Technical Review by
Craig MacAlpine
Businesses are increasingly relying on cloud applications for critical day-to-day activities, in communication, accounting, marketing, file management and more. Many businesses carry out almost all of their business processes on cloud-hosted applications.
Powerful cloud-based tools like Microsoft 365, Salesforce and HubSpot empower employees to be more productive and have more control over their work, while also allowing businesses to run more efficiently. The SaaS nature of cloud applications also makes billing easier, giving businesses more control over the applications that are working, and those that aren’t.
As more businesses take advantage of these cloud benefits, they’re also relying more on the security of these cloud systems to protect their personal data. Everything from employee details, to customer data, to financial statements is stored in third-party cloud-based systems.
To ensure that these systems are secured and that businesses have the control and visibility over their data that they need, businesses are using Cloud Access Security Brokers (CASBs). These services are designed to sit between cloud service users and cloud applications, monitoring activity and ensuring that security policies are properly enforced.
Key features of CASB solutions include enhancing visibility into cloud applications, ensuring companies meet compliance needs with data loss protection policies, enforcing data security policies with access controls and encryption, and providing a strong level of threat protection across cloud accounts.
Cloud Access Security Brokers (CASBs) sit between your users and the cloud applications they access, giving your security team visibility into what cloud services are being used and control over how data flows through them. They discover shadow IT, enforce data loss prevention policies, control access based on user identity and device posture, and detect threats across your cloud application portfolio. CASBs help organizations maintain security governance as their workforce moves to SaaS-based workflows.
CASBs deploy through three architectural models: API-based integration connects directly to cloud application APIs for visibility and policy enforcement without touching network traffic; inline deployment using forward or reverse proxy intercepts traffic in real time for session-level control and blocking; and hybrid approaches combine both for broad coverage. The four capability pillars are visibility (shadow IT discovery and app risk scoring), compliance (DLP policy enforcement and regulatory mapping), data security (encryption, tokenization, and access controls), and threat protection (malware scanning, behavioral analytics, and account compromise detection). Modern CASBs are converging into broader SASE and SSE platforms, with vendors bundling CASB alongside Secure Web Gateway, ZTNA, and DLP in unified consoles. The evaluation decision centers on deployment model trade-offs, ecosystem fit with your existing security stack, and whether you need standalone CASB or a converged platform.
Here is how the 9 CASB platforms compare across the capabilities that matter most for enterprise cloud security.
| Product | Best For | Deployment | Inline Enforcement | Encryption/Tokenization | SSPM |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
Cisco Cloudlock
|
Cisco Umbrella environments
|
API
|
No
|
No
|
No
|
|
Forcepoint CASB
|
Unified cloud and on-prem DLP
|
Hybrid
|
Yes
|
No
|
No
|
|
Lookout CASB
|
Multi-country data protection
|
Hybrid
|
Yes
|
Yes
|
No
|
|
Microsoft Defender for Cloud Apps
|
M365 organizations
|
API / Proxy
|
Yes
|
No
|
Yes
|
|
Netskope One CASB
|
Unified cloud, web, and private app security
|
Hybrid
|
Yes
|
Yes
|
Yes
|
|
Palo Alto Next-Gen CASB
|
Palo Alto SASE stack
|
SASE-Native
|
Yes
|
No
|
Yes
|
|
Proofpoint CASB
|
Proofpoint email security customers
|
API
|
No
|
No
|
No
|
|
Broadcom Symantec CloudSOC
|
Large hybrid enterprises
|
Hybrid
|
Yes
|
No
|
No
|
|
Trend Micro Cloud App Security
|
Mid-sized orgs wanting fast email-focused security
|
API
|
No
|
No
|
No
|
We evaluated the leading CASB platforms across cloud application visibility, DLP enforcement depth, access control granularity, and threat protection capabilities. Joel Witts led the evaluation; Craig MacAlpine provided technical review with over 20 years of experience in email and cloud security. Read our full methodology
Best for organizations running Cisco Umbrella seeking API-based CASB
Cisco Cloudlock is a cloud-native CASB solution that protects users, data, and cloud applications. It’s fully API-based, providing a simplified way to secure access and manage security in cloud applications without requiring agents or inline inspection. Cloudlock is designed to integrate with Cisco’s broader security portfolio, and pairs particularly well with Cisco Umbrella, allowing organizations to combine cloud application security with web threat protection.
Users highlight data screening for remote workforces as a real strength. Controlling what gets shared externally is a consistent theme in positive feedback, with several customers reporting measurable reductions in unauthorized file sharing after deployment.
We think Cloudlock pairs best with organizations already invested in the Cisco security ecosystem. The OAuth app discovery and content-aware DLP are strong for Google Workspace environments, but keep in mind the platform is best realized when combined with Cisco Umbrella for broader web and cloud threat coverage.
Best for enterprises needing unified DLP across cloud and on-premises environments
Forcepoint CASB is a data-first cloud access security broker that gives IT teams enhanced visibility into cloud application usage, contextual risk assessment, and unified policy enforcement. The service allows IT teams to discover, assess, and protect applications in the cloud, combining shadow IT discovery, real-time monitoring, and DLP into a centralized platform with enterprise reporting and role-based controls.
Customers praise the unified console and Forcepoint’s support team for making implementation manageable. The single-pane approach to policy management across cloud and web gets consistent positive feedback, particularly from organizations that previously managed multiple separate tools.
We think Forcepoint CASB works best for mid-to-large enterprises with dedicated security teams who can invest in proper configuration. If your organization already runs Forcepoint DLP or needs a single platform for cloud and on-premises data governance, this is a strong fit.
Best for multi-country enterprises needing DLP, encryption, and tokenization
Lookout CASB, formerly CipherCloud, is a cloud and hybrid-deployable CASB platform focused on end-to-end data protection, threat detection, and compliance. CipherCloud was acquired by Lookout in 2021. The platform provides continuous layers of security including deep visibility, adaptive access controls, data protection, risk compliance, and zero-day threat protection across cloud applications. Note that Lookout’s CASB was acquired by Fortra in May 2025, and customers should verify current product support commitments directly with the vendor.
Customers highlight timely vulnerability detection and real-time threat notifications as key strengths. The always-on monitoring and quick alerting on unusual behavior get positive marks. Support quality gets mixed feedback, with some customers reporting slower response times.
If your organization operates across multiple countries and needs centralized cloud data protection with strong encryption and tokenization, this platform fits well. We think it works best for enterprises with dedicated compliance requirements, though the Fortra acquisition in May 2025 creates some uncertainty about long-term product direction that buyers should factor into their evaluation.
Best for M365 organizations wanting native CASB with zero additional setup
Microsoft Defender for Cloud Apps, formerly Microsoft Cloud App Security, is Microsoft’s native CASB built to give M365 customers centralized visibility and control over cloud application usage. It integrates natively with Microsoft’s own cloud suite and is designed to provide visibility into threats and user behaviors, greater control over data, and analytics to combat cyberthreats across cloud applications. The service supports centralized management and automation of security processes, and pricing varies by program region and agreement type.
Customers praise the SaaS visibility and shadow IT detection. Identifying suspicious configurations and unauthorized app usage gets consistently positive feedback across large enterprises. Some users note that navigating the platform is fragmented, with settings spread across multiple admin areas.
We were impressed by the native integration depth. If you run Microsoft 365 and want a CASB that works without third-party overhead, Defender for Cloud Apps delivers the strongest value when paired with the rest of the Microsoft security stack. For organizations using a diverse range of non-Microsoft SaaS applications, the limited connector availability for third-party apps is worth evaluating against alternatives.
Best for unified console for cloud, web, and private app security
Netskope is a market-leading CASB that prevents data loss from both insider threats and external attackers by allowing admins to set granular security policies and gain visibility into cloud application risk. The platform secures cloud services such as Microsoft 365, Google Workspace, Box, and AWS, providing protection across these services against cloud threats and malware. Netskope deploys 100% in the cloud, with an on-premises appliance and hybrid options also available.
Customers consistently praise the unified platform approach and support quality. The single-console visibility saves IT teams significant time and simplifies day-to-day operations across organizations with complex cloud environments. Some teams find the initial configuration and policy setup demanding.
We were impressed by the platform’s range. If you need a single platform covering CASB, web security, and private app access with strong DLP and compliance controls, Netskope belongs at the top of your evaluation list. The complexity of initial configuration is real but manageable for organizations with dedicated security resources.
Best for enterprises already running the Palo Alto SASE stack
Palo Alto’s Next-Gen CASB is an SASE-native solution that uses machine learning to automatically discover cloud applications, protect data, and remediate misconfigurations. We think it’s best suited for organizations running Palo Alto’s broader security stack. The ML-driven approach to app discovery is genuinely different from catalog-based methods, and the misconfiguration remediation workflows add a posture management layer that many standalone CASBs lack.
Customers highlight the deep visibility, monitoring capabilities, and zero trust enforcement as real strengths. The zone-based architecture, policy optimization tools, and VM deployment flexibility get positive marks from security engineers managing complex multi-environment deployments.
We think Palo Alto’s Next-Gen CASB fits best when deployed alongside Palo Alto’s broader SASE and security stack. The ML-driven app discovery paired with misconfiguration remediation is strong for enterprises that have outgrown static catalog-based CASBs, but the steep setup curve and separate per-feature licensing make it a harder sell as a standalone purchase.
Best for Proofpoint email security customers extending to cloud apps
Proofpoint’s CASB platform protects cloud applications and users from malware threats, data loss, and compliance risks. It secures access and data within cloud apps like Microsoft 365, Google Workspace, Box, and more. Proofpoint is one of the world’s leading email security vendors, and the CASB platform is sold both as a standalone product and as an add-on for existing Proofpoint email security customers, integrating threat intelligence across email, web, and cloud.
Customers praise the ease of use, alerting quality, and fast time to value. The platform’s learning curve is lower than many CASB competitors, and Proofpoint’s professional services team helps resolve configuration issues quickly.
We think the M365 DLP and cross-channel detection make Proofpoint’s CASB especially strong for Microsoft-centric environments where Proofpoint email security is already in place. The lower learning curve relative to enterprise alternatives makes it accessible for security teams that don’t have dedicated CASB expertise.
Best for large enterprises with hybrid cloud and on-premises environments
Symantec CloudSOC, now under Broadcom, is a multi-featured CASB platform offering cloud application assessments, cloud usage analytics, malware analysis, and remediation. It’s a platform for cloud application security that includes auditing, real-time threat detection, protection against data loss and compliance violations, and post-incident analysis. The platform allows organizations to safeguard data, respond to security incidents, and protect against threats across their cloud applications.
Customers praise data protection capabilities and the user interface. Access to cloud data and security controls is straightforward, and user activity reporting helps teams establish behavioral baselines. The platform continues to receive active updates post-acquisition according to recent customer feedback.
We think the threat intelligence backbone and hybrid coverage make CloudSOC a strong fit for large enterprises with mixed cloud and on-premises environments. The post-Broadcom acquisition licensing changes and product direction uncertainty are worth discussing with the vendor during any procurement process, but the platform continues to receive active updates.
Best for mid-sized organizations wanting fast deployment and email-focused cloud security
Trend Micro Cloud App Security is a CASB solution providing advanced threat and data protection, as well as email security, for Microsoft 365, Google Workspace, and cloud file-sharing services including Box, Dropbox, Google Drive, OneDrive, and Teams. The platform focuses on simplicity and minimal admin overhead, deploying via API integration without complex setup, MX record changes, or web proxies. It’s primarily aimed at mid-sized organizations that need broad protection against cloud-based threats.
Customers highlight the ease of integration, strong technical support, and email protection that outperforms native cloud tools. Single-dashboard administration across users and configurations gets consistently positive marks.
We were impressed by the fast deployment and the depth of email threat protection. If your priority is email-focused cloud security for M365 or Google Workspace with fast deployment and minimal admin overhead, Trend Micro Cloud App Security is worth serious consideration, particularly for mid-sized organizations that want integrated endpoint and cloud coverage.
CASB pricing varies by deployment model, number of protected users, and module selection. Most enterprise CASB platforms require custom quotes. Microsoft Defender for Cloud Apps is included with M365 E5 licensing, and several vendors offer CASB as part of broader SASE or SSE bundles.
| Product | Starting Price | Billing | Link |
|---|---|---|---|
|
Cisco Cloudlock
|
Contact for quote
|
N/A
|
|
|
Forcepoint CASB
|
Contact for quote
|
N/A
|
|
|
Lookout CASB
|
Contact for quote
|
N/A
|
|
|
Microsoft Defender for Cloud Apps
|
Included with M365 E5
|
Per-user
|
|
|
Netskope One CASB
|
Contact for quote
|
N/A
|
|
|
Palo Alto Next-Gen CASB
|
Contact for quote
|
N/A
|
|
|
Proofpoint CASB
|
Contact for quote
|
N/A
|
|
|
Broadcom Symantec CloudSOC
|
Contact for quote
|
N/A
|
|
|
Trend Micro Cloud App Security
|
Contact for quote
|
N/A
|
These are the evaluation steps we recommend when selecting a CASB platform.
Understanding which SaaS, IaaS, and PaaS services your organization uses determines which CASB deployment model and integrations you need.
API-based CASBs deploy faster without network changes; inline proxy gives real-time session control but requires traffic routing changes.
Content-aware DLP that inspects document contents catches sensitive data patterns that basic file classification misses.
Platforms vary from 31,000+ app catalogs to ML-based discovery; match the approach to how quickly your users adopt new SaaS tools.
CASBs deliver the most value when paired with their native ecosystem; standalone purchases often underutilize platform capabilities.
Several CASB vendors have changed ownership recently, creating product direction uncertainty that affects long-term support commitments.
DLP and behavioral detection generate noise that varies dramatically between vendor demos and production environments.
Some platforms generate audit-ready reports automatically while others require manual data exports and custom formatting.
For most M365-centric organizations, Microsoft Defender for Cloud Apps is the natural starting point given the native integration and zero additional setup cost on E5. Organizations that need stronger cross-platform coverage or more granular DLP should look at Netskope, Forcepoint, or Proofpoint, depending on whether the priority is unified web and cloud security, data governance, or cross-channel threat intelligence. Mid-sized organizations wanting fast deployment and strong email-focused cloud protection will find Trend Micro a practical fit. Enterprises with Palo Alto or Cisco security stacks will get the most out of the respective native CASB options.
CASB (Cloud Application Security Broker) solutions are a security tool which enable organizations to manage and secure their cloud applications, such as Microsoft 365 and Salesforce. These applications can quickly become vital to an organization, running key tasks and processes. But as they sit outside of your own network, it can be difficult to manage data, access policies, and tracking how many different applications are actually in use.
CASB solutions mitigate against these issues by providing a unified admin console connected to cloud applications and services which provides oversight and additional layers of security controls. This includes threat detection capabilities, user activity monitoring, policies and reporting and more. Capabilities of specific solutions can vary, some are integrated into wider web security solutions, some into endpoint and device security services, providing holistic security across an organization’s network.
CASB solutions are also important tools to prevent data loss. Many solutions provide data loss protection policies, access management and auditing to track where data is stored, and who has access to it. This is important to prevent data breach, but also to ensure compliance requirements are met, and best practices are enforced.
Cloud Access Security Brokers (CASBs) are security tools that sit between users and cloud-based applications, enforcing security policies and security controls. These services secure data moving from your local network environment to the cloud and vice-versa, based on your security policies such as encryption and authentication.
CASBs help to prevent, monitor, and mitigate against cybersecurity risks. Many solutions offer alerting for malicious activity or potential compliance violations, to help security teams keep on top of cloud risks. They can be used to help detect threats like ransomware, as well as preventing cloud-based account compromise by enforcing security policies such as single-sign on and device profiling.
CASBs are commonly deployed via Proxy Deployment, sitting between users and the SaaS cloud application, or via API deployment.
Further reading on cloud security from Expert Insights — buyers' guides, comparison articles, and platform-specific shortlists.
Joel is the Director of Content and a co-founder at Expert Insights; a rapidly growing media company focussed on covering cybersecurity solutions.
He’s an experienced journalist and editor with 8 years’ experience covering the cybersecurity space. He’s reviewed hundreds of cybersecurity solutions, interviewed hundreds of industry experts and produced dozens of industry reports read by thousands of CISOs and security professionals in topics like IAM, MFA, zero trust, email security, DevSecOps and more.
He also hosts the Expert Insights Podcast and co-writes the weekly newsletter, Decrypted. Joel is driven to share his team’s expertise with cybersecurity leaders to help them create more secure business foundations.
Craig MacAlpine is CEO and Founder of Expert Insights. Before founding Expert Insights in August 2018, Craig spent 10 years as CEO of EPA Cloud, an email security provider that rebranded as VIPRE Email Security following its acquisition by Ziff Davis, formerly J2Global (NASDAQ: ZD) in 2013.
Craig is a passionate security innovator with over 20 years of experience helping organizations to stay secure with cutting-edge information security and cybersecurity solutions.
Using his extensive experience in the email security industry, he founded Expert Insights with the singular goal of helping IT professionals and CISOs to cut through the noise and find the right cybersecurity solutions they need to protect their organizations.