In a rapidly evolving landscape, the browser has emerged as the central hub for work activities.
Communication, collaboration, authentication, administration, and coding now predominantly occur within the browser, establishing it as a vital security endpoint.
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To enhance the security of these critical access points, Google Cloud is introducing Chrome Enterprise Premium. This new solution integrates security features such as zero trust, access policy controls, and security reporting into the widely-used web browser.
Launched today at Google Cloud Next, Chrome Enterprise Premium is part of a broader announcement that includes the integration of the Gemini chatbot within various cybersecurity applications.
“Endpoint security is increasingly complex due to remote work, a dispersed workforce, and a surge in unmanaged devices,” stated Parisa Tabriz, VP of Chrome at Google. “As these trends converge, it’s evident that the browser serves as a crucial enforcement point for endpoint security in modern enterprises.”
Gemini Enhancements in Security Frameworks
Organizations face the challenge of safeguarding people, data, and critical assets amid rising cyber threats. Sunil Potti, GM and VP of cloud security at Google Cloud, notes that existing tools are often inadequate against the rapid pace and complexity of modern cyberattacks. To address this, Google is unveiling Gemini in Security Operations, Threat Intelligence, and the Security Command Center.
Gemini in Security Operations features an assisted investigation tool within Chronicle Enterprise, enhancing investigators' efficiency by providing context-based recommendations, searches, and detection rule creation. This tool will be widely available by late April.
“Our aim is to enhance the capabilities of security teams, enabling them to detect, investigate, and respond to threats more effectively,” said Brad Calder, VP/GM for Google Cloud platform and technical infrastructure.
Gemini in Threat Intelligence allows analysts to perform conversational searches of Mandiant’s extensive threat intelligence database, easing access to critical information such as indicators of compromise. Additionally, threat intelligence from VirusTotal will be seamlessly integrated to improve actionable insights for security operations.
The Gemini features in the Security Command Center empower security teams to conduct natural language searches for threats and events while offering summaries of high-priority alerts and attack paths for effective risk management.
Notably, multinational corporations like 3M are leveraging Gemini for cybersecurity insights, while Fiserv's engineers are developing detection protocols for rapid issue resolution through natural language search.
“This capability is essential for SOC teams managing increasing data loads and the need for faster event response,” emphasized Ronald Smalley, SVP of cybersecurity operations at Fiserv.
The Browser as the New Endpoint
As forecasted by Gartner, by 2030, enterprise browsers will become the primary platform for workforce productivity and security across both managed and unmanaged devices, aiming for a seamless hybrid work experience.
To mitigate the associated security risks, Chrome Enterprise Premium includes:
- Enterprise controls for policy enforcement and software updates, ensuring compliance with organizational standards.
- Reporting capabilities that integrate with Google and third-party tools for forensic analysis.
- Context-aware access controls to implement zero trust for SaaS and web applications, minimizing data exfiltration risks.
- Threat and data protection features that include content inspection, data loss prevention, anti-malware, and anti-phishing, supported by AI-driven intelligence.
Companies like Snap, Inc. report a 50% reduction in content transfers after implementing data loss prevention measures through Chrome Enterprise Premium. Tim Ehrhart from Roche acknowledged Google Project Zero for its rapid security patches, stating, “With Google Enterprise Premium, we identified and halted a significant data exfiltration attempt within hours.”
Google Cloud’s Ongoing Security Innovations
Google Cloud is also announcing several other key initiatives:
- A new privileged access manager in preview to facilitate on-demand access with time-bound approval protocols.
- A preview of the principal access boundary to restrict IAM principals to authorized resources only.
- Enhanced capabilities in Gemini Cloud Assist, now in preview, focusing on identity access management and encryption key insights.
- The debut of Mandiant Hunt for Security Command Center Enterprise, connecting top-tier analysts and researchers.
- General availability of the Security Command Center Enterprise, providing a comprehensive view of threat posture, cloud identities, and data management.
- General availability of the next-generation firewall, powered by Palo Alto Networks, for robust threat protection.
- Previewing Autokey for simplified encryption key management.
With these advancements, Google Cloud is committed to enhancing enterprise security across the board.
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