Best 9 Cloud Access Security Brokers (CASBs) For Enterprise (2026)

We reviewed the leading CASB platforms on cloud application discovery depth, DLP enforcement, and how well they integrate with existing identity and network security controls.

Last updated on Jun 30, 2026
Joel Witts Written by Joel Witts
Craig MacAlpine Technical Review by Craig MacAlpine
Best 9 Cloud Access Security Brokers (CASBs) For Enterprise (2026)

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.

What is Cloud Security?

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.

Cloud Access Security Broker Solutions Compared

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

How We Tested

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

1.

Cisco Cloudlock

Cisco Cloudlock Logo
Cisco

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.

  • Content-level DLP policies operate at the content level, not just by file title or label
  • Machine learning detects behavioral anomalies and governs access management across cloud applications
  • Apps Firewall detects, controls, and protects connected cloud applications with crowdsourced security scores
  • OAuth app discovery surfaces hidden third-party access risks in Google Workspace environments
  • Pre-built industry policy templates accelerate compliance setup

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.

Strengths
Content-level DLP beyond simple file classification
OAuth app discovery surfaces hidden third-party access risks in Google environments
Pre-built industry policy templates for fast compliance setup
API-based deployment with no agents or inline inspection required
Integrates with Cisco Umbrella for combined web and cloud application protection
Cautions
Reviews note that third-party integrations lag outside the Cisco ecosystem
Customers flag limited endpoint integration requiring separate EDR management
2.

Forcepoint CASB

Forcepoint CASB Logo
Forcepoint

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.

  • Unified DLP engine delivers consistent data protection policies across cloud and on-premises from a single console
  • Cloud app discovery uses log file analysis to automate categorization with aggregated discovery reports
  • Contextual risk scoring adapts controls based on user identity, device, and activity patterns
  • Real-time activity monitoring covers privileged users with automatic anomaly detection
  • Integrates with 800,000+ cloud apps via API, reverse proxy, and forward proxy

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.

Strengths
Unified DLP engine across cloud and on-premises environments
Contextual risk scoring adapts controls by user, device, and activity
Centralized shadow IT dashboard with customizable risk ratings
Integrates with 800,000+ cloud apps via API, reverse proxy, and forward proxy
Cautions
Users report complex initial policy configuration for CASB newcomers
RegEx-based detection needs careful tuning to avoid false negatives
3.

Lookout CASB

Lookout CASB Logo
Lookout

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.

  • DLP, encryption, and tokenization bundled in a single platform for consistent data protection
  • Adaptive access controls perform continuous risk assessment for contextual access decisions
  • Real-time malware detection with sandboxing covers zero-day threats
  • Multi-country cloud application management from a single dashboard with configurable controls

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.

Strengths
DLP, encryption, and tokenization unified in one platform
Adaptive access controls adjust dynamically based on continuous risk signals
Multi-country cloud management from a single dashboard
Real-time malware detection with sandboxing for zero-day threats
Cautions
Acquired by Fortra in May 2025, creating product direction uncertainty
Reviews note pricing runs high compared to alternatives
4.

Microsoft Defender for Cloud Apps

Microsoft Defender for Cloud Apps Logo
Microsoft

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.

  • Cloud app discovery covers risk analytics across 31,000+ applications and 90+ risk factors
  • DLP with pre-built policies and controls to protect access to sensitive information
  • Automated engines detect unusual behavior including ransomware and malicious applications
  • Real-time session policies, app blocking, and SaaS Security Posture Management
  • Native integration with M365, Microsoft Sentinel, and Defender XDR

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.

Strengths
Native integration with M365, Sentinel, and Defender XDR
Shadow IT discovery across 31,000+ apps and 90+ risk factors
Real-time session policies and app blocking
SSPM and app governance for risky OAuth permissions
Cautions
Users report fragmented navigation with settings spread across multiple areas
Customers note limited connector availability for non-Microsoft SaaS apps
5.

Netskope One CASB

Netskope One CASB Logo
Netskope

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.

  • Unified console manages cloud, web, and private app traffic from one platform
  • Over 40 threat intelligence feeds power real-time malware detection and anomaly identification
  • Granular role-based DLP includes encryption and tokenization
  • Rule-based access controls enforceable across thousands of cloud services
  • Native API integrations with M365, Google Workspace, Box, and AWS

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.

Strengths
Unified console for cloud, web, and private app traffic
40+ threat intelligence feeds for real-time malware and anomaly detection
Granular role-based DLP with encryption and tokenization
Native API integrations with M365, Google Workspace, Box, and AWS
Cautions
Reviews flag complex initial deployment and policy configuration
Customers note the UI lacks intuitiveness for log access and custom reports
6.

Palo Alto Networks Next-Gen CASB

Palo Alto Networks Next-Gen CASB Logo
Palo Alto Networks

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.

  • ML-powered discovery automatically identifies new cloud applications across all traffic types
  • Misconfiguration remediation workflows address configuration drift in complex environments
  • Consistent policy enforcement across hybrid cloud and on-premises
  • Deep visibility across endpoints, networks, and applications from a single console

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.

Strengths
ML-powered discovery automatically identifies new cloud apps across all traffic
Misconfiguration remediation workflows for complex environments
Consistent policy enforcement across hybrid cloud and on-prem
Deep visibility across endpoints, networks, and applications
Cautions
Steep learning curve for setup and policy fine-tuning
Reviews note confusing licensing with separate subscriptions per feature set
7.

Proofpoint Cloud App Security Broker

Proofpoint Cloud App Security Broker Logo
Proofpoint

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.

  • Cross-channel detection pulls from email, web, and cloud-based threats for unified intelligence
  • Profiles 46,000+ applications for risk identifiers, vulnerabilities, and security gaps
  • M365 DLP surfaces publicly shared files with automated remediation
  • Sandboxing and browser isolation handle cloud-uploaded threats
  • Behavioral monitoring at global, app, and user level for compromised account detection

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.

Strengths
Cross-channel threat intelligence from email, web, and cloud
M365 DLP surfaces publicly shared files with automated remediation
Lower learning curve than most enterprise CASB platforms
Sandboxing and browser isolation for cloud-uploaded threats
Cautions
Users report false positives in data content alerts requiring manual triage
Customers mention cumbersome log searching for incident investigation
8.

Broadcom Symantec CloudSOC

Broadcom Symantec CloudSOC Logo
Broadcom

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.

  • Threat intelligence covers malware analysis, intrusion detection, and post-incident analysis using Symantec’s global network
  • Coverage spans both cloud and on-premises applications from a single platform
  • DLP policies with enhanced user behavioral analytics for cloud email and file sharing
  • API integration with Symantec Email Security for cross-channel context
  • User activity reporting establishes behavioral baselines for anomaly detection

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.

Strengths
Global threat intelligence network for real-time detection and post-incident analysis
Covers both cloud and on-premises applications from one platform
User activity analytics for behavioral baselining and shadow IT discovery
Integrates with Broadcom's broader enterprise security portfolio
Cautions
Post-acquisition licensing and product direction changes create procurement uncertainty
Reviews note limited recent feedback makes long-term reliability harder to assess
9.

Trend Micro Cloud App Security

Trend Micro Cloud App Security Logo
Trend Micro

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.

  • Email security beyond native M365 and Google Workspace with real-time credential phishing link scanning
  • Sandbox malware analysis and ML detection for BEC and spear-phishing attempts
  • DLP compliance enforced across cloud file-sharing services with 240 pre-built compliance templates
  • API-based deployment with no MX record changes or web proxies required
  • Managed detection and response service with 24/7 monitoring available as an add-on

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.

Strengths
API-based deployment with no MX record changes for M365
240 pre-built compliance templates for fast DLP policy setup
Sandbox analysis and ML detection beyond native email security
Centralized dashboard with Apex One endpoint integration
Cautions
Users mention dashboard reporting lacks customization
Reviews report slow config syncing across cloud environments after updates

Cloud Access Security Broker Pricing

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

Cloud Access Security Broker Checklist

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.

The Bottom Line

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.

Cloud Access Security Brokers (CASBs) FAQs

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.

Learn more about the top SaaS App Security Hub here.

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.

Cloud Security Resources

Further reading on cloud security from Expert Insights — buyers' guides, comparison articles, and platform-specific shortlists.

Written By Written By
Joel Witts
Joel Witts Content Director

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.

Technical Review Technical Review
Craig MacAlpine CEO and Founder

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.