Looking back at the security market before now, users will find out that the enterprise browser is becoming a critical asset for a business. Over the years, the niche has attracted huge investment and attention, which shows that businesses are embracing web browsing with caution and want to maintain online security.
In 2023 alone, Palo Alto Network acquired Talon Security for $625 million. Similarly, Island Enterprise Security raised $100 million in C series funding from Sequoia and Cyberstart, which raised its valuation to $1.5 billion. All this development shows the importance and potential of this market.
The Evolution of Web Browsing
The history of web browsing has been in constant evolution. Since the introduction of the Mozilla project in 1998 and the subsequent birth of Google Chrome in 2008, browsers have become a primary tool for accessing information from the web. Even computer-literate people use them to browse daily.
However, despite this technological advancement, there has been a noticeable gap between enterprise web browsing systems and consumer browsers like Chrome and Firefox, which compete fiercely by building the latest Gen AI trends.
The Evolution of Browsers
As internet usage evolves, so do Browsers. With the rise of privacy issues, the development of more advanced and secure browsers has also risen. Moreover, Bowers has become a hub for web applications like Google Docs, online banking, and social media, which requires quality protection.
Consumer Browsers, such as Google Chrome, Safari, and others, are more like general-purpose browsers and lack the security features and management capabilities necessary for a business; that is the void enterprise browsers come in to fill.
The Increasing Importance of Browser Security
With the introduction of more web browsers in professional settings, attacks on them have also increased. Employees often spend most of their workday accessing company resources through web browsers, which has made these browsers targets for cybersecurity.
Over the years, popular companies like Apple, Google, Microsoft, and Mozilla have indicated multiple critical vulnerabilities in their browser. For instance, a zero-day vulnerability in Google Chrome back in 2023 was the fourth such issue.
Additionally, the widespread use of Chrome-based browsers like Microsoft Edge, Opera Brave, and Vivaldi has complicated cybersecurity, as all can be vulnerable to threats at one point in their usage.
The Rise of Enterprise Browser
Enterprise browsers recently entered the market to help solve problem threats and uphold security for businesses that consumer Browsers can not offer.
These browsers have inbuilt tools that businesses can use to manage their workflow efficiently and make good progress. Such tools include SaaS applications and customization options to enhance productivity.
Additionally, enterprise browsers are more resourceful and user-friendly, unlike older technologies such as virtual Desktop infrastructure (VDI) or Remote Browser Isolation (RBI).
The Impact of Chromium On Enterprise Browser
The year 2009 saw the creation of the Chromium browser. This creation was indeed a game changer for enterprise browser development because it provided a robust and modifiable base upon which developers could build.
This led companies like Island and Talon to create special enterprise browsers that use the strength of chromium. The flexibility and scalability of chromium were instrumental to the growth of enterprise Browsers in the market.
Factors Driving the Adoption of Enterprise Browsers
Factors such as the rise in hybrid and remote workforces have contributed to the rise of the enterprise Browser market. Moreover, the implementation of Bring-your-own-device (BYOD) policies and the growing number of external contractors in businesses have also contributed.
Enterprise browsers are secured, and they allow employees to access a virtual work environment and SaaS applications from their devices. This is important because today’s business employees are always on the move and working from different locations at a time.
Additionally, its security threat mitigation mechanism is top-notch, with compliance with the business policies.
Enterprise Browser Adoption Rate
Analysts predict that by 2027, the enterprise browser will become central to enterprise super app consolidation strategies, which will be driven by productivity.
Currently, less than 10% of large enterprises use extension and managed browsers, but these figures are expected to increase.
Enterprise browsers are expected to spearhead productivity and security in the enterprise workforce by 2030. They will also support device management and uninstallation. If this development goes through as predicted, it will be security-friendly for hybrid and remote work environments.
Potential Long-Term Outcomes for Enterprise Browsers
Based on the current trends and research, there are three possible long-term outcomes for the enterprise browser market.
1. The best-case scenario
Enterprise browsers will become a key part of businesses’ security and productivity software, where the workforce is deployed and managed. They will be able to deliver legacy non-browser-based applications through a browser.
Although they may not be able to replace the existing security control, they will offer a unified platform that can integrate multiple security products and enhance security and efficiency.
2. The management of External User and BYOD Policies
Another possible outcome is that enterprise browsers might become the primary tool for managing work for third-party contractors, internal users, and BYOD policies. They could be a replacement for traditional browser systems like VPNs or VDI, which are costly and complex to use.
Enterprise browsers will offer cost-effective solutions for securing remote access and managing external users.
3. Acquisition Targets
Finally, secure browser and extension companies may become acquisition targets for larger platforms, such as SASE/SSE providers or VDI vendors looking to expand into the enterprise browser market.
This is evident through the recent acquisition by Palo Alton Network of Talon Security, which shows that larger cybersecurity companies are now seeing the need to incorporate enterprise browsers into their operations.
Conclusion
Enterprise browsers are built to boost productivity and security, which businesses take advantage of. Unlike standard consumer Browsers, this browser will work well when incorporated with business tools like layerX Security. They support software-as-a-service (SaaS) applications and offer customization to improve work efficiency while maintaining security. This makes this browser an essential tool for daily business.
The need for enterprise browsers is growing for many reasons, which shows that there is a need to maintain high-level security in a work environment. More so, with the advancement of cyber security threats, companies that still use standard browsers are being demanded to upgrade to make work life easier and more secure for their business.