Endpoint security firm Igel has partnered with Palo Alto Networks on a secure access service edge (SASE) solution.

Igel’s Secure Endpoint OS Platform has been updated to integrate with Palo Alto Networks Prisma Browser, the SASE-native browser solution from the security giant. The German firm’s OS solution is designed for enterprise browser, SaaS, desktop-as-a-service (DaaS), and virtual desktop infrastructure (VDI) environments, with a focus on healthcare, finance, manufacturing, and retail markets.

With the Palo Alto SASE integration, Igel said users will be able to isolate and monitor user interactions with web, AI, and SaaS applications, and defend against both advanced external and internal threats.

Built on a secure-by-design architecture, the platform is touted as removing common attack vectors and enabling organizations to sustain operations, including for contractors and bring-your-own-device (BYOD) users.

It also supports regulatory compliance efforts by identifying and protecting personally identifiable information (PII) through predefined compliance profiles aligned with standards such as Europe’s General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR), and an offering of 1,000-plus data classifiers.

The Prisma Access Browser integration includes Secure Shell (SSH) and Remote Desktop Protocol (RDP) capabilities within Igel’s browser interface, allowing privileged users on Igel OS endpoints to securely connect to private and legacy applications, such as internal servers, through a single, isolated browser environment. Igel claimed this setup decreases reliance on the resource-heavy setup of a VDI, as an OS option can possibly extend the life of existing hardware, and simplify management via centralized controls.

OS models can also reduce software maintenance burdens through remote operations of updates and configurations, with a more streamlined software stack improving endpoint performance.

“Traditional ‘fat client’ endpoints, which store data locally, make organizations even more susceptible to breaches,” said Elad Gavra, director of product management, Palo Alto Networks. “The nearly impossible task of patching and managing thousands of individual devices against constantly evolving threats creates a perfect storm for security vulnerabilities.”

“In today’s dynamic digital environment, protecting applications, data, and endpoint devices is mission-critical. Through the integration of Igel OS and Palo Alto Networks’ Prisma Browser, organizations can achieve trusted, enterprise-grade security across their distributed operations,” added Jim Airdo, SVP of Strategic Alliances at Igel.

Palo Alto Networks was one of only four vendors to have earned a “recommended” rating from the non-profit CyberRatings for its security service edge (SSE) products, alongside Fortinet, Versa Networks, and Zscaler.

The firm also came out on top in Forrester's latest "Wave" ranking of SASE solution providers, commended by researchers for the “detail, release cadence, and transparency” of its roadmap, although the vendor lost some points due to being “less forward-looking in addressing future challenges.”

Its Prisma solution was described as having noteworthy zero trust network access (ZTNA) capabilities built into its GlobalProtect VPN client.