The 5 Myths of the Enterprise Browser

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The Enterprise Browser is just another flavor of remote browser isolation (RBI)

False. 

The Enterprise Browser achieves the same outcomes as RBI — protecting malicious code execution, phishing attempts, and dangerous file downloads — but does so from within the browser itself. This means no added latency for the user and much less complexity  for the organization. And unlike RBI that only isolates a fraction of web activity, The Enterprise Browser by definition protects all web activity.

Takeaway: Island, The Enterprise Browser, keeps all web-based work fundamentally secure—without the cost and complexity of a full RBI implementation. 

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The Enterprise Browser is just another web security tool 

False.

While the Enterprise Browser delivers end-to-end security for web applications and their data, it’s so much more than that. By operating inside the browser presentation layer, it provides granular, “last-mile” controls such as screen capture, copy/paste, and download/upload control, or sensitive data redaction. But it doesn’t stop there: it also enhances any web app with robotic process automation (RPA), such as adding MFA to legacy web apps or placing additional approval steps for mission-critical workflows. And all data flows directly into your SIEM for detailed visibility and forensic analysis.  

Takeaway: Island takes an entirely different approach to security that goes beyond the network or content layer to inspect and modify web apps at rendering time, opening a range of possibilities far beyond other security tools. 

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The Enterprise Browser requires a managed device for policy enforcement  

False. 

The Enterprise Browser secures access to web apps and content on any device, managed or not. It knows the posture of the device it’s running on and enforces policies accordingly. For example, the Enterprise Browser can redirect file downloads from an unmanaged device to in-browser secure storage to prevent data leakage. Many organizations are using the Enterprise Browser in place of more complex VDI or DaaS implementations to give contractors or BYOD users secure web access. Whether it’s running on an unmanaged or managed device, the full power of the Enterprise Browser remains intact.  

Takeaway: Island secures access to web apps & content, regardless where it’s installed, with a deployment mode that’s far less complex than VDI or DaaS. 

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The Enterprise Browser is a locked-down secure browser

False.

While the Enterprise Browser provides secure-by-design access to web apps, it’s built with the same familiar browsing experience that users already know and love. Policies are context-aware, so the security controls that keep sensitive data secure and enterprise apps protected are only applied where they’re needed. Unlike single-purpose secure browser products, the Enterprise Browser is often used as the default browser for all web access. 

Takeaway: Island pairs enterprise security & management policies with a granular enforcement engine so the important apps and data are always protected without sacrificing browser speed or user experience.

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Existing browsers already have enterprise features

False. 

The enterprise features offered by popular consumer-oriented browsers like Google Chrome and Microsoft Edge are significantly limited and only skin deep by nature. For example, the controls offered are only applicable at the device level, which means policies are by definition applied to all web apps, leaving no room for granular policy enforcement. And most essential enterprise features are missing entirely, such as device posture assessment for tailoring policy management, or inserting browser-based RPA to enhance web app functionality.

‍Takeaway: Existing browsers offer few, limited, and surface-level enterprise features that were not designed to address the wide-ranging needs of the enterprise. The Enterprise Browser, however, offers comprehensive control, visibility, and governance over all browser behavior, delivering a level of security that was previously unimaginable.

Conclusion

It may seem easy at first glance to confuse the Enterprise Browser with some familiar solutions we’ve seen over the years. But dig deeper, explore what the Enterprise Browser has to offer, and the truth comes out - changing this one thing really does change everything.