Enabling Cloud Access Security Broker (CASB) in Cato

Introduction

As enterprises increasingly adopt SaaS applications, controlling access, protecting sensitive data, and monitoring user activity across cloud apps becomes essential. Cato’s Cloud Access Security Broker (CASB) enables organizations to enforce security policies, monitor usage, and prevent data leaks—all within a unified SASE platform. Unlike standalone CASB solutions, Cato integrates this functionality directly into its global backbone, simplifying deployment and management.

This blog explores how to enable CASB in Cato, configure application control policies, enforce tenant and file restrictions, and monitor cloud activity in real time.

Key Takeaways

• Understand the role of CASB within Cato SASE
• Enable and configure application control policies
• Restrict access to specific SaaS tenants or users
• Apply file control rules and DLP policies
• Monitor cloud activity using dashboards and API integration
• Real-world scenario: protecting sensitive finance data in SaaS apps

CASB Overview in Cato

Cato’s CASB provides unified visibility and control over SaaS applications:

• Application Control: Identify and classify cloud apps, control usage, and enforce policies.
• Data Loss Prevention (DLP): Protect sensitive data from leaving the organization via cloud apps.
• Tenant Restrictions: Restrict access to authorized tenants or organizational accounts.
• File Control Rules: Enforce upload/download policies, scanning for sensitive file types.
• API Integration: Monitor app activities via APIs for detailed analytics.

Configuring Application Control Policies

Application control allows administrators to define which apps users can access and under what conditions. Key steps include:

1. Navigate to Security > Application Control in the Cato Management Application.
2. Use the default recommended CASB policy for a baseline of controls.
3. Customize rules for specific applications or user groups.
4. Enable Full Path URL monitoring to distinguish between subdomains, tenants, or specific resources within an app.
5. Apply file control rules to restrict uploads/downloads of sensitive file types.

Restricting Access to SaaS Tenants

Cato allows granular control over SaaS tenant access:

• Restrict users to approved tenants only.
• Prevent logins from untrusted or rogue accounts.
• Combine tenant restrictions with file policies and DLP for comprehensive security.

Monitoring Cloud Activity

Cato provides real-time visibility into SaaS usage via the Cloud Activity Dashboard:

• View top-used applications by site, user, or department.
• Monitor risky actions, file uploads, and policy violations.
• Integrate API activity logs for detailed application insights.
• Quickly detect anomalies and enforce remediation via policies.

Real-World Use Case

A UAE-based financial firm used Cato CASB to protect its Salesforce and Office 365 environment:

• Restricted access to approved tenant accounts only.
• Enforced file control to prevent sensitive finance spreadsheets from being uploaded to unauthorized apps.
• Monitored user activity and detected a misconfigured API integration that could have exposed data.
• Deployed policies across all branch offices without complex firewall or VPN setups.

Tips & Best Practices

• Start with the default CASB policy and customize based on critical applications.
• Review tenant restrictions regularly to reflect organizational changes.
• Use API activity monitoring for high-risk applications.
• Correlate cloud activity logs with your SIEM for end-to-end visibility.
• Periodically audit file control and DLP rules to prevent business disruption.

See CASB in Action — Book Your Free Consultation

Schedule a Free session with our specialists to explore how Cato CASB can secure your SaaS applications, enforce tenant restrictions, and prevent data loss in real time.

FAQ 

1. Can CASB restrict access to specific SaaS tenants?

Yes. You can enforce tenant restrictions to allow only authorized accounts.
 

2. How are file uploads/downloads controlled?

Cato CASB allows administrators to define file control rules for specific file types or categories.
 

3. Can application activity be monitored via APIs?

Yes. Application Control via API enables tracking user actions, logins, and uploads/downloads.
 

4. Do I need separate CASB appliances?

No. Cato’s CASB is integrated into the SASE platform, eliminating the need for additional appliances.
 

5. How is cloud activity visualized?

The Cloud Activity Dashboard provides real-time analytics, showing app usage, policy violations, and top users.