How does remote browser isolation work?
Browsers are one of the most popular targets for web-based attacks.
RBI disarms attacks against browsers by preventing their ultimate goal: Reaching sensitive information stored elsewhere on the endpoint.
Rather than run potentially dangerous browsing sessions directly on the device, RBI isolates threats in a remote server environment.
What the user does: The user accesses a site that might have dangerous content.
What the user sees: RBI renders the site so the user can interact with it safely.
What actually happens: RBI runs the site in a sandboxed container away from the endpoint.
What stays away: Malware embedded in a website can’t reach the device or sensitive data.
Here’s an in-depth look at how RBI works.
1. Monitor for threats
RBI uses a Zero Trust network architecture to run in the background of users’ browsers, assessing their requests for web access based on pre-defined policies.
2. Isolate the threat
When users access a page that might contain malicious content, an RBI solution will open an isolated browser session in a sandboxed environment on a remote server away from the endpoint. This prevents malicious content from reaching the device at all.
3. Neutralize the threat
Because malware needs to reach a device or network to do its work, an RBI solution’s isolated environment will prevent the threat from causing any issues.
4. Give the user safe access
While hosting an isolated session, RBI solutions stream the original page to the user. It transfers all information and interactions back and forth, so the user still feels like they’re on the page.
5. Dispose of the threat
After the user ends the browsing session, RBI will remove that particular sandboxed container. This disposes of any lingering threats safely.
Here’s a look at how Parallels Browser Isolation works.
6 threats remote browser isolation protects against
RBI protects organizations and end users from various types of browser-based threats and social engineering tactics designed to infiltrate systems and exfiltrate sensitive data.
1. Malware
The main goal of malware is to access a device or network to wreak havoc. RBI prevents malware from reaching its goal by isolating it from the endpoint.
2. Phishing
Phishing attacks are designed to trick users into clicking links that can infect their device or browser with malware. Because RBI keeps the browser separate from the device, there’s nothing for the phishing attack to target.
3. Ransomware
Ransomware is a type of malware that hides within infected URLs to target sensitive data on a device, encrypt it, and then hold it for ransom. But when the browser’s in a remote sandbox, there’s no data to find.
4. Malicious scripts
Cybercriminals sometimes hide executable code for malware within scripts like HTML and JavaScript, even on trusted sites. When they’re run in an RBI environment, though, malicious scripts can’t do anything to the endpoint.
5. Zero-day exploits
Browsers sometimes have bugs or issues that their developers know about and need to patch. Some browser-based attacks will target these bugs, known as zero-day exploits, to infect browsers and devices.
Because RBI projects an image of a website from a remote, isolated server to the browser rather than directly accessing the site on the device’s browser, it minimizes the risk of zero-day exploits.
6. Data exfiltration
Some malware is designed to find and extract sensitive information like intellectual property or client information. RBI keeps this malware in the cloud, away from the device or network and its data.
What are the benefits of remote browser isolation?
RBI is an invaluable part of any organization’s Zero Trust security toolkit.
Let’s look at a few of the ways RBI can protect against web-based attacks.
Reduced malware infection
RBI actively reduces an organization’s attack surfaces by minimizing the threats that can come in through a browser.
Data loss prevention
Because RBI prevents threats from gaining access to sensitive data, those threats cannot extract information from the organization.
Secure BYOD access
Remote work and bring-your-own-device (BYOD) policies carry additional risks when devices are used for extracurricular activities.
RBI protects against these risks by partitioning the organization’s browser from anything else the user may do.
Centralized monitoring and control
RBI solutions track and log instances of access, threats neutralized, and much more. This gives IT teams a simple method for tracking and managing cybersecurity initiatives.
Secure access for third parties
When businesses work with contractors and other external users, RBI gives them a way to share file access without exposing internal networks to unfamiliar devices.
How are remote browser isolation and network security different?
If RBI is a tool, then network security is the toolbox.
Network security is an overarching concept that includes various measures designed to protect a company’s network and endpoints from cyber threats. Modern approaches to network security may feature Secure Access Service Edge (SASE) architecture, which combines multiple security measures into a more unified, cloud-based system.
RBI is a specialized measure for network security that focuses on isolating web browsers on cloud servers away from the company’s network.
| Network security | RBI | |
| Goal | Protect all network activity, including user access, communication, and transmission | Protect web browsing activity |
| Method | Multifaceted approach combining tactics like firewalls, network monitoring, access controls, and intrusion detection | Singular approach preventing web-based attacks and isolating them away from their potential targets |
| Primary Target | Cyber threats as a whole | Browser-based threats |
See how Parallels Browser Isolation can protect your organization.
5 use cases for remote browser isolation
There are multiple ways for organizations to use RBI—from improving existing cybersecurity to protecting clients, employees, and data alike.
1. Giving employees remote access
The prevalence of remote work means it’s something organizations need to consider. RBI helps protect data and people in remote work environments by adding a controlled layer of security, even on uncontrolled networks.
2. Acting as an alternative to VPN
While virtual private network (VPN) technology can help protect an organization’s privacy, it doesn’t always protect against web-based attacks.
RBI can add onto or replace a VPN’s functionality to protect more effectively against phishing attacks, malware, and other threats.
3. Enabling legacy or vulnerable devices
Some devices may not be able to upgrade to the latest OS—meaning they’re missing out on security patches. But replacing them isn’t always in the budget.
RBI gives organizations a way to use these devices safely.
4. Allowing BYOD access
Whether an organization has remote clients who need access to key files or a BYOD policy for employees, RBI provides a secure way to browse on any device.
5. Improving and enforcing IT policies
RBI is designed to give IT teams total control over web access throughout an organization. This includes detailed information for tracking access and user activity, informing decisions about policy amendments.
It can also limit a device’s ability to reach the internal network by turning off copy/paste functions and printing capabilities.
Related solutions
Parallels Browser Isolation gives organizations a secure way to ensure safe web access. By running browsers in a secure, sandboxed environment away from devices and networks, Parallels Browser Isolation ensures threats stay out—and data stays in.
See how this Zero Trust approach to remote browser isolation could work for your organization with a free trial.
Resources
On-demand webinar: Discover unified secure workspaces with Parallels RAS & Browser Isolation
Zero Trust and secure web access: The definitive cybersecurity implementation guide
Zero Trust strategy: Why RBI is the superior defense for today’s workforce
Take the next step
Parallels Workspace Solutions include Parallels Browser Isolation, a remote browser isolation tool for providing teams with safer workspace environments.
By isolating threats from reaching your organization’s devices and networks through sandboxed environments, policy control, and access tracking, Parallels Browser Isolation protects your data and your business.