Framework: The Center for Internet Security (CIS) Top 18 Controls

Safeguard 9.2 focuses on securing web browsers—the most widely used and simultaneously most exposed application within any organization. Because browsers connect directly to external content, they are frequent delivery channels for malware, malicious scripts, and credential theft. This safeguard mandates the use of fully supported browsers with current security updates and the implementation of configuration controls that reduce risk exposure. Examples include disabling or uninstalling unnecessary extensions, blocking automatic downloads, enforcing pop-up blocking, and limiting the execution of active content such as JavaScript or Flash. Enterprises should also use DNS or category-based URL filtering to prevent users from accessing known malicious sites. Together, these measures ensure that browsers operate within safe boundaries, protecting both users and the systems they connect to.

Operationalizing browser protection involves combining central management with network-level enforcement. Group policies or Mobile Device Management (MDM) solutions can enforce browser settings, while enterprise proxies and secure gateways apply URL reputation filtering and SSL inspection. For higher-risk environments, browser isolation technologies create virtual containers or remote sessions that segregate browsing activity from internal systems, preventing malicious code from reaching endpoints. Regular review of installed browser extensions and strict control of administrative rights help maintain integrity over time. Training users to recognize unsafe prompts—such as certificate warnings or permission requests—adds another human layer of defense. When technical controls, policy, and awareness operate together, browsers evolve from uncontrolled access points into secure, monitored interfaces that support safe productivity. Safeguard 9.2 demonstrates that effective defense lies not in restricting web use, but in managing it intelligently to neutralize common attack paths before they can inflict harm.
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