Forcepoint CASB with DLP - Detailed Review
Security Tools
Forcepoint CASB with DLP - Product Overview
Introduction to Forcepoint CASB with DLP
Forcepoint’s Cloud Access Security Broker (CASB) with Data Loss Prevention (DLP) is a comprehensive security solution aimed at protecting sensitive data across all cloud applications. Here’s a breakdown of its primary function, target audience, and key features:
Primary Function
The primary function of Forcepoint CASB with DLP is to provide full visibility and control over data in any cloud application. This solution ensures that sensitive data is secured, whether it is in use, in transit, or at rest, thereby mitigating the risks of data breaches and ensuring compliance with various global regulations.
Target Audience
The target audience for Forcepoint CASB with DLP includes organizations of all sizes that rely heavily on cloud applications. This encompasses businesses, enterprises, and institutions that need to protect their sensitive data and intellectual property while ensuring compliance with data security regulations. It is particularly beneficial for organizations with a significant presence in the cloud, including those using SaaS applications like Office 365, Salesforce, and Google Apps.
Key Features
- Data Security and DLP: Forcepoint CASB integrates advanced DLP capabilities, allowing security teams to apply over 190 pre-defined data security policies and customized controls. This includes detecting, blocking, encrypting, masking, redacting, and tracking sensitive data in real-time.
- Cloud Application Security: The solution provides comprehensive security for all cloud applications, including both sanctioned and shadow IT apps. It augments the native CASB in Office 365 and other cloud services to offer a unified security solution.
- Access Control and Zero Trust: Forcepoint CASB implements Zero Trust access, ensuring secure access to business applications from managed and unmanaged devices, including BYOD (Bring Your Own Device) scenarios.
- Malware Detection: The solution includes malware detection capabilities, using engines from Bitdefender and CrowdStrike to detect and block malware in data in motion between users and SaaS applications.
- Shadow IT Control: Forcepoint CASB uncovers and manages shadow IT by detecting unmanaged SaaS applications and allowing administrators to build policies to block access or direct users to approved apps.
- Scalability and Performance: The solution is delivered on the AWS hyperscaler platform, offering unlimited scalability with a 99.99% service uptime and no planned downtime.
- Compliance and Integration: Forcepoint CASB helps accelerate compliance efforts by integrating with global regulations and other security tools, such as Microsoft Information Protection. It also provides full integration with email clients, web uploads, and cloud services like Office 365 and Box Enterprise.
By combining these features, Forcepoint CASB with DLP offers a powerful and comprehensive solution for securing cloud data and ensuring compliance, making it an essential tool for any organization relying on cloud applications.
Forcepoint CASB with DLP - User Interface and Experience
User Interface and Experience of Forcepoint CASB with DLP
The user interface and experience of Forcepoint CASB with DLP are designed to be intuitive and user-friendly, ensuring both administrators and end-users can interact with the system efficiently.Administrator Experience
For administrators, the interface is streamlined to manage and enforce data security policies easily. Here are some key aspects:Policy Configuration
Administrators can create and manage policies using a single proxy policy that includes multiple upload and download DLP policies. This is facilitated by dropdown fields for selecting among dozens of predefined and custom match patterns, making the configuration process simple and efficient.Contextual Controls
Policies can be qualified based on user group, device type, and user location, allowing for granular control over data access and actions such as allowing, blocking, notifying, encrypting, applying DRM, tracking, or watermarking files.Reporting and Logging
Administrators can view detailed policy log reports that include fields such as timestamp, user name, SaaS app, user location, activity (download or upload), policy action, file name, and match pattern. This helps in monitoring and demonstrating compliance with data privacy standards.End-User Experience
For end-users, the experience is seamless and minimally intrusive:Transparent Access
Connections to SaaS apps are managed through a Forcepoint ONE reverse proxy URL, ensuring all file uploads and downloads can be monitored and controlled without disrupting the user’s workflow.Clear Notifications
If a user attempts to download a file from a corporate account using an unmanaged device, they are presented with an information box explaining why the download is blocked. This keeps users informed about security actions taken by the system.Access Control
Users may be denied access to their corporate accounts if they use an anonymizer service or other unauthorized methods, with an appropriate “application blocked” page displayed to explain the reason.Ease of Use
The system is designed to be easy to use for both administrators and end-users:Agentless Deployment
Forcepoint CASB allows for agentless proxy deployment, which means users do not need to install any agents on their devices, making it convenient for BYOD and unmanaged devices.Intuitive Interface
The user portal and policy editor are very intuitive and easy to use, with many out-of-the-box policies and detectors available. This reduces the learning curve for administrators and makes it easier to create custom policies.Overall User Experience
The overall user experience is focused on providing a secure yet productive environment:High-Performance Use
Forcepoint ONE CASB ensures high-performance use of cloud applications, providing full visibility and control over data in any application, including shadow IT, without hindering user productivity.Unified Solution
The integration with DLP solutions and other security tools like web security, email security, and next-generation firewalls ensures a unified data protection strategy that extends from on-premises to cloud environments. In summary, Forcepoint CASB with DLP offers a user-friendly interface that balances security with usability, making it easier for both administrators to manage policies and for end-users to access cloud applications securely. Forcepoint CASB with DLP - Key Features and Functionality
Forcepoint CASB with DLP Integration
Forcepoint CASB with DLP integration offers a comprehensive set of features that enhance data security and compliance across cloud environments. Here are the main features and how they work:
DLP Integration
Forcepoint CASB integrates seamlessly with Forcepoint DLP solutions to extend data protection from on-premises environments to the cloud. This integration allows for unified data security policies that can be applied consistently across all cloud applications, preventing data leakage and ensuring compliance.
Cloud UEBA (User and Entity Behavior Analytics)
The CASB solution includes built-in Cloud UEBA, which creates risk profiles based on threat likelihood and business impact. This feature utilizes analytics from thousands of apps and activities to provide risk-prioritized alerts for Security Operations Center (SOC) and incident response teams, helping them respond quickly to potential threats.
BYOD (Bring Your Own Device) Control
Forcepoint CASB provides comprehensive support for BYOD scenarios with API and forward/reverse proxy support. This allows for granular device and activity control over unmanaged devices, ensuring that data remains secure even when accessed from personal devices.
Industry-Leading Data Loss Prevention
The integration with DLP prevents cloud application data leakage without the need to redefine existing policies. It supports real-time inline controls and API-based near real-time analysis, enabling immediate action against data breaches. For example, it can block, encrypt, mask, redact, or watermark sensitive data in transit.
Administrative Control
Forcepoint CASB allows administrators to delegate privileges for high-risk activities, such as making global access changes and enabling multi-factor authentication for admin and privileged user permissions. This ensures that sensitive administrative tasks are securely managed.
Sensitive File Sharing Control
The solution enables productive collaboration with third parties in SaaS environments while preventing the accidental exposure of critical files containing sensitive data like PII, financial records, and protected IP. It ensures that sensitive files are shared securely and in compliance with organizational policies.
Intelligent Threat Detection
Forcepoint CASB includes advanced malware detection capabilities that automatically detect and block malicious executables from being stored in cloud applications. This is achieved through partnerships with malware engines from Bitdefender and CrowdStrike, ensuring real-time protection against malware threats.
Shadow IT Controls
The CASB solution uncovers and manages shadow IT by detecting and listing unmanaged SaaS applications in use. Administrators can then build policies to block access to unauthorized apps or direct users to approved applications, maintaining control over the cloud applications used within the organization.
Office 365 and Other Cloud App Security
Forcepoint CASB enhances the native CASB capabilities of Office 365 and other cloud applications, providing a unified and comprehensive solution for protecting all cloud applications. This ensures consistent security and compliance across all cloud services used by the organization.
Real-Time Inline Controls
Using the CASB Cloud Gateway infrastructure (DLP Cloud Proxy), Forcepoint CASB provides real-time inline controls for sanctioned cloud applications. This allows for immediate action against breaches as they occur, such as blocking or quarantining files, ensuring real-time mitigation of security threats.
AI Integration
In terms of AI integration, while the specific sources do not detail explicit AI-driven features, the analytics and risk profiling capabilities of the Cloud UEBA suggest the use of advanced analytical techniques, which may include AI and machine learning to analyze user and entity behavior and predict potential threats. However, this is not explicitly stated in the provided sources.
Forcepoint CASB with DLP - Performance and Accuracy
Performance
- Forcepoint CASB is built on the AWS hyperscaler platform, which ensures high scalability and reliability, with a 99.99% service uptime and no planned downtime.
- It provides agentless deployment, which is particularly beneficial for managing and securing access from unmanaged devices, such as those used in BYOD (Bring Your Own Device) scenarios. This approach helps in maintaining performance without the overhead of installing agents on each endpoint.
- However, there are some performance-related issues noted with the endpoint DLP component. For instance, the endpoint DLP can sometimes impact the end-user experience, especially on older or less powerful devices, due to CPU consumption and potential lag in machine performance.
Accuracy
- Forcepoint CASB is backed by a rich heritage of data protection capabilities, including advanced DLP features such as fingerprinting, EDM (Enterprise Digital Rights Management), OCR (Optical Character Recognition), and DRM (Digital Rights Management). These features help in accurately and efficiently classifying a broad range of data types, both structured and unstructured.
- The solution offers over 190 pre-defined data security policies and customized controls, which streamline compliance across multiple regions. This ensures that data is accurately identified and protected according to predefined policies.
- However, there are some limitations in terms of data classification and false positives. Users have reported that the current system may not be sufficient for reducing false positives, and there is a need for better data classification techniques to complement the existing fingerprinting method.
Limitations and Areas for Improvement
- Integration Issues: One of the significant limitations is the difficulty in integrating Forcepoint DLP with other security solutions, such as CASB or firewall solutions, which can be time-consuming and may not be fully integrated with the company’s chosen platform.
- User Interface and Policy Deployment: The UI and policy deployment process can be complex, leading to longer implementation times and requiring dedicated resources for ongoing policy management and optimization.
- Reporting and Real-Time Incidents: The reporting features, particularly real-time incident reporting, need improvement. Users have to schedule reports rather than having real-time incident visibility on the dashboard.
- Technical Support: There have been complaints about the slow response time from technical support, which can be a significant issue for organizations needing prompt assistance.
- Language and Regional Support: The solution lacks support for certain languages, such as Bangla (Bengali), and has limited regional support, particularly in areas like West Africa and South Africa.
In summary, while Forcepoint CASB with DLP offers strong performance and accuracy in data protection, there are areas that need improvement, particularly in integration, user interface, reporting, and technical support. Addressing these issues could enhance the overall user experience and effectiveness of the solution.
Forcepoint CASB with DLP - Pricing and Plans
Pricing Structure for Forcepoint CASB with Data Loss Prevention (DLP)
Pricing Model
List Price
Features
Tiers and Plans
Free Options
To get the most accurate and up-to-date pricing, it is recommended to contact Forcepoint directly, as they have not provided detailed pricing information publicly.
Forcepoint CASB with DLP - Integration and Compatibility
Integration of Forcepoint CASB with Forcepoint DLP
The integration of Forcepoint CASB (Cloud Access Security Broker) with Forcepoint DLP (Data Loss Prevention) is a comprehensive process that enables organizations to extend their data protection policies to sanctioned cloud applications. Here’s how it works and its compatibility across different platforms:Integration Process
To integrate Forcepoint CASB with Forcepoint DLP, several steps are involved:1. License Activation
Ensure the Forcepoint Security Manager has the DLP Cloud Applications license activated. This license is necessary for extending DLP policies to cloud applications.2. API Key Generation
Generate a new API access key in Forcepoint CASB using the details provided in the fulfillment letter. This key is essential for connecting the DLP Manager to the Data Protection Service.3. Service Configuration
Start the Forcepoint CASB service within the Forcepoint Security Manager. This involves uploading a JSON file to the Data Protection Service tab and configuring the necessary cloud services.4. Cloud Service Configuration
Configure DLP Cloud Proxy by connecting the DLP Manager to the Data Protection Service. Create new assets in the Forcepoint CASB management portal and configure custom or quick policies to ensure transactions are sent to Forcepoint DLP for analysis.Interaction with Cloud Applications
The integration allows for several types of interactions with sanctioned cloud applications:DLP Cloud API
This feature, available from Forcepoint DLP 8.5.0, leverages API connections to supported cloud applications for near real-time activity analysis, such as auditing uploads, downloads, and sharing activities.DLP Cloud Proxy
Introduced in Forcepoint DLP 8.7.1, this feature enables real-time inline controls for cloud applications. It allows for immediate action to be taken as breaches occur, such as blocking or quarantining files.Cloud Data Discovery
Available since Forcepoint DLP 8.6.0, this capability uses API connections for data discovery and remediation of sensitive data at rest within sanctioned cloud applications.Compatibility
Version Compatibility
For full functionality, it is recommended to use Forcepoint DLP version 8.8.x or later. Earlier versions may not support all the features, especially those introduced in later versions like DLP Cloud Proxy and cloud data discovery.Platform Compatibility
The integration works across various cloud applications, including Office 365, G Suite, Box, and ServiceNow. This ensures that DLP policies can be consistently applied across different cloud services.Device Compatibility
The solution is cloud-based, which means it can be managed and accessed from various devices with internet connectivity, without specific device restrictions.Additional Features
Customization
Solution administrators can customize reporting, policies, and application management. The CASB service includes out-of-the-box policies and detectors, along with an intuitive policy editor for creating custom policies.Training and Certification
Forcepoint provides full training and two levels of formal certification: CASB Certified Systems Engineer and CASB Certified Service Professional. In summary, the integration of Forcepoint CASB with DLP is a powerful tool for extending data protection policies to cloud applications, ensuring real-time monitoring and mitigation of data breaches. It is compatible with various cloud services and requires specific versions of Forcepoint DLP for full functionality. Forcepoint CASB with DLP - Customer Support and Resources
Support Options for Forcepoint CASB and DLP Integration
When using Forcepoint CASB integrated with Forcepoint DLP, customers have access to a variety of support options and additional resources to ensure effective implementation and ongoing management of the security tools.Documentation and Guides
Forcepoint provides comprehensive integration guides that detail the steps for configuring the integration between Forcepoint DLP and Forcepoint CASB. These guides cover topics such as enabling DLP content inspection for cloud application assets, configuring DLP policies for cloud applications, and setting up cloud data discovery and activity monitoring.Technical Support
Customers can contact Forcepoint Technical Support for assistance with any issues related to the integration and configuration of the services. This support is crucial for resolving technical problems, such as connecting the DLP Manager to the Data Protection Service or troubleshooting connection issues.Training and Certification
Forcepoint offers formal training and certification programs for the CASB service. These include the CASB Certified Systems Engineer and CASB Certified Service Professional certifications, which help administrators gain the necessary skills to manage and customize the CASB policies and detectors effectively.Customization and Policy Management
The Forcepoint CASB service allows solution administrators to customize reporting, policies, and application management. The policy editor is intuitive and easy to use, enabling administrators to create custom policies based on specific aspects of the cloud applications that need protection.API Documentation and Sandbox
For developers and administrators, Forcepoint provides API documentation in HTML format and an API sandbox or test environment. This facilitates the integration with other products and allows for testing and validation of API connections before deployment.Incident Reporting and Monitoring
The integration allows for the capture of cloud application incidents in incident reports. Users can view incident information in both the Forcepoint Security Manager and the Forcepoint CASB portal, ensuring comprehensive monitoring and analysis of security events.Conclusion
By leveraging these resources, customers can ensure they are fully equipped to manage and secure their cloud applications effectively using the integrated Forcepoint CASB and DLP solutions. Forcepoint CASB with DLP - Pros and Cons
Advantages of Forcepoint CASB with DLP
Comprehensive Data Protection
Forcepoint CASB integrated with DLP offers extensive data protection across various channels, including cloud applications, email, web, and endpoint devices. This integration ensures that sensitive data is secured whether it is at rest, in motion, or in use, providing a unified approach to data security.
Visibility and Control
The solution provides full visibility and control over data in any application, including shadow IT, ensuring safe and high-performance use everywhere. This includes discovering the use of unsanctioned cloud applications and assessing associated risks.
Flexible Deployment and Scalability
Forcepoint CASB supports agentless deployment, enabling secure access for managed and unmanaged devices, including BYOD and contractor access. It also offers unlimited scalability delivered on the AWS hyperscaler platform with a 99.99% service uptime.
Advanced Analytics and Policy Enforcement
The platform leverages advanced AI and pattern recognition to build dynamic profiles of user activities, flagging deviations from normal behavior that could signal potential data theft or leaks. It also allows for the creation of highly specific policies based on data type, user, device, and more, with real-time policy enforcement.
Integration with Other Security Solutions
Forcepoint CASB integrates seamlessly with other security solutions such as Web Security, Next Generation Firewall (NGFW), Advanced Malware Detection, and Enterprise DLP. This integration extends the advanced analytics and single control of Forcepoint DLP to critical cloud applications.
Disadvantages of Forcepoint CASB with DLP
Complex Initial Setup
The initial setup and configuration of Forcepoint CASB with DLP can be complex and time-consuming, requiring careful planning and potentially specialized expertise. This complexity may lead to longer implementation times and the need for dedicated resources for ongoing policy management and optimization.
Endpoint Performance Impact
The endpoint DLP component can sometimes impact the end-user experience, particularly on older or less powerful devices. The need for agent installation on each endpoint can also increase management overhead and require additional resources for deployment and maintenance.
Alert Fatigue
The wealth of incident data provided by Forcepoint DLP can lead to alert fatigue if not properly tuned. Organizations may need to invest time in fine-tuning alert thresholds and response workflows to avoid overwhelming security teams with false positives or low-priority incidents.
Limited User Activity Monitoring
While Forcepoint DLP provides some user and entity behavior analytics (UEBA) features, they are relatively basic compared to dedicated UEBA solutions. Organizations looking for advanced user behavior monitoring may need a separate UEBA tool.
Higher Cost
The comprehensive nature of Forcepoint CASB with DLP may result in a higher total cost, especially for organizations looking for advanced analytics and cross-channel protection features.
By considering these advantages and disadvantages, organizations can make informed decisions about whether Forcepoint CASB with DLP aligns with their specific security needs and resources.
Forcepoint CASB with DLP - Comparison with Competitors
When Comparing Forcepoint CASB with Integrated DLP Capabilities
When comparing Forcepoint CASB with integrated Data Loss Prevention (DLP) capabilities to other products in the security tools and AI-driven product category, several key features and distinctions stand out.
Unique Features of Forcepoint CASB with DLP
1. Comprehensive Data Protection
Forcepoint CASB with DLP offers extensive data security by monitoring and controlling data in cloud applications. It identifies, categorizes, and protects sensitive data through policies that govern its use, storage, and transmission. This includes real-time content inspection for over 100 file types and hundreds of pre-defined data types such as PCI, PII, PHI, and HIPAA.
2. Unified Policy Management
Forcepoint CASB allows IT teams to set DLP policies once and implement them across both cloud and on-premises infrastructure, ensuring consistent security policies across all environments.
3. Advanced Threat Detection and Prevention
The solution includes automatic anomaly detection, real-time threat prevention, and correlation with risky IP addresses to alert, block, or verify identities. This helps in detecting and stopping high-risk insider and external attacks.
4. Multi-Factor Authentication and Access Control
Forcepoint CASB provides risk-based identity verification, multi-factor authentication, and unique policies for managed and unmanaged devices. It also includes location-based access controls and integration with existing MDM deployments.
5. Integration and Scalability
The solution integrates seamlessly with enterprise directories, SIEM systems, and other security tools like web security, email security, and next-generation firewalls. It is highly scalable, running on the AWS hyperscaler platform with 99.99% service uptime.
Potential Alternatives and Comparisons
1. Other CASB Solutions
Other CASB solutions, such as those from Microsoft or Cisco, may offer similar features but might lack the integrated DLP capabilities that Forcepoint provides. For instance, Microsoft’s CASB solution is tightly integrated with Office 365 but may not offer the same level of DLP coverage across all cloud applications as Forcepoint.
2. Forcepoint ONE vs. Forcepoint CASB
Within the Forcepoint ecosystem, Forcepoint ONE is a more comprehensive solution that includes CASB along with other security features like Zero Trust Network Access and broader security coverage across web, cloud, and private apps. However, if the primary need is focused on CASB with DLP, the standalone Forcepoint CASB might be sufficient.
3. Cloud Security Gateways
Products like Netskope or Symantec’s CloudSOC offer cloud security gateway solutions that include CASB and DLP features. These solutions might provide similar functionalities but could differ in their approach to cloud application risk scoring, anomaly detection, and integration with other security tools.
Key Considerations
- Integration Capabilities: When choosing a CASB with DLP, consider how well the solution integrates with your existing security infrastructure, such as SIEM systems, MDM solutions, and enterprise directories.
- Scalability and Performance: Ensure the solution can scale to meet your organization’s needs, especially if you have a large user base or extensive cloud application usage.
- Customization and Flexibility: Look for solutions that allow for custom policies and flexible reporting options to align with your specific security requirements.
In summary, Forcepoint CASB with DLP stands out for its comprehensive data protection, unified policy management, and advanced threat detection capabilities. However, it is important to evaluate other solutions based on your specific needs and existing security infrastructure.
Forcepoint CASB with DLP - Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions about Forcepoint CASB with DLP
What is Forcepoint CASB with DLP?
Forcepoint CASB (Cloud Access Security Broker) with DLP (Data Loss Prevention) is a security solution that integrates CASB technology with advanced DLP capabilities. This integration extends data security and data loss prevention to all cloud applications, providing full visibility and control over data in any application.
Which cloud applications does Forcepoint CASB with DLP support?
Forcepoint CASB with DLP supports a variety of sanctioned enterprise cloud applications, including Office 365, G Suite, Box, ServiceNow, Salesforce, and Google Apps. This ensures comprehensive protection across multiple cloud services.
How does Forcepoint CASB with DLP protect data in cloud applications?
Forcepoint CASB with DLP protects data through several mechanisms:
- API-based analysis: It provides near real-time activity analysis and data discovery using API connections to supported cloud applications.
- Real-time inline controls: It offers immediate action through the CASB Cloud Gateway infrastructure, known as DLP Cloud Proxy, which integrates with the cloud-hosted Data Protection Service.
- Data at rest (DAR) discovery: It scans and remediates sensitive data at rest and data shared within sanctioned cloud applications.
- File sharing controls: It monitors and controls file sharing activities in real-time.
What features does Forcepoint CASB with DLP offer for unmanaged devices?
Forcepoint CASB with DLP implements Zero Trust access, which safeguards access to business applications from BYOD (Bring Your Own Device) and unmanaged devices. This ensures that even if devices are not managed by the organization, the data accessed through these devices remains secure.
How does Forcepoint CASB with DLP detect and block malware?
Forcepoint CASB with DLP detects and blocks malware in data in motion between users and SaaS apps using malware engines from partners like Bitdefender and CrowdStrike. This prevents malware from being transmitted through cloud applications.
What is the role of DLP Cloud Proxy in Forcepoint CASB?
The DLP Cloud Proxy is a feature that allows the Forcepoint CASB to take immediate action as a breach occurs on cloud application activities. It provides real-time inline activity analysis and mitigation, such as blocking malicious activities, as they happen.
How does Forcepoint CASB with DLP handle shadow IT?
Forcepoint CASB with DLP uncovers shadow IT by detecting and listing unmanaged SaaS applications in use. It allows administrators to build policies that can block access to these apps or direct users to approved alternatives.
What kind of policies can be configured with Forcepoint CASB with DLP?
Forcepoint CASB with DLP allows for the configuration of both custom and quick policies. These policies can be applied to specific cloud applications, ensuring that transactions are sent to Forcepoint DLP for analysis and appropriate actions are taken based on policy matches.
How does Forcepoint CASB with DLP support compliance with data regulations?
Forcepoint CASB with DLP helps organizations comply with global data security regulations by providing visibility and control over data across all cloud applications. It offers 190 pre-defined data security policies and customized controls that streamline compliance.
What is the licensing model for Forcepoint CASB with DLP?
The licensing model for Forcepoint CASB with DLP typically involves annual licensing and per-user fees. The cost can vary based on the number of users, the number of applications secured, and the type of deployment (e.g., on-premises, dedicated services, or shared SaaS implementations).