Cato Networks has recently taken a significant step forward in bolstering network security by adding transport layer security (TLS) inspection capabilities to its secure access service edge (SASE) platform. This new feature, known as Cato Safe TLS Inspection, is designed to help customers more effectively inspect TLS traffic. This is an essential security measure that addresses a critical need identified in Cato’s Q3 SASE threat report, which highlighted a substantial security gap in organizations that do not inspect TLS traffic. The report found that organizations performing TLS inspection were able to block 52% more malicious traffic compared to those that lacked this capability.
Understanding TLS Inspection
The Importance of TLS Traffic Inspection
TLS inspection involves intercepting and decrypting encrypted traffic to check for malicious content before re-encrypting and forwarding it to its destination. This vital process aids in identifying malware, preventing data exfiltration, and detecting other malicious activities, ensuring the security, compliance, and integrity of data during its transit across networks. Despite its importance, the Q3 SASE threat report revealed a startling statistic: only 45% of Cato Networks’ 2,500 customers currently inspect TLS traffic. An even smaller proportion, just 3%, inspect all relevant sessions. This significant security gap poses a major risk to data security, making solutions like Cato Safe TLS Inspection crucial for modern enterprises.
The new TLS inspection capabilities provided by Cato Networks aim to alleviate the complexities and challenges often associated with this security measure. By simplifying the inspection process, Cato Networks seeks to make it less burdensome for network and security teams who are often overwhelmed with the operational demands of maintaining robust cybersecurity. One of the key benefits of the Safe TLS Inspection feature is that it avoids disruptions to business applications, ensuring that critical business processes continue seamlessly even as security measures are enhanced.
How Cato Networks Simplifies TLS Inspection
Cato’s CEO, Shlomo Kramer, has emphasized that while IT security vendors continually introduce new technologies, their true value is significantly compromised if they are too complex for enterprises to effectively leverage. The Safe TLS Inspection feature embodies Cato Networks’ philosophy of providing powerful yet easy-to-use security solutions. Given that encryption is now used in over 90% of web communications, it is crucial for companies to inspect all traffic thoroughly without leaving any blind spots. Cato’s new capabilities automatically identify applications and domains that are safe for inspection, removing the need for complex bypass lists and enabling automated deployment and configuration based on best practices.
This innovative solution enhances security by providing comprehensive visibility into cloud traffic, thereby reducing the attack surface and preventing data loss. It also eliminates the need for manual configurations, which are often error-prone and time-consuming. The Safe TLS Inspection feature offers automated recommendations for inspection bypass rules that are tailored to the specific needs of various industries. This ensures that organizations can achieve compliance-driven data protection, a critical requirement for remote and hybrid workforces that have become increasingly common in today’s business environment.
Benefits of Safe TLS Inspection
Enhanced Security and Compliance
Through the introduction of Cato Safe TLS Inspection, customers gain enhanced security by thoroughly inspecting encrypted traffic. This not only reduces vulnerabilities but also ensures compliance with stringent data protection regulations. By offering visibility into all traffic, including cloud-based communications, companies can mitigate the risk of cyber threats more effectively. The automated recommendation feature for bypass rules significantly reduces the risk of human error, guaranteeing that best practices are consistently applied across the organization.
The enhancements provided by Safe TLS Inspection ensure that remote and hybrid workforces, which have become the norm for many businesses, are protected against potential data breaches. This feature aligns with the growing emphasis on robust cybersecurity measures required to support a distributed workforce. By maintaining visibility and control over encrypted traffic, organizations can secure sensitive data and ensure that regulatory requirements are met.
Operational Efficiency and User Experience
Cato Networks has significantly enhanced network security by introducing transport layer security (TLS) inspection features to its secure access service edge (SASE) platform. Named Cato Safe TLS Inspection, this advanced tool aims to help customers thoroughly inspect TLS traffic. This addition addresses a crucial security requirement identified in the company’s Q3 SASE threat report. The report spotlighted a major security vulnerability in organizations that do not monitor TLS traffic. By adding TLS inspection, Cato Networks helps organizations close this gap. According to the report, those that implemented TLS inspection were able to block 52% more malicious traffic than those that didn’t have this capability. This significant improvement underscores the necessity of TLS inspection in protecting sensitive data and bolstering overall network security. With the integration of Cato Safe TLS Inspection, organizations are better equipped to defend against cyber threats, ensuring a more robust security posture.
