The Island Enterprise Browser has achieved TX-RAMP Level 2 certification for cloud products, helping make government IT systems more efficient, less costly, safer, quicker, and more secure than previously possible.

The Texas Risk and Authorization Management Program (TX-RAMP) is administered by the state’s Department of Information Resources (DIR) to review the security measures of cloud products and services that transmit data to Texas state agencies. 

This certification is significant since the overwhelming majority of data and apps run through browsers today. Yet the consumer browser was never designed to support the IT, security, and productivity needs of enterprises, including government agencies handling citizens’ personal data. At their core, consumer browsers are flexible web rendering applications.

They therefore force states to rely on costly virtual desktop infrastructure (VDI), virtual private networks, and redundant and expensive hardware purchases.

What is an enterprise browser?

Modernizing the IT systems of Texas state government, local government, K-12 and higher ed starts with the enterprise browser.

This purpose-built browser is designed specifically to meet the unique needs of enterprise organizations, including government agencies, by focusing on IT efficiency, productivity, security, and enterprise integrations.

They offer features tailored to workplace usage, such as integration with enterprise identity systems, auditing, full administration controls, and optimization for enterprise applications.

The Island Enterprise Browser is based on familiar Chromium technology and provides access to enterprise tools, optimizing performance and minimizing training requirements. This leads to a user-friendly environment that enhances productivity and reduces the friction typically associated with adopting new technology.

TX-RAMP Level 2 Status

TX-RAMP Level 2 Certification validates that a cloud computing service is capable of processing, storing, or transmitting agency data determined to be confidential and to be a moderate or high impact information resource.

The Enterprise Browser represents a fundamental shift in IT management, and its TX-RAMP certification is a natural reflection of the next era of data protection and network controls. Its significant benefits include:

‍Granular control and governance
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Administrators can implement granular, context-aware policies directly within the browser to manage access and user interactions based on role, device status, and location. This control allows for precise security measures, such as blocking risky downloads or restricting data transfer to untrusted sites, thereby enhancing organizational compliance and security.

‍Built-in security and data protection
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The Enterprise Browser integrates advanced security measures to protect against phishing, malware, and adaptive threats, directly within the browser. These integrated protections safeguard enterprise applications and data, enabling dynamic data protection policies that prevent leakage and enhance security without disrupting workflows.

‍Visibility and monitoring
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Island’s Enterprise Browser provides detailed logging of web activities, offering insights into user interactions while maintaining privacy for personal browsing. This monitoring creates a thorough audit trail that aids in compliance, forensic investigations, and proactive threat detection, balancing security with user privacy.

Reduced infrastructure ‍

By centralizing control and enhancing security, the Enterprise Browser reduces the need for multiple security solutions, such as remote browser isolation (RBI) and complex DLP systems.  The reduction in disparate systems not only lowers costs but also decreases complexity, making IT management more straightforward and cost-effective.

Integration with enterprise tools
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Island’s Enterprise Browser seamlessly integrates with identity management systems and SIEM, ensuring a cohesive and secure IT environment. Such integration reduces compatibility issues and streamlines IT operations, fostering a secure and efficient work environment.

Enterprise password protection ‍

Island’s Enterprise Browser enhances password security through integrated management and protection features that safeguard against phishing and malware. The built-in password management and privileged access management (PAM) capabilities enhance security for shared accounts, facilitating secure and efficient access management.

Common Use Cases 

Thwarting Insider Threats
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Zero Trust Network Access (ZTNA) means full control over data access privileges and end-to-end secure access to applications and sensitive/regulated data.

Redacting to Reduce App Development
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Built-in redaction capabilities ensure only authorized data is displayed to users. Front-end data control on the browser reduces the need for back-end custom application developments.

Bring Your Own Device (BYOD) Security‍

Full access controls built into the Enterprise Browser ends the need to supply contractors with state-issued devices and software. The ability to onboard and manage thousands of employees and contractors across hundreds of counties remotely accelerates work and increases data security.

Resiliency at Scale
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Full access to government systems and services via the Enterprise Browser quickly delivers critical services in times of disaster.

Security for Legacy Applications ‍

Agencies can modernize legacy applications by adding control and application boundaries without additional software development and IT consultant expenses. 

Reduced Costs, Increased Services

In short, Island’s Enterprise Browser will allow the Texas state government, local government, K-12 and higher-ed IT and security leaders to better serve Texas residents and offer new and impactful services. At the same time, they can reduce technology spend on hardware infrastructure and software licensing subscriptions that cost state and local municipalities tens of millions of dollars per year.