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Local vs. Remote Isolation: Finding the Balance Between Security, Privacy, and Performance

Browser isolation remains one of the most effective defenses against malware, ransomware, and phishing threats. Two dominant approaches exist in the market today:

• Zscaler Cloud Browser Isolation (RBI): Browsing sessions are executed in Zscaler’s cloud and delivered to the user’s device as a safe visual stream. [Source]
• BUFFERZONE® Safe Workspace® (LBI): Risky web activity is contained directly on the endpoint through Protection By Containment™ and powered by NoCloud® AI.

Both solutions aim to keep users safe, but differ in architecture, performance, privacy, and deployment model.

Architectural Comparison: Remote Streaming vs. Local Execution

🌐 Zscaler Cloud Browser Isolation

Sessions run inside Zscaler’s Zero Trust Exchange and are streamed to the endpoint. Zscaler offers multiple rendering modes and optimizations (e.g., Turbo Mode) to improve the user experience.

• Benefit: Web content is executed off-device, keeping threats away from endpoints.
• Considerations: Requires traffic forwarding to Zscaler (via Client Connector, PAC, GRE, or IPsec). Performance depends on network path and stable connectivity.

💻 BUFFERZONE® Safe Workspace®

Browsing runs locally inside an isolated workspace. Any file downloads are automatically disarmed using integrated SafeBridge® Content Disarm and Reconstruction (CDR).

• Benefit: Native performance, offline access, and full compatibility without redirecting browsing traffic.
• Considerations: Relies on efficient endpoint resources consumption, not cloud streaming.

Beyond Isolation: Security Layers

🔒 Zscaler Cloud Browser Isolation

• Allows document viewing in isolation.
• Provides an option to download files as sanitized PDFs [Link].
• For advanced file sanitization, it integrates with third parties – that means your data moves to other vendors.
• Complements RBI with ZIA Advanced Threat Protection (anti-phishing) and Zscaler Identity Protection (credential-theft detection). [Link]

🛡️ BUFFERZONE® Safe Workspace®

• SafeBridge® CDR: Neutralizes file-based threats locally.
• NoCloud® AI Phishing Defense: Stops credential theft directly on-device.
• Safe Data: Identifies and protects sensitive data against ransomware and leakage.
• Safe Externals: Contains USB and removable media activity.
• Email Security: Disarms suspicious attachments and links in Microsoft Outlook—without cloud routing.

Deployment and Scalability

• Zscaler: Delivered as a SaaS cloud service, requiring traffic forwarding and Zscaler account configuration. Scales well in cloud-first enterprises.
• BUFFERZONE®: Installed directly on Windows endpoints, requiring no additional proxies or servers. Works equally well in hybrid, remote, or air-gapped environments.

Cost Considerations

• Zscaler: Offered as a subscription SaaS service. Pricing varies by edition, options, and agreements.
• BUFFERZONE®: Endpoint-based licensing with predictable costs and minimal infrastructure overhead.

Summary: Two Paths to Safer Browsing

Conclusion: Choosing the Right Approach

Both cloud and endpoint isolation protect against web-based threats.

• Zscaler Cloud Browser Isolation provides a cloud-first streaming model, integrated into the broader Zscaler Zero Trust Exchange.
• BUFFERZONE® Safe Workspace® delivers endpoint-native isolation and layered defenses, disarming files, stopping phishing, and protecting data without relying on the cloud.

👉 For organizations prioritizing performance, privacy, and simplified deployment, BUFFERZONE® Safe Workspace® offers a cost-efficient path to comprehensive endpoint protection.

Contact us to learn more.