As organisations navigate the escalating threat of data breaches and the complexities of securing a distributed workforce, the pressure to protect systems and sensitive information is reaching new heights. With cybercriminals constantly adapting their tactics and the average cost of a data breach climbing to $4.35 million, relying on traditional perimeter-based security just isn’t enough. A Zero Trust approach, where every user, device, and action are constantly verified, has become a critical safeguard for business operations in this ever-evolving threat landscape.
By prioritising endpoint resilience, data protection, user and device authentication, and actionable security insights, ChromeOS enables businesses to establish a robust, secure infrastructure that not only withstands modern security challenges but actively anticipates and mitigates potential threats.
In this blog we’ll take a closer look at how ChromeOS’ unique security features work together to provide a comprehensive Zero Trust security model, ensuring your devices, data and users are always protected against evolving risks.
User and Device Authentication
With ChromeOS, authentication is seamlessly integrated into the cloud, ensuring secure, hassle-free access whether you’re using the device for personal or professional purposes. Every user account is linked to the cloud, while each device is equipped with a certificate for attestation, providing cryptographic proof of its identity every time it boots. This ensures that only trusted devices are granted access, strengthening the security of your data from the outset.
As we move towards reducing our reliance on passwords, ChromeOS keeps access to local data simple without compromising on security. Your encryption keys are never stored by ChromeOS, giving you complete control over your data. Any recovery actions are transparently logged in an immutable record, adding an extra layer of accountability. Physical access to the device is also required, ensuring that sensitive information remains secure, even if a device is lost or stolen.
Endpoint Resilience
As endpoints become the frontline of defence, ChromeOS rises to the challenge of hybrid and remote work, providing the security IT teams need to stay ahead of evolving threats, without the constant hassle of patching and manual updates.
ChromeOS enhances endpoint resilience with a powerful blend of security features that work together to protect your devices from any threat. Verified Boot ensures that each device starts with a clean, tamper-proof slate, automatically reverting to a safe version if anything goes wrong. Sandboxing isolates apps and browser tabs, so even if one is compromised, the rest of the system remains secure. Site isolation further protects sensitive information by preventing malicious sites from affecting other tabs.
With zero reported ransomware attacks on ChromeOS, these features are more than just concepts, they’ve been proven to deliver real-world protection.
Flexible, Comprehensive Data Protection Controls
ChromeOS provides robust data protection through a range of security features that can be easily managed from the Google Admin console. With over 600 policies to configure, you can control which apps and extensions are allowed based on device permissions and categories, while restricting access to external storage devices like USB drives to prevent unwanted data transfers.
Ephemeral Mode adds an extra layer of security by automatically wiping all data when a user logs out, making it ideal for shared devices or short-term use. Additionally, source- and destination-based rules offer control over where sensitive data can go, preventing it from being copied, pasted, or printed from critical locations. With flexibility in user-specific settings, businesses can balance security with the needs of different teams, ensuring a smooth workflow without compromising protection.
Security Insights and Event Reporting
ChromeOS gives you clear visibility into your security landscape, providing detailed insights on critical events, apps, extensions, and the Chrome versions in use across your devices. The ability to easily export these insights into your preferred SIEM platform ensures your team can monitor, analyse and respond to threats seamlessly from a centralised platform.
ChromeOS boosts your security with advanced monitoring of login events and network activity, helping you detect potential threats before they escalate. With Crowdstrike’s XDR capabilities powering your response, you can act quickly and accurately. Features like network traffic and enhanced login event monitoring ensure your endpoint security stays proactive, keeping you ahead of emerging risks.
How mobco can help
For organisations embracing a cloud-first strategy, mobco provides the expertise to make your transition seamless and safe. With in-depth knowledge of ChromeOS and a proven track record, we guide you through the entire device lifecycle, ensuring robust security at every stage, from acquisition and deployment to ongoing management.
Ready to strengthen your security with ChromeOS? Our experts are here to help you build a secure, cloud-first environment. Complete the form below to book a complimentary advisory session and take the first step toward a more secure future.