Answer: The Cloud Access Security Broker (CASB) provides granular visibility, control, and protection for cloud applications and data. We present this as the FortiSASE element that helps organizations connect users to SaaS safely while keeping governance intact.
Within the FortiOS-powered platform, CASB works with FortiClient and unified management to align networking and security. We rely on FortiGuard AI-Powered Security Services and a high-performance cloud network to defend users everywhere, including microbranches.
CASB offers dual-mode protection (inline and API) and pairs with SWG, ZTNA, FWaaS, and Secure SD-WAN. This unified approach reduces gaps and operational overhead while improving time-to-value for security teams.
Why this matters: By centralizing policies, we help organizations enforce governance, protect data, and maintain a seamless user experience across distributed environments.
Key Takeaways
- CASB is the FortiSASE element that enables controlled SaaS connections for users and applications.
- It integrates with FortiClient, FortiOS, and FortiGuard to strengthen security across the cloud and network.
- Dual-mode (inline + API) protection lets us balance visibility and performance.
- Complementary controls (SWG, ZTNA, FWaaS, Secure SD-WAN) ensure consistent policy enforcement.
- The unified solution reduces operational burden and improves governance for organizations.
Secure Access Service Edge for the hybrid workforce in the United States
SASE delivers a cloud-native service edge that merges networking and security services into a single platform. We route traffic to the nearest point of presence (PoP) so identity verification and policy processing happen close to users.
This design reduces round-trip time and keeps inspections from becoming a bottleneck. SD-WAN within the service optimizes paths and sustains performance for a hybrid workforce while security services inspect traffic in real time.
What SASE delivers: secure access, security services, and network performance from global PoPs
From global PoPs, the service steers traffic for advanced inspection before enabling network access to cloud, data centers, and SaaS applications. The model simplifies management, cuts costs, and scales elastically for distributed teams across the United States.
How FortiSASE unifies networking and security on a cloud-native architecture
- Unified platform: networking and security services consolidated to reduce operational complexity.
- Consistent policy: uniform controls and zero trust–aligned protections across users and devices.
- Better user experience: PoP-based processing lowers latency and protects performance for remote workers.
which fortisase component facilitates secure SaaS access?
Answer: The Cloud Access Security Broker (CASB) is the access security broker that inspects usage, enforces policy, and safeguards data inside cloud applications.
We treat CASB as a security broker that applies zero trust principles. It continuously verifies user context and app risk before permitting any action. That ongoing check reduces risk when users reach cloud services from varied networks and devices.
Cloud access security goes beyond allow or deny. CASB gives granular controls for download, share, print, and sync aligned with business rules and compliance needs. It also identifies sensitive content and applies DLP to cut accidental or malicious exposure of data.
CASB increases visibility by discovering sanctioned and unsanctioned usage. This helps organizations curb shadow IT and align governance across the service edge.
- Role: CASB inspects SaaS actions and enforces policy.
- Data protection: Content ID and DLP reduce exposure.
- Integration: Works with SWG, ZTNA, FWaaS, SD-WAN, and endpoint controls for consistent policy across the SASE service edge.
Deep dive: FortiSASE CASB for secure SaaS access and data protection
FortiSASE’s CASB blends real-time session inspection with API-driven scanning to give teams a full picture of cloud risk. We deliver inline controls to enforce actions as they happen and API integrations to inspect stored content, settings, and permissions.
Inline CASB enforces policy on uploads, downloads, sharing, and other user actions. That real-time security inspection stops risky behavior before data leaves approved boundaries.
API-based CASB provides deeper visibility into applications and data at rest. It finds misconfigurations, rates application risk, and reveals shadow IT so organizations can sanction or restrict services.
- Policy enforcement and DLP: templates and custom rules protect PII, financial records, and IP while FortiGuard DLP updates classifiers to reduce false negatives.
- Zero trust alignment: continuous evaluation of identity, device posture, and app risk refines decisions dynamically.
- Compliance and auditing: mapped controls, audit-ready logs, and API remediation simplify regulatory reporting.
These security services operate consistently for remote and corporate users, giving organizations clear visibility and stronger protection for cloud applications and data.
Complementary security controls that strengthen SaaS access
Layered controls in a SASE deployment strengthen how organizations protect cloud applications and user sessions. We apply multiple defenses so policy follows users and data rather than relying on edge appliances alone.
Secure Web Gateway and FWaaS for web and network traffic security inspection
SWG acts as the first line of defense for secure web use. It enforces category-based rules and blocks web threats in real time.
FWaaS delivers cloud-based firewalling to filter network traffic and prevent lateral attacks across east‑west and north‑south flows inside the service edge.
Zero Trust Network Access for identity-based, least-privilege control
ZTNA verifies users and device posture before granting segmented connectivity to private applications. This least-privilege approach limits lateral movement and reduces risk from compromised endpoints.
Secure SD-WAN and global PoPs to optimize user experience for remote users
Secure SD-WAN uses dynamic path selection, link remediation, and auto-failover to maintain performance for cloud and private apps. Global PoPs process security inspection close to users, cutting latency and improving reliability.
- Cloud inspection: shifting security inspection to the cloud reduces branch appliance load and ensures consistent protections for distributed teams.
- Layered policy: SWG and FWaaS handle web and network traffic, ZTNA governs private app connectivity, and CASB enforces data governance for cloud apps.
- Operational benefit: consolidating these services in a unified SASE platform lowers complexity and cost while strengthening network security for applications in the cloud.
FortiGuard AI-powered security services: consistent security across the entire service edge
FortiGuard brings automated threat prevention to every PoP so inspections happen near users, not at distant data centers. This model preserves performance while delivering full security for network traffic, cloud interactions, and applications.
AI-powered security services include inline malware prevention that inspects files in real time to catch zero‑day and polymorphic threats without delaying users.
FortiGuard IPS performs deep packet and SSL inspection to block exploits and command‑and‑control activity before they reach applications or users. URL filtering and DNS security stop connections to malicious domains using behavioral AI to reduce false negatives.
FortiGuard Data Loss Prevention enforces content-aware rules so sensitive data does not leave sanctioned cloud channels or applications. That control lowers exposure during cloud and SaaS interactions.
- Always-on AI-based inline malware prevention for unknown threats.
- Deep packet/SSL inspection with FortiGuard IPS to stop exploits.
- URL and DNS filtering to block malicious destinations quickly.
- Content-aware DLP to prevent sensitive data exfiltration.
FortiGuard Labs curates models, signatures, and indicators so detections stay current. Together, these security services strengthen posture across the service edge while preserving user experience within a unified SASE model.
Read more in the FortiGuard solution brief.
Unified management and single console operations
A unified control plane reduces operational friction by presenting policies, logs, and device posture in one place. We deliver a clear view that aligns networking security and access controls across locations.
One operating system (FortiOS) and a single agent (FortiClient) simplify deployment and lifecycle management. This approach keeps policies consistent and cuts configuration drift.
One OS, one agent, unified policies, centralized logging
FortiAnalyzer centralizes logs and analytics so teams correlate events and speed incident response. Unified policies reduce human error and make audits simpler.
Digital Experience Monitoring for proactive visibility
Digital Experience Monitoring visualizes path performance, endpoint health, PoP behavior, and application metrics. That visibility helps us find root causes faster and improve reliability for users and data.
- Single console management to align network and security rules.
- Consistent security via one OS and one endpoint agent.
- Centralized logging and analytics for faster investigations.
- Digital experience metrics to optimize performance across PoPs and the network.
Use cases: securing a hybrid workforce, microbranches, and remote users
We map typical deployments to real-world problems to show how SASE meets today’s hybrid workforce demands.
Secure internet access for the hybrid workforce uses cloud-based FWaaS and a secure proxy. These services protect browsing, block threats, and enforce acceptable-use policies for users wherever they work.
Secure private access combines Fortinet Secure SD-WAN with ZTNA to give least‑privilege entry to corporate applications. This model adapts to user identity and device posture for granular control and better network segmentation.
Secure SaaS access uses dual-mode CASB to control data flows and user actions inside cloud applications. That visibility and governance help organizations manage app risk and prevent data loss.
Microbranch protection integrates WLAN/LAN and FortiExtender to offload branch traffic to a nearest SASE PoP. This lets organizations run full inspection at scale without extra on-site hardware or agents.
- Operational efficiency: consolidating these use cases in one service reduces complexity and lowers overhead.
- Outcome for remote users: improved reliability, consistent policies, and stronger data governance across the network.
Why choose FortiSASE: integrated security fabric and analyst recognition
Integrated design matters. We tie firewall, ZTNA, CASB, and SD‑WAN into a unified security fabric that simplifies operations for distributed teams. This approach puts policy and telemetry on a single operating system so teams can act quickly and confidently.
Security networking on a single OS
By running security networking on FortiOS with unified management, we deliver consistent security and remove tool sprawl. A single console consolidates configuration, monitoring, and analytics. That lowers errors and speeds rollouts for cloud and branch environments.
Recognition and market validation
Industry evaluations praise our approach. Fortinet was named a Challenger in the 2023 Gartner Magic Quadrant for Single‑Vendor SASE and a Leader in The Forrester Wave: Zero Trust Edge Solutions, Q3 2023.
We also earned Gartner Peer Insights Customers’ Choice for Security Service Edge. Gartner® and Magic Quadrant™ are registered trademarks; Gartner research consists of opinions, does not endorse vendors, and disclaims warranties; the Gartner documents are available upon request from Fortinet; Gartner Peer Insights reviews reflect user opinions and not Gartner’s views.
| Capability | Benefit | Impact |
|---|---|---|
| Security fabric | Unified controls on one OS | Faster policy enforcement |
| Single console | Centralized monitoring | Reduced operational overhead |
| Secure SD‑WAN integration | Path optimization + cloud protections | Improved user experience at the service edge |
Practical outcomes: Organizations gain clearer governance, consistent policies across the network, and measurable improvements for the workforce. Together, analyst recognition and technical integration help teams evaluate risk and plan deployments with confidence.
Service outcomes: improved user experience, reduced attack surface, and simplified operations
PoP-based routing shortens paths and lets inspection happen close to users. That reduces latency for web browsing, cloud apps, and private applications used by remote users.
We enforce uniform policies across distributed sites and endpoints. Consistent policy enforcement and granular controls make every request authenticated, authorized, and continuously evaluated before granting network access.
These measures shrink the attack surface by limiting lateral movement and by stopping risky actions before data leaves approved channels. Real-time inspection and always-updated protections deliver comprehensive security and faster threat removal.
Consolidating tools into one platform simplifies operations. Unified policy enforcement reduces misconfigurations, speeds change management, and clarifies accountability for teams.
- Better user experience: lower latency and fewer bandwidth bottlenecks.
- Shrink attack surface: continuous evaluation and granular controls.
- Comprehensive security: uniform policy enforcement and real-time inspection for users and data.
- Operational gains: less backhaul, reduced contention, and clearer digital experience visibility.
Cloud-based security aligns costs with consumption so organizations can reinvest savings into capabilities while sustaining governance at scale.
Conclusion
Conclusion
We conclude by underscoring how a unified SASE platform ties policy and telemetry together to protect cloud access and business data.
FortiSASE places CASB at the core of access security, backed by zero trust, FortiGuard AI‑powered security, and centralized logging for consistent policy enforcement.
This solution unifies networking security and unified management with Secure SD‑WAN and PoP processing to preserve performance while enforcing controls on applications and users.
Takeaway: adopting this single‑OS solution helps organizations reduce risk, maintain governance, and deliver comprehensive security across the service edge. Read the FortiSASE solution brief for details.
FAQ
Which FortiSASE capability enables protected SaaS usage?
FortiSASE delivers a Cloud Access Security Broker (CASB) function that pairs inline controls with API-based visibility to manage SaaS applications. This dual-mode approach inspects traffic, enforces policies, and monitors risky app behavior while preserving user productivity.
How does SASE support a hybrid workforce in the United States?
SASE converges networking and security from global points of presence (PoPs), offering secure internet and private access for remote and on-site staff. It provides consistent policy enforcement, optimized routing, and threat protection to maintain performance and compliance across distributed teams.
What does SASE deliver from global PoPs?
From distributed PoPs, SASE provides secure connectivity, security services (firewalling, SWG, CASB, DLP), and network performance optimization. These services reduce latency, centralize enforcement, and protect users, data, and applications regardless of location.
How does FortiSASE unify networking and security on a cloud-native platform?
FortiSASE uses a cloud-native architecture that integrates networking functions (SD‑WAN, routing) with security services (FWaaS, SWG, CASB, ZTNA). This unified fabric simplifies policy management, centralizes logging, and delivers consistent protection across edges and clouds.
What is Dual-mode CASB and why does it matter?
Dual-mode CASB combines inline enforcement (real-time traffic control) with API-based visibility (continuous scanning of cloud apps and stored data). Together, these modes enable granular controls, detect shadow IT, and enforce DLP without disrupting legitimate workflows.
How are policy enforcement, DLP, and shadow IT prevention handled?
Policies are applied centrally and enforced at the service edge or via API connectors. DLP inspects content and metadata to stop sensitive data leakage. Shadow IT is detected through usage analytics and blocked or placed under governance based on risk profiles.
How does FortiSASE support risk assessment and regulatory compliance?
FortiSASE provides continuous risk scoring for applications, user behavior analytics, and compliance reporting. These capabilities help organizations identify exposure, document controls, and demonstrate adherence to standards such as HIPAA, PCI, and SOC.
What complementary controls strengthen SaaS protections?
Secure Web Gateway (SWG) and Firewall-as-a-Service (FWaaS) inspect web and network traffic; Zero Trust Network Access (ZTNA) enforces identity-based, least-privilege connectivity; and Secure SD-WAN optimizes traffic routing to PoPs for better performance and resilience.
How do SWG and FWaaS contribute to traffic inspection?
SWG filters web requests and blocks malicious content at the application layer, while FWaaS enforces network-layer policies and performs deep inspection for threats across east‑west and north‑south traffic. Together they reduce exposure to web-borne and network attacks.
What role does Zero Trust Network Access play in SaaS usage?
ZTNA grants access based on verified identity and context (device posture, location, risk score), ensuring users see only the resources they need. This least-privilege model reduces lateral movement and limits the blast radius of compromised credentials.
How does FortiGuard AI-powered security enhance the service edge?
FortiGuard uses AI-driven threat intelligence to enable inline malware prevention, intrusion prevention (IPS), and URL/DNS filtering. These real-time protections block emerging threats and provide consistent security across the service edge and cloud-native deployments.
How is Data Loss Prevention applied to SaaS and cloud traffic?
DLP inspects data in motion and at rest using content analysis, contextual rules, and policy templates. It prevents unauthorized exfiltration, enforces encryption or quarantine actions, and logs incidents for audit and remediation.
How does unified management simplify operations?
A single console and unified policy model enable administrators to configure, deploy, and monitor networking and security controls from one place. Centralized logging and correlated alerts reduce mean time to detect and respond to incidents.
What components form the single management stack?
The stack typically includes a common OS, endpoint agent, centralized policy engine, and consolidated telemetry. This combination streamlines deployment, ensures consistent enforcement, and improves operational efficiency.
How does Digital Experience Monitoring improve visibility?
Digital Experience Monitoring tracks users, endpoints, PoPs, and application performance to surface latency, packet loss, and session anomalies. This telemetry helps prioritize fixes that improve productivity and reduce support tickets.
What common use cases does FortiSASE address for a hybrid workforce?
Typical scenarios include secure internet access, secure private application access (ZTNA), and managed SaaS access with CASB and DLP. The solution also secures microbranches and remote users while preserving application performance.
How are microbranches secured with SASE inspection?
Microbranches use Secure SD‑WAN and local WLAN/LAN controls combined with lightweight connectors (such as cellular extenders) to backhaul or locally inspect traffic through SASE PoPs. This model offloads inspection while maintaining low-latency connectivity.
Why choose FortiSASE as part of an integrated security fabric?
FortiSASE integrates networking and security on a unified operating model, enabling consistent policy enforcement, consolidated visibility, and simplified operations. It leverages industry-recognized threat intelligence and supports Zero Trust principles.
How does a single operating system benefit security networking?
A single OS reduces complexity by providing common policy syntax, shared telemetry, and predictable behavior across devices and cloud services. It shortens deployment times and lowers the risk of misconfigurations that lead to breaches.
What measurable service outcomes can organizations expect?
Organizations typically see improved user experience through better routing and monitoring, a reduced attack surface via least-privilege access and DLP, and simplified operations from centralized management and automated enforcement.
