Security is good. A secure web browser can be worth billions to large companies these days. But security comes at a price, and it’s not just in licenses. Yes, users are the ones who suffer the most. In this article, we’ll take a closer look at one of the most well-known and secure enterprise browsers, Prisma Access Browser.
WHAT IS THE BLOG ABOUT?
- WHAT IS PRISMA ACCESS BROWSER?
- PRISMA ACCESS BROWSER KEY FEATURES
- PRISMA ACCESS BROWSER USE CASES
WHAT IS PRISMA ACCESS BROWSER?
Prisma Access Browser is a secure enterprise browser developed by Palo Alto Networks as part of the Prisma SASE (Secure Access Service Edge) platform. The browser addresses the growing security challenges posed by unmanaged devices accessing corporate SaaS and private applications—especially in hybrid and remote work environments.
Prisma offers an alternative to traditional solutions such as virtual desktop infrastructure (VDI) or corporate laptops with pre-installed software. It creates a secure workspace in a dedicated enterprise browser that allows both managed and unmanaged devices to securely access critical business applications.
However, Prisma’s approach requires users to switch from common browsers such as Chrome or Safari to a proprietary secure browser. This can reduce productivity, reduce user satisfaction, and cause serious compatibility issues with common business software.
PRISMA ACCESS BROWSER KEY FEATURES
TECHNOLOGICAL ADVANTAGES OF PRISMA ACCESS BROWSER:
Integrated Zero Trust Security: Includes Zero Trust Network Access (ZTNA 2.0), which provides identity-based access control directly in the browser. Includes continuous trust checking and security scanning to enforce least privileged access, with features such as threat prevention, URL filtering, DNS security, and sandboxing.
Device Coverage: Provides security for both managed and unmanaged devices, eliminating blind spots in enterprise security programs. Device health is checked every 90 seconds.
Secure workspace on any device: Protects browser assets, runtime, and interface. It applies an additional layer of encryption to browser data, protects against keystroke loggers and screen savers, and allows for granular control over browser components and extensions to reduce attack surfaces.
Browser-based data loss prevention (DLP): With built-in DLP, sensitive data is protected right at the point of access. Policies can enforce encryption and file access rules based on user identity, application type, and data classification, helping prevent data leakage or unauthorized sharing.
Unified management: As part of the broader Prisma SASE platform, the browser offers centralized management and automation capabilities. It simplifies IT operations by eliminating the need for multiple point products and reducing overall operational complexity.
DISADVANTAGES OF USING PRISMA ACCESS BROWSER:
Prisma Access Browser has several limitations that organizations should consider before deploying.
Performance and latency issues: Continuous security checks and content scanning can cause noticeable latency, especially for media-rich or highly interactive web applications.
Compatibility limitations: Certain websites or client-side applications may not function properly in the isolated browser environment, for example, many standard Chrome extensions are not supported.
Strict security controls impact usability: While various security restrictions improve security, they can be disruptive to users and reduce productivity.
Setup and configuration complexity: Initial setup and fine-tuning policies can be complex where you don’t have a dedicated cybersecurity team.
High internet connection dependency: As a cloud-based solution, Prisma Access Browser requires a stable and fast internet connection, and performance can be significantly degraded with limited bandwidth.
PRISMA ACCESS BROWSER USE CASES
After the pros and cons, here are two main contexts in which and why larger organizations around the world typically use Prisma Access Browser.
MAKING GEN-AI APPLICATIONS SECURE
Generative AI tools like ChatGPT and Gemini are often used to automate tasks, create complex documents, and write code. However, their ability to process vast amounts of user-generated data also creates significant risks—particularly around data leakage and regulatory compliance.
The Prisma Access browser addresses these risks by embedding security measures directly into the browser layer. It prevents sensitive data from leaking with controls like copy/paste blocking, file upload restrictions, and input masking. These protections are critical when users interact with GenAI applications where the risk of accidentally sharing personal or confidential information is high.
ADVANCED REMOTE ACCESS
Securing privileged remote access has become a pressing priority for enterprises, especially as traditional methods such as VPNs and third-party access gateways face increasing threats. SSH and RDP protocols are used to manage servers, infrastructure, or industrial control systems, but their widespread use and privileges make them prime targets.
Attackers often exploit weak authentication, excessive permissions, and open ports to gain entry, and once inside, they move laterally between systems. Traditional solutions lack granular access control, session monitoring, or visibility into these remote interactions, leaving organizations vulnerable.
Prisma Access Browser integrates SSH and RDP support into a secure, isolated browser environment. This allows power users to interact with web and non-web systems through a single, familiar interface – without VDI, VPN or dedicated clients. Sessions are protected from endpoint malware and external threats thanks to workspace isolation and in-browser encryption of sensitive devices.
SUMMARY
Maximum security is like the lifestyle of a super athlete. It’s tough, wearisome, and not very comfortable, but it works. It’s certain that such solutions won’t set sales records in the SME sector, but it can also be assumed that this will expose smaller but thriving businesses to greater cyber threats.
If you want to learn more about secure browsers, contact us!
