What app do you use the most? If your answer was not your internet browser, you would be wrong. Browsers are so often used that people tend not to think of them as apps, but they are the #1 application used in business today. Compare it to the coveted ring from Lord of the Rings: it is the “One Ring to rule all the others.”
Think how dependent your favorite apps are on the internet. ‘WhatsApp?’ ‘TikTok?’ ‘Facebook?’ Try using them when your internet is down. It is the soil from which all things to grow.
Whether you rely heavily on internet-based applications or you have your entire network operation in the cloud, it’s the internet that keeps those wheels turning.
With the emergence of the vast remote workforce and the hybrid models that we see today, as well as the growing use of Software as a Service (SaaS) applications, the key methodology of work and collaboration has become highly dependent on the browser. The internet is the road on which all enterprise travels.
While this has provided a big boost for workplace productivity, with most of a company’s data streaming over broadband, it has certainly heightened security efforts from IT support teams across the globe. Partly in answer to these potential new vulnerabilities, we have seen a rapid rise in Enterprise Browsers over the last year.
Reviewing a report issued by Menlo Security, we see this fact highlighted: In the last twelve months, two thirds of all organizations have had a least one device that fell victim to a browser-based cyber-attack. This trend is not receding – not even a little bit. It is growing - quickly.
In 2022, Google published their security blog detailing a massive rise in threats affecting all Chromium-based browsers, and that trend is growing as well.
Like it or not your internet browser is also an application that is beyond your control. You use and manipulate it, but you do not control it. While you can set up available security measures to your best advantage, and your IT services provider can configure more protections, such as a Virtual Private Network (VPN) for online communication, these measures are not the ‘be-all-end-all’ of internet Cybersecurity.
Many people think that, specific features aside, all browsers are about the same. This was once true, but we have been watching the rise of Enterprise Browsers, which are created specifically for business end-users. Most companies still use consumer browsers for business: Chrome, Firefox, Edge, Safari, and so forth.
Here's the rub: Consumer-grade technology does not provide the Cybersecurity necessary for protected enterprise operations. Take a close look at Enterprise Browser.
What is enterprise browser?
Enterprise/industrial browsers are powerful, Chromium-based industrial browsers that enable developers to build feature-rich web applications that integrate seamlessly with the features in mobile computing devices such as smart phones and tablets and other peripherals. It is a feature-rich mobile application development tool that allows users to seamlessly integrate the browser into the native peripherals of any device.
The end-user will not notice the difference – whether on a desktop at the office or on a remote device in the field. In fact, Enterprise Browsers can work alongside and provide enhanced protections with consumer browsers like the ‘Market Share Monster’ Chrome or the next distant runner up ‘Safari’. These browsers will place heightened security in the hands of the organization. Among the areas that will be better managed and controlled:
1) Usage
2) Web application interactions
3) Data protections
4) Superior encryption technology
5) Safe browsing/ Web filtering
6) Zero-trust access
7) Exploit prevention
8) Smart network routing
9) The ability to intercede in unsafe down
Mike Fey, the CEO of notable Enterprise Computer maker ‘Island’ said, “Think of it as a browser with infinite last-mile control for enterprises. We’ve done things to harden the environment, encrypt items and provide more control. We’re not necessarily removing the hacker. We’re removing the victory. The reality is that the data they want to access isn’t sitting on your endpoint for them to steal it.”
Along with Island, the most notable companies also offering industrial/enterprise browsers are Zebra, Citrix, Talon, and Authentic8.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the #1 best browser?
It's still a bit early for truly reliable statistics for enterprise browsers, but considering the explosion of capital flowing into Island and their EB, they seem to be leading the pack in the salad days of this technology.
On the consumer side, Google Chrome continues to dominate, with 65.52 % market share worldwide. The nearest competitor is Safari, with 18.78 % of the market share. Google’s lead is more than comfortable.
What is Island browser?
Island leads the field in Enterprise Browsers. According to Dr. Edward Amoroso, TAG Cyber’s CEO and senior analyst, “Island's Enterprise Browser is an important strategic control that can significantly enhance existing Zero Trust Network Access technologies. Further, Island Private Access introduces new deployment options, providing maximum flexibility for protection of private and semi-private applications.”
What is an industrial browser?
Simply put, an industrial browser is the precursor to the enterprise browser. Both are engineered to put more control In the hands of the business.
What are industrial computers called?
The name referred to is Industrial PC – denoting a computer that is specially used in the industrial world that can also be used as an industrial controller.
Which browser is fastest?
According to ‘The Best Web Browsers of 2022’ from highspeedinternet.com, Chrome takes home the roses, beating competing browsers in three out of four tests
How secure is your network?
As a longstanding, reputable member of the Charlotte IT Support community, ITFirm.com offers a FREE, no-risk network and Cybersecurity assessment. We perform a non-intrusive scan that allows us to deliver a comprehensive report of the state of your system and its vulnerabilities that is yours to keep. There are no strings attached, and you are under no obligation ever to use our IT services.
The two best defenses are next-generation Cybersecurity to protect your data from theft, and a top-notch Managed Services Provider to ensure continued reliability and defenses against newly emerging threats.
We put our 100% Money Back Guarantee in writing, so there is no risk in trying us out. Because we do not require a ‘hard’ contract, our clients can fire us at any time with 30 days’ notice. We have to be good.
Among the Managed IT services we provide:
IT HelpDesk Service
Onsite IT Support
Cybersecurity
Cloud migration and management
Email migration services
Backup and disaster recovery
VoIP phone systems
IT disposition and recycling
Office moves
White label services (IT to IT)
Get the Technology Facts from a Trusted Pro
Are you curious about whether Enterprise Browsing is worth pursuing for your business? Would the ramifications it can have for your unique processes make it a good fit for your organization?
Give us a call today to chat about it. It’s also a great time to schedule our FREE network and security risk assessment.
704-565-9705
