Public Relations

Asgent provides a securer browsing experience by simply plugging SecureLayer Browser Extension into your familiar browser

February 8, 2024
Asgent, Inc.
(JASDAQ: 4288)

  Asgent, Inc. (Japan, President & CEO: Takahiro Sugimoto, 4288 Tokyo Stock Exchange standard market, "Asgent"), a provider of security solutions, has signed a distributor agreement with LayerX Security Ltd. (Israel, Co-Founder & CEO: Or Eshed) and starts selling SecureLayer Browser Extension, which strengthens the security of web browsers by simply plugging it into common browsers such as Chrome and Edge.

[Expansion of SaaS use]
   Trends such as accelerated digitization, the need to reduce costs, and the spread of remote working have led to a rapid increase in the use of SaaS. Various business-related tools are becoming SaaS, including business systems such as office management software and electronic contract tools, marketing tools such as CRM, communication tools such as e-mail and chat, and file sharing services. According to "Software Business New Market 2023," a research conducted by Fuji Chimera Research Institute, Inc. in July 2023, SaaS use in Japan is expected to reach 2.099 trillion yen in FY2027, a 74% increase compared FY2022.^*1
   While SaaS can be used anywhere as long as there is an Internet environment, there are various security risks such as unauthorized access due to leakage of IDs and passwords, infection by malware, and information leakage due to uploading of confidential information. The number of methods to lead users to sophisticated phishing sites is increasing every year, and it is becoming increasingly difficult to leave security measures to the discretion of users.
   Web access security measures include security methods such as desktop virtualization (VDI) and remote browser isolation (RBI). However, these methods have the following problems: (1) response time deteriorates when accessing bandwidth-requiring websites (e.g., video sites), (2) extended functions such as Google Translate cannot be used, and (3) access to fraudulent sites that require users to enter personal information cannot be blocked. Even when using a dedicated browser with enhanced security, problems may arise such as: 1) web pages are not compatible with the browser (not displayed properly), and 2) the browser is difficult to use because the UI is different from that of the browser you are used to using.

[SecureLayer Browser Extension]
   SecureLayer Browser Extension is a next-generation browser extension that transforms a conventional browser into a security-enabled one by simply installing a plug-in, which analyzes incoming web page components and sends them as meta-information to the SecureLayer cloud for AI analysis.^*2 This allows SecureLayer Browser Extension to disable suspicious code (e.g., exploit code and malware) on websites in real time. It also blocks user actions that could lead to security incidents or accidents (unauthorized use of SaaS, pasting confidential or personal information onto translation sites, etc.). Furthermore, SecureLayer Browser Extension can also address the recent issue of information leakage from ChatGPT by controlling access to ChatGPT on a user/group basis and blocking the input of sensitive information.
   SecureLayer Browser Extension’s most impressive feature is that it enables users to increase the security of their browsers only plugging it into their favorite browsers, such as Chrome and Edge. Plugging into familiar browsers such as Chrome and Edge, SecureLayer provides a secure browsing environment without compromising the user experience. SecureLayer Browser Extension is also easier and less expensive to deploy than technologies such as VDI, which requires a network-wide redesign including server installation work.
  

(Key Features)

• Real-time browser protection
  Analyzes phishing and malware sites, disconnects sessions and disables components. It also keeps browsers safe by disabling risky browser extensions and performing version checks.
• Block user operations that violate policies
  Prevent leakage of sensitive data via browsers by blocking file attachments to cloud storage and free email, blocking pasting to confidential or personal information on ChatGPT or translation sites, etc.
• Visualization of SaaS usage
  The administrator is able to monitor SaaS usage by employees and detect “stray” SaaS being used within the organization, visualized SaaS applications and cloud storage being used by employees.

“At LayerX Security Ltd., we recognize that the browser is the central interface of the modern enterprise, a hub where significant business activities occur. This understanding is at the core of our Browser Security Platform,” says Or Eshed, CEO of LayerX Security Ltd. “SecureLayer Browser Extension is uniquely browser-native, allowing us to integrate seamlessly into any browser for comprehensive visibility into all browsing events. SecureLayer Browser Extension can execute a wide array of protective actions, ranging from disabling risky features on a web page to terminating a web session entirely if necessary. This level of control and precision ensures that SecureLayer Browser Extension protects any browser against all web-borne risks. I am excited to work with Asgent, whose reach and expertise will allow bringing these capabilities to Japan.”

SecureLayer Browser Extension is a product that could be called a “game changer”, transforming the browser you normally use into one with greater security strength. Asgent will begin selling SecureLayer Browser Extension on February 8, 2024.

*1 Fuji Chimera Research Institute Press Release (Japanese)
*2 There is no impact on browser operation in an offline environment.

*Company and product names are the trademarks or registered trademark of the respective companies.

*A translation system is used to translate our press releases into English. In the event of any inconsistencies between the original Japanese text and its translated version, the former shall prevail.