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BUFFERZONE® Safe Workspace® vs. Cato Networks Remote Browser Isolation
By Ran Dubin - CTO
Local vs. Remote Isolation: Balancing Security, Privacy, Performance, and Usability
Browser isolation remains one of the most effective front-line defenses against browser-borne threats. Two prevailing architectures have emerged:
- Cato Remote Browser Isolation (RBI): A cloud-delivered, visual-streaming model embedded in the Cato SASE Cloud.
- BUFFERZONE® Safe Workspace®: A Local Browser Isolation (LBI) model that executes browsing sessions within a secured container directly on the endpoint.
While both aim to keep browsing safe, they vary significantly in deployment, controls, and experience.
Architectural Comparison: Remote Cloud Execution vs. Local Containment
🌐 Cato Remote Browser Isolation (RBI)
- Browsing sessions execute remotely within the Cato SASE Cloud (via Authentic8’s engine). Only pixel-streamed output reaches the endpoint. (Cato Networks)
- Enabled via a lightweight toggle—no installs or patching required. Works across all edges and users in minutes. (TechRound)
- Targets only traffic deemed high-risk (Uncategorized, Undefined, or custom categories), avoiding unnecessary routing of safe traffic. (catonetworks.com)
Benefits:
- Isolates active threats away from the endpoint.
- Zero maintenance and rapid deployment.
- Reduces friction and preserves productivity on uncertain sites.
Considerations:
- Requires stable connectivity to the Cato Cloud.
- User experience may be impacted by streaming latency and session controls.
💻 BUFFERZONE® Safe Workspace®
- Browsing runs locally inside a secure container. Files are disarmed via built-in SafeBridge® CDR. Optimal performance and offline support.
- Avoids redirecting browsing traffic outside the network.
Benefits:
- Native responsiveness, even offline.
- Full browsing compatibility without cloud routing assumptions.
Considerations:
- Relies on endpoint computer resources, not offloaded to the cloud fully private without sharing sensitive content with any vendor.
- Works offline in any location or network.
Beyond Isolation: Layered Protection
🔒 Cato RBI (within SASE stack)
- Acts as an additional layer above Cato’s existing threat controls (IPS, Anti‑malware, NGAM, CASB, DLP). ( Cato Networks, catonetworks.com)
- Protects against threats like ransomware, phishing, malicious ads, XSS, browser vulnerabilities. (Cato Networks)
- Offers granular session controls—block/allow copy-paste, downloads, typing, printing. (catonetworks.com)
- Maintains session continuity across multiple domains via continuous session support. (catonetworks.com)
🛡️ BUFFERZONE® Safe Workspace®
- Delivers endpoint-side layers: SafeBridge® CDR, NoCloud® AI phishing defense, Safe Data, Safe Externals, and Outlook email disarming.
- Offers multi-vector protection, including files, removable media, email, and sensitive data, all locally leveraging NoCloud® AI and Protection By Containment™.
Deployment & Scalability
- Cato RBI: Delivered via Cato SASE Cloud, minimal setup, broad global availability, requires traffic forwarding only for higher-risk categories. (Cato Networks)
- BUFFERZONE® Safe Workspace®: Installed directly on Windows endpoints. No additional network infra or routing changes. Ideal for hybrid or air-gapped environments.
Cost and Operational Impact
- Cato RBI: Part of subscription-based Cato SASE Cloud, pricing per seat or service tier (consult provider).
- BUFFERZONE® Safe Workspace®: Endpoint-based licensing with predictable cost, no cloud infra overhead. Highly affordable for SMB to large enterprises.
Summary Table
| Category | Cato Remote Browser Isolation (RBI) | BUFFERZONE® Safe Workspace |
| Isolation Method | Cloud execution + pixel streaming | Local containment on endpoint |
| User Experience | Instant-on via toggle; network-dependent | Native performance; offline capability |
| File Handling | Controlled stream; disallows direct run | Built-in SafeBridge® CDR |
| Threat Protection | Part of Cato SASE stack (IPS, Anti-malware, CASB, DLP) | Multi-layer endpoint-native defenses |
| Control Granularity | Block/allow copy, downloads, printing, typing; session continuity | Full local control & containment |
| Data Persistence | Ephemeral sessions—cleared on close | Full data access on endpoint |
| Offline Use | Requires connection to Cato Cloud | Fully supported |
| Privacy | Executed in cloud with pixel streaming | Processed locally, no cloud redirection |
Conclusion: Which Isolation Model Fits Your Needs?
- Cato RBI excels when you want rapid deployment of isolation within a broader SASE architecture, minimizing configuration while still shielding users from unknown or risky web destinations.
- BUFFERZONE® Safe Workspace® delivers endpoint-native isolation and comprehensive layered defenses—ideal for organizations where offline capability, privacy, and reduced infrastructure dependence are priorities.
