SaaS visibility + access + data policies
Cloud Access Security Broker for Michigan businesses.
A Cloud Access Security Broker can add visibility and policy controls around supported cloud applications. CTS helps businesses evaluate those capabilities alongside identity, application configuration and data protection.
The business question
Bring cloud application use into the security plan.
Cloud application use can spread faster than the organization’s understanding of ownership and sharing. The first step is knowing which applications and information are relevant to the business.
A department adopts another SaaS application.
Someone needs to establish ownership, access, sharing expectations and support responsibilities. A control is useful only where the platform and integration can provide the needed visibility or action.
Define the service
What the relationship needs to cover.
The useful scope connects the technical capability with the people and operating work around it.
Application visibility
Understand the supported cloud applications, users and activity the service can observe.
Access and context
Consider how identity, device and connection context affect policy decisions.
Data controls
Discuss supported sharing, information-protection and event-review capabilities.
From discussion to operation
Make the next step explicit.
Start with the current environment, define the responsibility and agree on how the work will be reviewed.
- 01
Identify the need
Review the cloud applications, existing controls and information the organization wants to protect.
- 02
Define the supported approach
Confirm compatible services, integrations and limitations.
- 03
Connect to operations
Make policy review, exceptions and findings part of an owned workflow.
CASB coverage varies by platform and deployment method. It does not automatically discover or control every application and encrypted session.
Questions before you decide
Understand what you are buying.
These distinctions help make the service conversation more useful.
Is CASB the same as Microsoft 365 security?
No. The capabilities can overlap, but exact coverage and supported applications need review.
Does it replace DLP?
Not necessarily. Some capabilities work together; the proposal should identify what each component does.
Can employees still share information with partners?
The policy should support approved business sharing and a practical exception process.
Part of the wider environment
Connect the responsibilities.
This service works alongside other parts of your IT and security operating model.
Useful reading
Keep exploring the question.
Related CTS articles offer background and practical perspectives.
The Microsoft 365 Tenant Is the New Server Room
Read more about the operating decisions behind this service.
Read the articleWhich Apps Can Change the Controller?
Read more about the operating decisions behind this service.
Read the articleStart with your environment
Talk through cloud access security broker with CTS.
Tell us what is changing, what concerns you and how the responsibility is handled today. We will help you identify a useful next step.