What is browser isolation?

Users can still view and interact with web apps. However, isolation tools transmit this content as a pixel stream. No file executions or downloads occur on the user device, protecting against many web-based threats.

Why is browser isolation important?

Browser isolation is important because businesses and individual users face many cyber threats during everyday web browsing.

For instance, downloads from fake websites can lead to malware infections and data loss. Malicious content can hijack browsing sessions, allowing criminals to steal credentials and breach web-based network portals.

Many web threats take advantage of weak browser security, but that's not all. Attackers commonly exploit web app vulnerabilities, user mistakes, and social engineering tactics. Outdated browsers and human errors create openings for criminals to access devices and networks. These risks can expose sensitive data, letting attackers compromise business networks.

Browser isolation technology is a potential solution. Remote and office-based workstations can access the web without establishing active connections with web content. Unlike firewalls and blocklists, browser isolation creates a protected sandbox. In theory, there is no way for malware to compromise user devices.

Types of browser isolation

Browser isolation comes in three main varieties:

• Remote browser isolation (RBI). RBI creates a cloud-based sandbox environment isolated from network endpoints.
• Local browser or client-side isolation. Creates a locally-hosted sandbox environment on the user's device. The isolation app deletes browsing activity data when sessions end.
• On-premises browser isolation. Similar to RBI, isolation occurs within the company's IT setting. IT teams create a remote server to host web browsing for authorized users.

What is remote browser isolation (RBI)?

Remote browser isolation is a form of web isolation that uses cloud-based security tools. RBI creates a virtualized environment on a remote server.

Users log into this server before browsing sessions. All operations occur within the cloud browser isolation sandbox. No data reaches the original network endpoint. The isolation environment contains threats if users accidentally click on a malicious attachment. Ransomware or spyware agents cannot infect your device or spread to connected endpoints.

How does remote browser isolation work?

RBI starts by creating a self-contained cloud instance to host browsing activity. This environment hosts browser tools and extensions needed in standard internet browsing.

Users experience Chrome or Edge normally. When they click a link, isolation tools transmit a signal to the cloud-based browser, which starts an isolated session. Images, video, text, and files related to web content all remain within the web isolation environment.

There are a few ways to deliver content back to the user.

Firstly, pixel pushing streams visualizations of the browser screen to user endpoints. This is effective but bandwidth-intensive. Document Object Model (DOM) reconstruction recreates and sanitizes web pages before delivering them to users—a faster but slightly less secure technique. The fastest option uses network vector rendering (NVR) and Skia draw commands to send an encrypted stream to the user's device. This is often the quickest and most secure method.

All forms of RBI sanitize web content. Users can still interact with web apps or social media contacts. However, they cannot transfer content from the web to their workstations. This separation cuts risks linked to malicious content, including ever-present phishing hazards.

Advantages of remote browser isolation

Remote browser isolation has several benefits (along with potential drawbacks). Advantages of using RBI to secure browsing activity include:

• Mitigating exploit risks. Attackers use zero-day exploits in browsers and extensions to breach local security defenses. RBI avoids this scenario by removing direct links between browsers and local devices.
• Blocking malicious code execution. Many cyber-attacks use fake websites or attachments to deliver self-executing malware. Remote browser isolation confines these threats in a safe environment.
• Preventing data exfiltration. RBI cuts the link between attackers and data hosted by local devices. Threat actors cannot compromise devices and exfiltrate sensitive data.
• Granular threat management. Without browser isolation, users may need to block all content from risky websites. However, these websites may still host essential content. RBI allows users to access websites without relying on blocking functions.

Remote browser isolation: critical challenges

Remote browser isolation also brings many implementation challenges. Isolated browsing sessions won't be suitable in all contexts. Challenges associated with RBI include:

• Speed issues. Browser isolation technology inevitably imposes processing overheads. The need to transmit data between user endpoints and sandboxes compromises user experience by increasing latency.
  This is relevant for companies reliant on video processing or dynamic web applications. In those situations, enterprise browsers are probably preferable.
• Bandwidth usage. Similarly, browser isolation increases the bandwidth needed for web browsing. Without careful technical planning, pixel streams can overwhelm network infrastructure.
  High bandwidth can also challenge remote work applications. Users may connect from locations with unreliable internet connectivity or relatively low bandwidth capacities. Companies must assess whether RBI is technically viable for real-world users.
• Costs. RBI is not cost-free. Companies pay to use cloud services and stream encrypted internet browsing. The resulting costs can make browser isolation impractical for smaller businesses.
• Compatibility. Not all browser extensions and web apps function properly in isolated environments. IT teams may need to implement costly workarounds or invest in alternative solutions.
• Security. RBI is technically one of the most secure ways to access web content. However, it is not 100% secure and may still be vulnerable to advanced threats. Security teams must assess remote isolation systems and use threat detection tools to safeguard local assets.

Comparing RBI vs. enterprise browsers

Enterprise browsers are the most common alternative to remote browser isolation, and it's important to understand their roles.

Enterprise browsers closely resemble familiar web browsers but are specialized for enterprise use. Security teams control the security policy settings of all browsers active on the network. They can regulate web content filters, downloads, and acceptable extensions.

Browsers also integrate with other elements of the security stack, such as malware and virus scanners, data loss prevention tools, and secure web gateways.

Centralized enterprise browsers simplify policy enforcement across all network endpoints. They are user-friendly and do not compromise efficiency by increasing lag or bandwidth consumption.

Remote browser isolation is potentially more secure. Enterprise browsers retain the connection between local endpoints and internet content. Even with comprehensive security policies, this still opens the door to attackers. RBI closes this door while imposing higher costs and bandwidth requirements.

Choose Remote Browser Isolation (RBI) if you need strict threat containment or forensic capabilities. RBI is ideal for safely inspecting suspicious content or accessing risky, untrusted websites. It provides a secure sandbox environment, preventing malware from reaching user devices.

Choose an enterprise browser for everyday web protection and ease of use. Enterprise browsers proactively block malicious websites, filter unsafe URLs, and restrict unauthorized downloads. They simplify security management while protecting users, especially when strong security policies are enforced.

Conclusion: Secure internet browsing with isolation technologies

Browser isolation separates web content from your network and devices. It creates a safe browsing environment, preventing threats like malware from reaching user devices.

Remote Browser Isolation (RBI) provides strong security through a sandbox environment. Use RBI to inspect potentially harmful content or safely visit untrusted websites. However, RBI can increase costs and may slow browsing speed due to bandwidth requirements.

Enterprise browsers are ideal for common business scenarios, focusing on preventing threats proactively. They block malicious sites, restrict dangerous downloads, and simplify security management without slowing users down.

To find the best security approach, carefully assess your needs, risks, and technical requirements.