How does a Cloud Access Security Broker (CASB) mitigate the risk of data exfiltration?

A Cloud Access Security Broker (CASB) plays a crucial role in mitigating the risk of data exfiltration primarily by restricting access to unauthorized cloud services from managed devices. This capability ensures that only those authorized users and devices can access sensitive data in cloud environments. By enforcing strong access controls, the CASB helps prevent unauthorized access to cloud applications, which is often a vector for data exfiltration—where sensitive information is improperly transferred outside of the organization.

This access control mechanism includes the ability to monitor user activity, enforce policies around which applications can be accessed, and determine the behaviors considered risky. By limiting exposure to only trusted services and applications, organizations can significantly reduce the chance of data being mishandled or exfiltrated.

While managing cloud service configurations, enforcing Single Sign-On (SSO), and providing centralized antivirus scanning are beneficial aspects of a CASB, they do not directly address the specific vector of preventing unauthorized access to services, which is the central mechanism by which CASBs protect against data exfiltration.