Browser Security

As organizations increasingly rely on web-based tools, securing the browser has become essential to protecting enterprise environments. Browser Security refers to the suite of tools and policies designed to protect web browsers—now the primary access point for enterprise applications—from threats like phishing, malware, and data leaks. Initially limited to basic firewalls in the 1990s, browser security has evolved into a dynamic, policy-driven discipline with integrated threat prevention, encryption, and compliance capabilities.

With over 90% of malware delivered via browsers and 68% of employees using unmanaged browser extensions (Gartner, 2023), insufficient browser oversight can open doors to serious breaches. A major healthcare provider lost over 100,000 patient records in 2022 due to a compromised browser session—highlighting the critical need for proactive browser security management. ManageEngine Endpoint Central’s Browser Security module offers a centralized solution to monitor, control, and protect browser activity across your enterprise endpoints.

Getting Started with Browser Security

Endpoint Central’s Browser Security module offers a centralized framework to enforce secure, compliant, and productivity-focused browser usage across all managed endpoints. From pre-configuring approved browsers to dynamically applying usage restrictions, the module equips IT teams with granular control over browser behavior without impacting user experience. With a combination of proactive policy enforcement and real-time visibility, administrators can manage browser-based risks with ease. Key capabilities include:

• Add-on & Extension Control – Restrict the use of unapproved browser extensions and silently deploy enterprise-approved add-ons to ensure both compliance and performance.
• Download Restriction – Block unauthorized or risky file downloads from browsers to prevent data leaks and malware infections.
• Browser Access Control and Routing – Ensure users operate within a secure and compatible browsing environment. Browser Restriction allows you to mandate the use of specific browsers by allowlisting or blocklisting them, ensuring a consistent user experience and simplifying security management. For legacy web applications, Browser Router can automatically redirect users to a compatible browser (e.g., from Chrome to Edge in IE mode) to ensure uninterrupted access.
• Browser Lockdown – Enforce access to specific websites, block browser menus or toolbars, and launch browsers in full-screen kiosk mode for focused usage.
• Web Filtering – Enable URL-based filtering to block malicious or non-compliant content while allowing secure access to business-critical sites.
• Web Isolation – Render untrusted websites in a sandboxed environment to prevent malware, phishing, and drive-by download threats.
• Browser Security Policies and Compliance – Centrally deploy and manage security policies for browsers like Chrome, Edge, Firefox, and Internet Explorer. Three key policy sets are available: Data Leakage Prevention (manages passwords, autofill, and cookies), Threat Prevention (enables safe browsing and blocks malicious sites), and Browser Customization (configures homepages and bookmarks). You can also create custom compliance policies to meet specific organizational and regulatory needs, ensuring end-users cannot alter these critical settings.
• Distribute Bookmarks & Extensions – Seamlessly push curated bookmarks and extensions to users for improved productivity and consistency.
• Phishing Protection – Automatically detect and block phishing attempts through policy-driven browser monitoring.
• Java Version Management – Control the use of Java by disabling risky plugins, setting security rules, and managing Java applet permissions.
• Enterprise Browser Visibility and Insights – Gain granular visibility into your browser environment with a comprehensive inventory of browsers and add-ons in use. The central dashboard highlights key risks like harmful extensions, outdated browsers, and web activity, while security scores help evaluate your overall security posture. Regular, scheduled scans ensure continuous monitoring and up-to-date insights.