprehensive reporting and insights
to help enterprises identify risks and optimize browser performance.

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However, as the cloud workloads increase and the hybrid work environment expands further,
organizations face growing exposure to threats that warrants more advanced security requirements.
Google offers the flexibility to scale their browser protections with Chrome Enterprise Premium,
which helps enterprises securely adapt to the growing workforce distribution and expanding web-
based apps and SaaS footprint.

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Security Capabilities with Chrome Enterprise Premium

While security is the top priority for CISOs, they seek solutions that effectively balance security with
simplified management and superior user experience. Trading one for the other is not an option in
today’s modern workplace.

Simplified endpoint management and centralized policy enforcement updates are among Chrome
Enterprise Premium features that help reduce the complexity of enforcing security protocols across
diverse devices and environments within the enterprise ecosystem.

Chrome Enterprise Premium further builds on the capabilities of Chrome Enterprise Core and
offers more data protections and enhanced security capabilities, including advanced malware and
phishing protections, malware deep scanning and filtering URLs based on website category, and
Data Loss Prevention (DLP). It also enables context-aware access for SaaS, cloud, and private web
apps via Chrome.

Real-time reporting tools and automated updates offer real-time insights into usage patterns and
security events for a more proactive approach. It also provides the visibility and ability to monitor
to help control shadow IT (such as unauthorized SaaS usage), providing better security and meeting
compliance requirements.

By integrating DLP directly within the browser, enabling secure access for personal devices, and
replacing legacy Virtual Desktop Infrastructure (VDI) with cost-effective alternatives, Chrome
Enterprise Premium addresses critical enterprise security needs - from mitigating insider threats to
securing unmanaged devices.

Backed by Google’s infrastructure, Chrome Enterprise Premium can be easily integrated into the
organization’s existing IT stack, thereby simplifying IT operations.

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● Mitigate insider and data exfiltration risks

Chrome Enterprise Premium brings simplified, agentless and policy-based DLP implementation.
The integration of DLP controls with the browser helps enterprises implement sensitive data
detection for files that are uploaded and downloaded and for content that is pasted or dragged and
dropped. It also gives them the control over what data Chrome users can share, thus preventing
both accidental and intentional exfiltration of company-sensitive data.

Chrome reporting integrations with Chronicle and 3P SIEMS provides centralized visibility.
Further, the context of users or domains is captured in a real-time central repository. The solution
also offers easy-to-configure sensitive data movement controls with audit/warn/block.

● Manage access and security for unmanaged devices

The growing hybrid work footprint has remote employees requiring access to sensitive company
data and applications from their personal devices. The larger ecosystem of contract employees and
partners also have similar access requirements.

Chrome Enterprise Premium enables secure access for unmanaged devices to enterprise resources
through context-aware access and endpoint verification capabilities. It allows enforcing access to
critical apps through Chrome based on context of user and device signals. Being an agentless
solution, the controls are enforced at the time of sign-in to Chrome as well as continuously during
use. It also prevents the users from downloading, saving, copying, pasting, or printing sensitive
company information.

● Simplify and reduce your VDI footprint

VDI, which has been a legacy solution for allowing users to access enterprise systems from any
device, is no longer feasible in today’s expansive hybrid work landscape. Not only is it expensive
and complex to set up, but also difficult to secure and use while user experience suffers due to
latency.

Chrome Enterprise Premium provides functionalities such as screenshot blocking and

● Control access to shadow IT and gain better visibility

The security risks associated with shadow IT have increased manifolds in tandem with the
expanding cloud footprint. Unauthorized SaaS (Shadow IT) usage can jeopardize corporate data, if
left unchecked. Advanced capabilities around monitoring and controlling unauthorized SaaS usage
are key to enhancing security and compliance.

Chrome Enterprise Premium’s URL filtering functionality helps block risky unsanctioned SaaS
applications, thereby preventing users from visiting insecure websites and accessing risky web
apps. It also enables data protection rules to block file transfers (download, upload, save, copy,
paste, print) on unmanaged devices and warns users on sensitive data transfer on managed devices.

Innovations and New Capabilities

For CISOs, especially in rapidly transforming markets like India, enterprise browsers are a strategic
step to secure the modern workplace. The space is set to further evolve with the introduction of
GenAI, advanced zero-trust frameworks, and enhanced data privacy features.

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“With Chrome Enterprise, we’ve spent over a decade developing browser solutions for businesses
that are purpose-built, secure by default and adaptable to dynamic work environments. This
work led us to create a cloud-based browser management tool that empowers IT and security
teams to centralize management and protect company data, without compromising workforce
productivity – all within an easy-to-use interface and customizable policies tailored to your
organization's specific needs,” says Mark Berschadski, Director, Product Management, Chrome
Enterprise.

To explore how you can help your enterprise navigate the evolving threats and strengthen its
security posture with Chrome Enterprise Premium’s advanced capabilities, check out the link
below.

https://ciso.economictimes.indiatimes.com/chrome-enterprise-premium

Note: This article has been drafted as part of ETCISO's Brand Connect Initiative.

• By Brand Connect Initiative ,

• Published On Feb 27, 2025 at 02:00 PM IST

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