Secure Browser Use Case: VDI and DaaS Reduction

Independent workers—like contractors, freelancers, and vendors—often operate outside standard IT controls.

A secure browser enables fast, compliant access without requiring managed devices or heavyweight onboarding.

Securing third-party and contractor access is a secure browser use case that helps organizations scale flexible access securely while protecting data and reducing overhead.

How does a secure browser help secure independent worker access?

Since independent workers access sensitive enterprise resources without using managed devices, they also create gaps in control and visibility.

And traditional solutions like VDI or shipping laptops add cost and friction that just don't scale well.

A secure browser, however, offers a simpler and more targeted way to address this.

Here's how it works:

Essentially, a secure enterprise browser is a managed web browser environment that enforces policy, protects data, and isolates sessions directly in the browser.

It applies consistent security regardless of who owns the device.

This matters because independent workers typically access corporate SaaS or private apps from personal devices.

With a secure browser, they don't need a VPN, an agent, or an entire virtual desktop. They get direct access to the tools they need—while policy enforcement stays in place.

For example(s):

	Sensitive data can be masked or blocked based on content, app, and user role.
	Clipboard activity, screenshots, downloads, and uploads can be controlled per session.
	Only approved apps and URLs are accessible inside the browser.
	The browser session is fully isolated from the rest of the device. So even if the endpoint is unmanaged, work stays contained, auditable, and protected.

Why is that important?

Because unmanaged endpoints introduce risk. And independent workers don't typically go through the same onboarding as employees.

A secure browser gives you a way to control access, protect data, and meet compliance. Without the overhead of managing every device.

What makes contractor access so difficult to secure?

Independent contractors play a key role in many organizations.

But giving them access to business-critical apps introduces security and operational challenges that are hard to ignore.

Here's why:

	Unmanaged devices increase risk. Contractors often work from their own laptops, phones, or tablets. These devices typically fall outside corporate control. Which means they lack endpoint protections, posture checks, and other safeguards built into managed systems. This makes them prime targets for malware, phishing, and data exfiltration.
	Contractors bypass standard onboarding. Unlike full-time employees, independent workers don't usually go through full provisioning. There's no hardware issuance. No endpoint configuration. No centralized software rollout. That makes it harder to establish a baseline of trust or ensure compliance with company policy.
	There's no visibility or control after access is granted. Once a contractor receives login credentials, traditional tools lose sight of what happens next. Sensitive data can be accessed, shared, or downloaded without IT oversight. Even if those actions violate policy, they may go undetected. Especially on unmanaged devices.
	Legacy solutions are expensive and inefficient. Organizations try to close these gaps using VDI, DaaS, or shipped laptops. But again, these options are costly to scale. They also introduce delays, create user friction, and stretch IT resources. That's a poor fit for short-term workers or fast-moving projects.

In other words:

Securing contractor access isn't just a policy challenge. It's a structural one. Existing approaches either expose sensitive data or bog down teams with high costs and slow deployment.

How does a secure browser compare to other remote access methods?

Securing access for independent workers has always come with tradeoffs.

Most solutions were built to control devices, not the session itself. Which is where a secure browser stands apart.

Let's take a closer look at how the most common remote access methods compare with a secure browser:

Real-world example: Securing contractors with Prisma Access Browser

SecurityScorecard, a global cybersecurity ratings provider, needed a faster, more secure way to onboard independent workers using personal devices.

Legacy methods like VDI and shipped laptops weren't scalable. They slowed down access and stretched IT resources. Prisma Access Browser gave the company a simpler path forward.

With Prisma Access Browser, SecurityScorecard onboarded contractors and BYOD users in minutes—not weeks. In the first seven days alone, IT teams gained visibility into over 100,000 user events. Within 30 days, more than 90% of endpoints were secured.

The result?

A seamless and secure way to extend access to a globally distributed workforce. Without managing the device or slowing down the business.

SecurityScorecard's experience shows how a secure browser can eliminate friction while strengthening oversight across independent workers and other third parties.

Why Prisma Access Browser is a smart choice for contractor access

Closes critical security gaps

Independent workers often access corporate apps without going through traditional onboarding or using managed devices. That creates gaps in visibility and control. Prisma Access Browser closes those gaps by enforcing security policies in the browser itself. It supports data masking, screenshot blocking, upload restrictions, and session logging—so sensitive information stays protected, even when the device isn't.

Applies policy in the browser

Instead of securing the endpoint, Prisma Access Browser secures the work session itself. All access control, inspection, and data protection policies are enforced inside the browser. That includes actions like masking data, blocking uploads, or limiting clipboard use. Since the policy lives in the browser, security is consistent. Regardless of who owns the device.

Cuts costs significantly

Prisma Access Browser avoids the high costs of provisioning corporate hardware or maintaining VDI environments. Internal analysis shows organizations can save up to 85% compared to shipping laptops and 79% compared to VDI or DaaS.

Works on unmanaged devices

Independent workers don't use corporate hardware. That makes unmanaged devices the default. Prisma Access Browser is designed for that. It runs on personal laptops, contractor machines, or even shared devices. Without requiring enrollment, an agent, or device-level access. And unlike traditional solutions, it doesn't require organizations to ship laptops or impose invasive IT controls.

Integrates natively with SASE

Standalone secure browsers might handle the session. But they don't cover the rest of the picture. Prisma Access Browser is part of Palo Alto Networks' SASE platform. That means the same Zero Trust policies, inspection engines, and threat protections apply across users, apps, and networks. One policy framework. One management experience. One consistent layer of protection across the entire environment.

Enables fast access without infrastructure

Legacy approaches like VDI or shipping hardware take weeks to deploy. Prisma Access Browser can be installed and used within minutes. Independent workers receive immediate access to SaaS and internal apps, with policies in place from the start. No infrastructure, no lag time, no bottlenecks. That matters when you're scaling fast or working on short timelines.

Reduces IT workload

Prisma Access Browser simplifies everyday IT management. With centralized browser-based controls, it reduces the time and effort spent on patching, resource tuning, and supporting alternative solutions like VDI, DaaS, etc.