Cato Networks Unveils a New Browser Extension for Enhanced Security
Cato Networks has introduced the Cato Browser Extension, a streamlined pathway to their Cato SASE Cloud Platform. This innovative tool is designed to enhance Universal Zero Trust Network Access (UZTNA) for unmanaged devices like personal, contractor, and BYOD endpoints. Importantly, it achieves this without the operational burdens and complexities often associated with traditional VPNs or enterprise browsers.
Addressing the Risks of Unmanaged Devices
In today’s workforce, the rise of remote work, BYOD policies, and contracted personnel has led to an influx of unmanaged devices within company systems. These devices often lack essential security features, making them potential vulnerabilities in an organization’s network defense. According to Verizon’s 2025 Data Breach Investigations Report (DBIR), a shocking 46% of compromised systems containing potential corporate credentials were linked to unmanaged devices. On top of this, organizations are facing increasing compliance challenges under regulations like GDPR, HIPAA, and PCI DSS.
“It’s clear that unmanaged and BYOD devices aren’t going away anytime soon. They present a significant risk for enterprises,” remarked Ofir Agasi, Chief Product Officer at Cato Networks. “The Cato Browser Extension strikes a balance by providing users with easy access while granting IT complete policy control, all without introducing additional complexity.”
Navigating Legacy Security Challenges
Traditionally, extending access to unmanaged devices has necessitated the installation of additional software or specialized browsers, creating disruptions for users and adding to the workload for IT departments. Legacy Zero Trust Network Access (ZTNA) models often require multiple tools for various device categories, making the security environment even more cumbersome.
Simplifying Security with the Cato Browser Extension
Cato’s new Browser Extension aims to bridge this gap by making Zero Trust security straightforward to deploy and maintain. This Google Chrome extension allows secure access in mere minutes without the need for client installations or additional software. It applies the same ZTNA policies that are already in place for managed devices, alleviating the need for IT teams to devise or enforce new rules.
Unlike enterprise browsers that often force users to adapt to unfamiliar interfaces, the Cato Browser Extension seamlessly integrates with standard browsers. This integration supports a unified enterprise-wide ZTNA model, enhancing user experience while maintaining stringent security controls.
Unified Access Across All Devices
With the implementation of Cato ZTNA, businesses can achieve consistent access management across different environments. Managed devices connect through the Cato Client, while unmanaged devices utilize the Cato Browser Extension. Additionally, branch sites and connections are managed through Cato’s dedicated Socket.
Every connection benefits from Cato’s SSE 360, which includes services such as Firewall-as-a-Service (FWaaS), Secure Web Gateway (SWG), Cloud Access Security Broker (CASB), Next-Generation Firewall (NGFW), Data Loss Prevention (DLP), and Advanced Threat Prevention. This comprehensive suite ensures ongoing inspection, centralized policy enforcement, and unified logging.
Key Advantages of the Cato Browser Extension
The introduction of the Cato Browser Extension offers several strategic benefits for enterprises:
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Consistent Security Posture: By implementing unified, identity-aware policies across all devices, security gaps are effectively minimized.
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Operational Simplicity: The elimination of traditional VPNs, enterprise browsers, and other point solutions reduces onboarding time and lessens the burden on IT teams.
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Simplified Audit Processes: Maintaining consistent enforcement helps organizations comply with regulatory requirements, making audit preparation more manageable.
In summary, the Cato Browser Extension promises to bring Zero Trust principles to all users and devices, overcoming the long-standing challenges that have complicated secure access in the modern enterprise landscape.
Availability Information
The Cato Browser Extension is now broadly accessible and comes included with Cato’s user-based licensing for Cato ZTNA. There is no need for additional licenses or SKUs, making it an attractive option for organizations looking to bolster security without causing disruptions.
