Key Factors to Consider When Selecting an Effective CASB Solution
A Cloud Access Security Broker (CASB) is a security solution that sits between users and SaaS applications, monitoring traffic sent between them to enforce security policies and check for user misconfigurations.
CASB functions are typically divided into four main pillars:
- Visibility into how your organization uses SaaS apps.
- Data Security through a variety of technologies and best practices that prevent unauthorized access.
- Threat Protection by identifying attack signatures and suspicious activity, and responding to mitigate risk.
- Compliance controls to prevent operating outside of regulatory requirements and incurring fines.
The Evolving Role of CASBs in 2025
With cloud computing and the integration of SaaS applications becoming more significant in modern business operations, there is a growing emphasis on cloud access security brokers in 2025. Additionally, an increasing number of Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) are starting to incorporate CASBs into their security programs to deliver safeguards while relying on SaaS applications.
However, CASB deployment is now typically part of a broader security architecture, such as SASE, rather than as a standalone solution. This approach enables organizations to implement unified security policies across their entire network, thereby reducing operational complexity and enhancing overall security.
Key Features to Consider in CASB Solutions
CASB Deployment Models
CASB deployment models determine how the solution operates, including its functionality and the impact it has on network performance. There are two main CASB deployment models:
- Proxy or Inline: Operating as an HTTP proxy, the CASB sits between the users and SaaS applications to provide visibility and enforce security controls. There are two types of inline CASB deployment models: forward and reverse proxy. With forward proxy, user requests sent to SaaS applications first pass through the CASB. With reverse proxy, the CASB sits in front of the backend server and intercepts user requests coming to it.
- API-based: The CASB is deployed using the SaaS application’s own API. The technology adds security functionality directly through the API. This CASB deployment model allows businesses to view all of the API requests sent to approved SaaS applications from a centralized location.
There are pros and cons to each deployment. Proxy CASB architecture is better for real-time enforcement, while also offering the ability to monitor traffic to unsanctioned SaaS applications. API-based architecture provides deeper visibility and control for sanctioned apps while having little to no impact on user experience. Utilizing the API, traffic is not rerouted through a proxy and therefore does not add latency to interactions.
A third CASB deployment model that is gaining popularity utilizes a hybrid architecture to leverage the benefits of both proxy and API deployments. By monitoring traffic sent to SaaS applications using a hybrid CASB deployment model, organizations gain control and visibility over API methods, enabling them to uncover shadow IT through proxy solutions.
CASB Security Features
A key differentiator when comparing top CASB solutions is the security coverage and controls they provide. A good way to group CASB features is to use the pillars described above:
- Visibility: A robust CASB should provide comprehensive visibility into both sanctioned and unsanctioned cloud applications, enabling the identification of shadow IT usage and user misconfigurations. This requires a proxy or hybrid deployment model.
- Data Security: Delivers an array of Data Loss Prevention (DLP) features. Common examples include encryption and tokenization to protect sensitive data from leaks and unauthorized access, tracking file sharing to ensure users don’t send data to unauthorized users or applications, and automated policy enforcement to deliver comprehensive and consistent safeguards for every SaaS application in use.
- Threat Protection: Top CASB solutions differ in their approach to providing threat protection. Any solution you consider must provide real-time monitoring and detection technology to respond before the attack escalates. Other critical CASB features for threat protection include advanced analytics capabilities such as User and Entity Behavior Analytics (UEBA) to identify suspicious behavior.
- Compliance: Finally, prioritize platforms with proactive compliance support. This includes automated reporting and detailed auditing tools to meet and prove regulatory requirements. Some solutions allow you to map security controls to sensitive data based on common regulations such as GDPR, HIPAA, and PCI DSS.
User Experience and Network Performance
The user experience of the CASB tool itself and its impact on broader network capabilities are vital when choosing between solutions. The easier it is for your team to pick up the tool and implement all the possible CASB use cases provided, the more likely it is to be a success.
Search for a CASB with an intuitive and user-friendly interface that makes it simple to configure security policies, respond to incidents, and access reporting. Top CASB solutions often include automation capabilities to create and enforce security across various SaaS applications without requiring lengthy user configuration.
All this is pointless if the CASB solution has a significant impact on network performance, making SaaS applications slow and unresponsive for end users. Consider cloud-native solutions built on top of globally distributed infrastructure to maintain low latency and reliable access.
Scalability and Adaptability
Scalability and adaptability ensure any CASB investment continues to provide returns as your business changes. Providing consistent protection as your SaaS portfolio and cloud workloads expand or the threat landscape continues to evolve.
Proper scalability and adaptability enable you to increase traffic or adjust operations without compromising performance or requiring a complete overhaul of your CASB solution. Beyond performance, it should maintain complete coverage and policy enforcement even in the event of a surge in SaaS traffic. Cloud-native solutions allow you to add capacity, expand to new locations, and support remote workers as your needs evolve.
Adaptability is also crucial for top CASB solutions, enabling organizations to quickly integrate new SaaS applications or adjust to changing security requirements in response to evolving workflows or emerging threats. Whether it involves adding new security controls or responding to changes in regulations, businesses need an adaptable CASB to address evolving needs in 2025 and beyond.
CASB Integration
A vital factor to consider when choosing a solution is CASB integration and how well it fits into your existing security infrastructure, network management tools, and SaaS applications. Common security technologies used in conjunction with a CASB include firewalls, identity providers, endpoint protection platforms, and SIEM tools. When all your security infrastructure is integrated correctly, you can deliver consistent policies and comprehensive protections across your entire network.
Another factor to consider during CASB integration is reporting. CASBs provide vital data on cloud usage that should be fed into a unified network management system to check for activity outside of security policies and instances of potential non-compliance. When correctly managed, CASB data can be used to inform access controls, endpoint protection platforms, and other tools.
To make this easier, search for CASB solutions with pre-built integrations and APIs for the SaaS applications in use at your organization. This accelerates deployment and simplifies operations for IT and security teams.
Finally, another CASB integration option is to look for broader solutions that deliver CASB features as part of a comprehensive security architecture. Single-vendor Secure Access Service Edge (SASE) platforms provide unified networking and security capabilities that support modern cloud-based networks. With everything you need to secure your network in a single solution, this approach dramatically simplifies CASB integration.
Maximize your security with Check Point’s Harmony SASE
The leading single-vendor SASE product, Harmony SASE from Check Point, offers comprehensive security and networking functionality to support modern business workflows with modern protections. This includes CASB capabilities that covers all of the key features discussed, including:
- Hybrid CASB deployment.
- Industry-leading block and catch rates for attacks according to independent testing.
- Fast network performance and an easy-to-use interface.
- A cloud-based solution that provides scalability and adaptability.
- Hundreds of pre-built integrations for popular SaaS applications.
Talk to an expert at Check Point today and learn how Harmony could transform your operations.
