cloud browser

What is a cloud browser?

A cloud browser is a cloud-based combination of a web browser application with a virtualized container that implements the concept of remote browser isolation. Commands from the web are executed in a secure container, separate from the user endpoint, and accessed by the remote display protocol. A browser application is more centralized, manageable, cost-effective, scalable and protected.

Users launch an installed application or a browser-based portal and initiate a session to open a cloud browser. Once authorized, remote display protocols control all access to the web hosted in the cloud. This protects the end user's location and digital fingerprint as they browse the internet or access their accounts.

Cloud browser users and vendors

Cloud browsers are popular among information security researchers and professionals in regulated industries, such as government, finance, healthcare and legal services. Consumers concerned with a lack of cybersecurity or privacy when browsing may also consider cloud browser applications.

Vendors within the cloud browser space include Authentic8, Citrix, Ericom and Maxthon. Cloud browsers, such as the products from these companies, are more secure and resource-efficient than local browsers, such as Google Chrome, Microsoft Edge and Mozilla Firefox.

Benefits of cloud browsers

Traditional web browsers are often recognized as insecure and vulnerable. Cloud browsers address these concerns, while providing the following added benefits of a cloud service:

• Enhanced security. Since no executable web code ever reaches the user endpoint, cloud browsers block pieces of malicious code, malware and other potential threats.
• Better privacy. Unlike traditional web browsers, cloud browsers pass information through a cloud-based data center, which protects a user's digital identity and location during each session.
• Implemented cloud service benefits. Like other cloud services, cloud browser providers manage the maintenance, scalability and capacity. This gives administrators a single point of command and control.
• Reduced need for point solutions. Browsing within the cloud minimizes the necessity of added functionality, such as content filtering, data loss prevention, Secure Sockets Layer inspection, endpoint security protection, domain name system services, firewalls and virtual private networks.