Security

Sophos launches browser-based security platform for hybrid work environments

Sophos has launched Sophos Workspace Protection, a security platform built around a Chromium-based browser that provides application and data controls for hybrid workforces

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The platform includes the Sophos Protected Browser, powered by Island, along with zero trust network access, DNS protection and email monitoring capabilities. The solution aims to reduce operational complexity by securing work at the browser level rather than backhauling traffic through centralized infrastructure, according to Sophos.

Traditional secure access service edge and security service edge solutions often require significant infrastructure, specialized expertise and ongoing operational overhead, the company said. Sophos Workspace Protection eliminates the need for centralized traffic routing while providing protections that follow users, applications and data across work locations.

The Sophos Protected Browser integrates with the Sophos Central platform and provides visibility and control at the workspace level, according to the company. Organizations can protect sensitive data, manage application access and enforce policy directly within the browser. With 85% of the modern workday taking place in a web browser, Sophos developed the solution to address security needs where work happens, the company said.

"Security teams are increasingly impacted by complexity, especially as hybrid work, SaaS adoption, and AI tools continue to expand the workspace," said Mike Jude, research director at IDC. "Sophos Workspace Protection reflects a pragmatic shift in the market—delivering core SASE and SSE outcomes through an integrated, endpoint- and browser-centric approach that simplifies deployment, reduces operational overhead, and helps organizations govern application and AI use without adding another layer of infrastructure."

The Workspace Protection suite includes four components that organizations can deploy together or individually. The Sophos Protected Browser provides controls over application usage, local data handling and web filtering, and integrates Sophos ZTNA for access to private web applications. It also supports SSH and RDP access for remote administration, according to the company.

Sophos ZTNA provides secure, posture-based access to private applications by allowing only authorized users and compliant devices to connect while keeping applications hidden from the internet, the company said. Sophos DNS Protection delivers cloud-based DNS security to Windows endpoints, blocking malicious or unwanted domains. The Email Monitoring System works alongside Google or Microsoft email services to provide additional detection of phishing and malicious messages.

"Sophos has long protected remote and hybrid workers with industry-leading endpoint and network security, but today's work environments demand stronger governance of apps and data," said Joe Levy, CEO of Sophos. "Many SASE and SSE solutions add complexity and operational overhead while still leaving gaps in visibility and control. By combining Island's enterprise browser technology with Sophos' security capabilities and the Sophos Central platform, we are helping organizations govern AI use, protect critical data, and secure hybrid workforces with a solution that is easier to deploy and manage."