In the modern cloud landscape, the question isn’t whether or not you need a cloud access security broker (CASB) — it’s how to choose the right one and implement it effectively. Malicious attacks are on the rise, and so are remote and hybrid workforces, making it more important than ever to be proactive about data security.

Cybersecurity leaders already know the importance of a data loss prevention (DLP) solution. They also know DLP has its limits. As cloud applications have grown more common, they’ve introduced gaps in the DLP shield. SaaS apps present new opportunities for data leakage, accidental sharing, and insider threats. To plug those gaps, you need a cloud access security broker (CASB).

In this increasingly cloud-first world, data protection is more important than ever. With so many organizations relying on cloud applications to get work done, keeping sensitive information secure is a top priority. But balancing convenient access with strong security measures is no easy feat. In fact, only a small fraction of security leaders feel truly confident in their current data security measures. Lookout recently surveyed 100 executives to get their take on data security in the cloud.

Not every cybersecurity threat originates outside of the organization. External threats tend to receive more attention, but an IBM report shows that a breach caused by an insider threat can carry an even higher cost. In fact, malicious insider attacks cost an average of $4.99 million despite accounting for just 7% of breaches. That makes them the most expensive breach vector in the report.

In the past, organizations could control how, when, and where their employees accessed sensitive data. Now, in the age of hybrid and remote work, employees can connect to company networks from any location over nearly any device. Safeguarding data while granting employees the access they need is a delicate balance. That’s where zero trust remote access solutions come into play.

Most modern organizations run on SaaS applications, and many use them to store sensitive data. The global SaaS market reached a total value of $206 billion in 2023, and is expected to climb to $247 billion by the end of 2024. Organizations must employ a complex system of practices to keep their SaaS apps secure and their data safe. Because SaaS apps are delivered through the cloud, they must be managed and secured differently than other types of software.

Think about how many employees work at your organization. Now think about how many sensitive files each one can access. A single compromised user account could lead to an extortion scam, a ransomware attack, or even a data breach. If you haven’t reviewed your account takeover protection protocols in a while, now is the time. Account takeover (ATO) protection is not a single countermeasure, but rather a whole set of cybersecurity measures.