RBI vs. Enterprise Browser: Navigating Security Solutions

Remote Browser Isolation (RBI) and Enterprise Browsers are two technologies for securing the browser. While they each have their own benefits and advantages, there are also pitfalls to be aware of. In this blog post, we compare the two and show how to overcome the risks they pose.

Understanding Remote Browser Isolation (RBI)

Remote Browser Isolation (RBI) is a security measure that isolates web browsing activity from a user’s local network and endpoint devices. This is achieved by running the browsing sessions on remote servers instead of the user’s device. The user’s browser interacts with the remote server instead of the internet, and the server fetches and executes web content. The results are rendered and displayed back to the user, typically in the form of a clean, safe stream of data (e.g., HTML, images, and JavaScript).

RBI ensures that any malicious content encountered when browsing is contained and does not reach the user’s endpoint. This enables RBI to effectively prevent potential threats, such as malware, ransomware, and phishing attacks from impacting local systems.

How RBI Works

With RBI, content is processed and rendered on remote servers. This approach ensures that even if the content is malicious, it cannot harm the user’s device.

Here’s how it works:

• When a user attempts to visit a website, their browser sends a request to a remote isolation server rather than directly accessing the internet.
• The isolation server receives the request and acts as a middleperson. It fetches the website’s content, including HTML, JavaScript, images, and other resources.
• The fetched content is executed and rendered on the isolation server. This means any scripts or active content on the web page run in a secure, isolated environment away from the user’s device.
• After rendering the content, the isolation server transforms it into a safe, sanitized data stream. This could be in the form of a secure visual representation (like a remote desktop session) or a clean, simplified data format such as HTML5 or SVG.
• The sanitized stream is sent back to the user’s browser. The browser then displays the content as if it were being accessed directly from the internet. This can be achieved through various techniques, such as pixel pushing, which sends only the visual elements of a web session to the user’s browser, or DOM mirroring, where the Document Object Model (DOM) of the web page is reconstructed locally, but scripts and potential threats are executed remotely. 
• The user interacts with this content through a secure stream, viewing a safe visual representation of the web page.
• Users can click, type, scroll, and interact with the web page seamlessly. Any interaction inputs from the user (like clicking a link or submitting a form) are sent back to the isolation server, which processes them and updates the displayed content accordingly.
• The isolation server continuously monitors the web session, ensuring that any potentially harmful content remains contained. If any malicious behavior is detected, it is neutralized within the isolated environment, preventing it from reaching the user’s device.

Key Advantages of RBI

• Superior Threat Protection: RBI effectively neutralizes threats by keeping all web content in a remote environment. This isolation ensures that malicious code, including malware, ransomware, or phishing attempts, remains confined to the remote server and never reaches the user’s endpoint.
• Compliance Assurance: RBI facilitates stringent data protection and policy enforcement.  Administrators can monitor user activities and implement security policies to control access to potentially harmful websites. This ensures compliance with industry standards and helps safeguard sensitive data.
• User-Friendly Integration: RBIs are compatible with existing browsers, ensuring a seamless and uninterrupted browsing experience for users (though probably not for IT). This is unlike some security solutions that may require specialized software or disrupt normal operations. Such a user-friendly approach means employees can continue their work without noticeable changes, promoting both security and productivity.

Enterprise Browsers: Customized Security Solutions

Enterprise browsers are specialized web browsers designed specifically for corporate use. They offer enhanced security features, like policy enforcement, URL filtering, malware protection, and encryption. This ensures safe and efficient web browsing for employees while maintaining strict compliance and control over web access and data. In addition, they provide centralized management capabilities and productivity tools, which align with IT and business needs.

Core Features

Enterprise browsers allow IT administrators to manage settings, enforce protocols, and monitor activities from a central console, reducing the administrative burden of managing multiple individual browsers. Core features include:

• Advanced Threat Detection – Built-in mechanisms for detecting and blocking malicious websites, phishing attempts, and malware downloads – in real-time.
• Secure Browsing Modes – Sandboxing and isolated browsing sessions to protect against threats. This ensures that any malicious activity does not affect the local machine or network.
• End-to-End Encryption of data that is being transmitted between the browser and web servers. This protects sensitive information from being intercepted during transit.
• Policy Enforcement – IT administrators can define and enforce browsing policies across all users and devices. This includes blocking access to certain websites, restricting downloads, and managing browser settings.
• Extension Management – Control over which extensions and plugins can be installed or used within the browser to prevent the use of potentially harmful or unapproved add-ons.
• Remote Configuration and Update – Administrators can remotely configure browser settings and deploy updates to ensure all users are using the latest, most secure versions.
• Data Loss Prevention (DLP) – Tools that prevent sensitive information from being leaked or transmitted outside the organization, intentionally or accidentally.
• Privacy Controls – Features such as private browsing, do-not-track requests, and cookie management that help protect user privacy and data integrity.
• Integration with SSO solutions to allow users to access the browser and corporate resources using a single set of credentials.
• Integration with IAM systems to ensure that only authorized users can access specific web applications and data.
• Compatibility with enterprise applications
• Productivity tools that drive collaboration and efficient use of system resources, as well as customizable interfaces.
• Activity Monitoring and Logging – Detailed logs of user activities and web usage. This helps in monitoring compliance with corporate policies and regulatory requirements.
• Audit Trails – Comprehensive audit trails that provide insights into user actions and browser activity, aiding in forensic analysis and compliance reporting.

Key Benefits of Enterprise Browsers

• Enhanced Security – Built-in threat detection and isolation capabilities against phishing, data leakage, and unauthorized access safeguard corporate networks.
• Centralized Management – IT departments can centrally enforce and control browser settings, policies across the organization. This includes controlling access to specific websites, managing browser settings, and monitoring user activity. Centralized management simplifies the enforcement of security policies, ensures consistent protection across all endpoints, and assists IT and security complete their tasks.
• Regulatory Compliance: Ensures adherence to industry regulations and corporate governance standards. This is done by providing features that support data protection and privacy. For example, detailed logging, activity monitoring, and audit trails ensure compliance with industry regulations such as GDPR, HIPAA, and others.

Drawbacks and Limitations

However, organizations that use enterprise browsers face limitations. 

• User Resistance – Employees may resist transitioning to a new browser, especially if they are accustomed to using commercial browsers like Chrome or Firefox. This resistance can lead to decreased productivity and might call for additional training and support to help users adapt to the new environment.
• Deployment Complexity – Setting up and configuring enterprise browsers can strain IT resources, especially during the initial deployment phase.
• Compatibility Issues – Despite efforts to ensure compatibility, some enterprise browsers may not fully support the latest features and enhancements, since this would require extensive testing and customization. Compatibility issues can hinder the functionality of essential tools and workflows, requiring additional workarounds or compromises. It can also impact security.

• Limited Flexibility – The centralized management and strict policy enforcement, while beneficial for security and compliance, can limit users’ flexibility and autonomy. Users might find themselves restricted in accessing certain websites or using specific browser features, which can impact their productivity and satisfaction.
• Vendor Lock-In – Choosing a particular enterprise browser solution can lead to vendor lock-in, where the organization becomes dependent on the vendor for updates, support, and new features. This dependency can limit the organization’s ability to switch to alternative solutions or negotiate better terms.
• Privacy Concerns – While enterprise browsers are designed to enhance security and compliance, the extensive monitoring and logging capabilities can raise privacy concerns among employees. Users might feel uncomfortable knowing that their browsing activities are being closely monitored and logged.
• Maintenance and Updates – Regular maintenance and updates ensure enterprise browsers are secure and functional, but they strain IT resources. This can introduce downtime or disruptions.

Choosing Between RBI and Enterprise Browsers

When deciding between RBI and Enterprise Browsers, you should consider your unique needs and preferences, security requirements, and operational goals. Each solution addresses different aspects of web browsing security and management. Here’s a comparison to help you choose the right solution for your organization:

RBI Advantages

• Superior Threat Protection – RBI provides robust protection by executing all web content in a remote, isolated environment. This ensures that any malicious code is contained and never reaches the user’s device.In addition, since web content is executed remotely, zero-day exploits are neutralized before they can affect the user’s system.
• Minimal Impact on Endpoint Performance – By offloading the browsing workload to remote servers, RBI minimizes the impact on the user’s local device, ensuring smooth performance.
• Ease of Deployment – RBI solutions can be quickly deployed, especially cloud-based ones, without the need for extensive changes to the existing IT infrastructure.

RBI Disadvantages

• User Experience – Although modern RBI solutions strive for seamless integration, users may occasionally experience latency or reduced functionality compared to local browsing.
• Cost – RBI solutions, particularly those that are cloud-based, can incur ongoing operational costs. As your organization grows, costs might become substantial.
• Compatibility – Certain web applications and services may not function optimally within an isolated browsing environment, potentially disrupting workflows and impacting productivity.

Enterprise Browser Advantages

• Centralized Management – Enterprise browsers allow IT administrators to centrally manage and enforce security policies, control browser settings, and monitor user activity across the organization.
• Enhanced Productivity Tools – These browsers often include productivity-enhancing features such as secure file sharing, integration with corporate systems, and performance optimization.
• Data Protection and Compliance – Enterprise browsers come with built-in data protection measures and compliance features, ensuring that organizations meet regulatory requirements.

Enterprise Browser Disadvantages

• Implementation Complexity – Deploying enterprise browsers can be complex and require significant IT resources, especially during the initial setup phase.
• User Resistance – Employees accustomed to consumer browsers might resist switching to an enterprise browser, necessitating training and support.

Read more about enterprise browser challenges

Decision Criteria

• Security Needs – If your primary concern is to protect against sophisticated web-based threats, including zero-day vulnerabilities, RBI is a more suitable choice. If you need a balanced approach with centralized management and enhanced productivity tools, enterprise browsers are ideal.
• Operational Environment – For organizations with diverse and distributed workforces, especially those with remote or hybrid work models, Enterprise Browser offers a comprehensive security solution with minimal networking impact.
• Cost Considerations – Evaluate the total cost of ownership, including initial deployment, ongoing maintenance, and operational costs. RBI solutions might have higher ongoing costs due to its infrastructure.
• User Experience – RBI might introduce some latency, while enterprise browsers introduce user resistance and adoption friction.

LayerX Security: Enhancing RBI and Enterprise Browsers

LayerX Security can address many of the challenges posed by RBI and enterprise browsers. A lightweight enterprise browser extension, LayerX enables users to continue using their preferred commercial browsers without disruption, minimizing the learning curve and enhancing user experience.

By providing granular visibility into user actions, LayerX blocks malware, phishing sites and other malicious attacks. In addition, it can detect risky behavior, such as the use of Shadow IT, pasting sensitive data into AI applications, using malicious extensions or password reuse. Additionally, LayerX can enforce browser updates and patching, ensuring the most advanced and secure versions are in use.

Finally, LayerX is easily deployed and managed across the organization, making IT’s role simple and straightforward. 

LayerX enhances RBI since it provides all required security requirements, with minimal impact on the user experience. Users continue browsing like they were used to, without servers in the way impacting performance. This ensures secure browsing without stirring up user resistance and impeding productivity.

In addition, allowing free choice of browsers means compatibility with all systems. This allows employees to keep working, without disruption.

Finally, ease of use and deployment makes organizations management and operations simplified. This is a strategic advantage for the business, positively impacting spend and resource use and allowing resource and talent allocation to other strategic initiatives.

LayerX enhances Enterprise Browsers by ensuring all security features, browser updates and patches take place, all while users keep using their browser of choice. Users do not have to make the switch to an enterprise browser and IT do not have to enforce this change. This significantly encourages adoption and enhances productivity, without the need to balance security with productivity – both are achievable.

Finally, since any user can continue using any browser, LayerX helps organizations overcome vendor lock-in. Organizations still remain secure, no matter which browser they work with.

By carefully considering the unique benefits and challenges of each technology and leveraging LayerX Security, businesses can make informed decisions to effectively enhance their security posture. Start today.