Intune MAM with MS Edge Helps to Improve Enterprise Browser Security Citrix and Island Browsers also in the Race! Most cyberattacks today begin inside the web browser, as that is where people click on links, open websites, download files, and log in to cloud applications.
Phishing alone affects almost every organisation, and attackers often use the browser to trick users into downloading harmful files. Microsoft Edge for Business is a special, secure version of the Edge browser designed specifically for workplace use. It separates work browsing from personal browsing, which helps prevent data leakage and keeps corporate information safe.
The Scan all downloaded files and attachments policy in Intune also helps you to strengthen Microsoft Defender Antivirus by ensuring that every file or attachment downloaded through the browser or applications is automatically scanned for threats.
When configured through Intune App Protection Policies (MAM), this setting adds an additional security layer for both managed and unmanaged devices by enforcing real-time scanning even on BYOD devices where full device management is not applied.
Table of Contents
Intune MAM with MS Edge Helps to Improve Enterprise Browser Security Citrix and Island Browsers also in the Race
Microsoft Edge for Business is a special, secure version of the Edge browser designed specifically for workplace use. It separates work browsing from personal browsing, which helps prevent data leakage and keeps corporate information safe. It works on all major devices such as Windows, macOS, and mobile while giving IT teams strong control through built-in enterprise security features.
- How to Enable Scareware Block Protection in MS Edge Using Intune
- Microsoft Intune App Protection Policies now Support MS Edge Browser OneDrive and Outlook on VisionOS
- Enable or Disable Insecure Download Warning Policy for Microsoft Edge using Intune
Why Enterprise Browsers Are Becoming the New Security Priority
The threat landscape shows clearly why organizations are rapidly adopting enterprise browsers as a core part of their cybersecurity strategy. With phishing attacks affecting 94% of organizations, browser-based downloads serving as the initial entry point in 70% of incidents, and session hijacking rising by 200% year-over-year, traditional security tools are no longer enough.
| Factors | Details | Why Enterprise Browsers Are Becoming the New Security Priority |
|---|---|---|
| Rising Browser-Based Threats | Phishing (94%), malicious downloads (70%), and session hijacking (+200%) show browsers are prime targets. | Edge for Business uses Zero Trust, Conditional Access, and continuous risk evaluation to block risky sessions. |
| Consumer vs. Enterprise Gap | Consumer browsers prioritize speed; enterprise browsers focus on protection, compliance, and manageability. | Edge for Business is built specifically for enterprise security with Microsoft 365, Purview, and Defender integration. |
| Remote & Hybrid Work | Browser is now the main app employees use to access SaaS and cloud resources. | Intune MAM for Windows + Edge protects corporate data even on personal/unmanaged devices. |
| Fragmented Browser Market | Many vendors offer partial solutions; enterprises need integrated security + productivity tools. | Edge for Business consolidates identity, device health, DLP, threat protection, and policy enforcement. |
| Cloud Adoption | Cloud apps moved security control from local networks to the browser layer. | Entra Conditional Access and real-time signals integrate directly with Edge for cloud access control. |
| Compliance & Data Protection Needs | Organizations must prevent data leakage, unauthorized downloads, and session risks. | Edge for Business uses Purview DLP, watermarking, download restrictions, and data boundary controls. |
Enterprise Browser Landscape 2025 – Why Every Vendor Is Racing to Secure the Browser
The chart shows how the Enterprise Browser Landscape in 2025 is evolving, with a clear gap between current market share and future growth potential across vendors. Microsoft Edge for Business leads the market with the highest adoption (28%) and strong growth (25%), showing its dominance and rapid enterprise acceptance. Citrix Enterprise Browser follows with steady adoption (22%) but comparatively lower growth (18%).
Island demonstrates the most aggressive surge, with a smaller market share (18%) but the highest growth rate (32%), indicating strong momentum among organizations seeking specialized security browsers. Talon (Palo Alto) also shows high growth (28%) despite modest market penetration (15%), highlighting increasing interest in security-focused browsing.
Chrome Enterprise, though widely used consumer-wise, holds moderate enterprise share (12%) with a decent growth rate (22%). The Others category remains small in usage (5%) but shows meaningful traction (15% growth), reflecting emerging vendors enteri
- How to Install Microsoft Defender Browser Protection Extension using Intune PowerShell Script
- Do not Delete Temp Folders upon Exit Security Policy using Intune
- Limit Local Account Blank Password Use to Console Logon Using Intune Policy
Microsoft Edge for Business Named Leader in IDC MarketScape 2025
Microsoft has been ranked as a top leader in a major global report called IDC MarketScape 2025, which compares enterprise browsers. The report says that Microsoft Edge for Business is one of the best browsers for companies because it is secure, integrates well with Microsoft 365 tools, and supports modern work needs.
- Zero Trust Browser with conditional access built in, even for unmanaged devices.
- Deep Microsoft 365 Integrations including Defender for Endpoint, Entra, Purview, and Intune.
- Simplified Administration through unified policy management within familiar Microsoft interfaces.
- Clear Work–Life Separation using distinct profiles with visual cues and isolated browsing data.
- Strong Global Presence & Ecosystem Partnerships acknowledged by IDC.
- Future-Ready Platform with sustained market presence and hybrid architecture support.
How Microsoft Is Transforming Edge Into a Complete Security Tool
Microsoft is building a system where your browser itself becomes the security tool, without needing extra software or device management. Three parts work together:
1. Edge for Business – Safe Work Browser
When you sign into Edge using your office (Entra ID) account, the browser automatically creates a separate work area. This work area:
- Keeps your personal and office browsing separate
- Automatically switches websites between work or personal mode
- Keeps office data protected inside the work profile
- So the browser itself becomes a secure container.
2. Intune MAM for Windows – Data Protection Rules
This is the important new feature. Intune MAM applies data protection rules inside Edge even if the laptop is personal and unmanaged. No need for the following.
- Device enrollment
- Intune agent
- Admin control over the user’s device
- It protects only office data, not the device.
3. Conditional Access + MAM + Edge – How They Work Together
When you sign into Edge on a personal computer: Conditional Access detects that the device is not managed. Instead of blocking access, it says: “You can use company data only through protected Edge.” Intune MAM then enforces security rules inside Edge, such as: This gives you strong security like VDI, but without virtual desktops, heavy cost, or complexity.
- No copy/paste
- No downloading corporate files
- No printing
- Work data stays in secure space
4 Forces Behind Enterprise Browser Adoption
Modern organizations are rapidly adopting enterprise browsers because the way people work, access apps, and handle data has fundamentally changed. Most business activity now happens inside the browser, employees work from anywhere on unmanaged devices, and traditional security tools can’t properly see or control what happens inside browser sessions.
- The Application Shift
- Enterprise work has moved away from traditional desktop apps and now happens mainly in SaaS services, web applications, and browser-based AI tools. As a result, the browser has become the new “operating system” of daily work.
- The Workforce Shift
- Hybrid work and Bring-Your-Own-Device (BYOD) mean employees frequently access corporate resources from unmanaged personal devices. This has expanded the attack surface far beyond the traditional corporate network.
- The Technology Failure
- Traditional security tools (VPN, VDI, network DLP, endpoint agents) cannot control browser-native workflows. These tools sit below the browser layer, so they fail to detect sensitive actions happening inside tabs, such as copy/paste, downloads, and session hijacking.
Need Further Assistance or Have Technical Questions?
Join the LinkedIn Page and Telegram group to get the latest step-by-step guides and news updates. Join our Meetup Page to participate in User group meetings. Also, Join the WhatsApp Community to get the latest news on Microsoft Technologies. We are there on Reddit as well.
Author
Anoop C Nair has been Microsoft MVP from 2015 onwards for 10 consecutive years! He is a Workplace Solution Architect with more than 22+ years of experience in Workplace technologies. He is also a Blogger, Speaker, and Local User Group Community leader. His primary focus is on Device Management technologies like SCCM and Intune. He writes about technologies like Intune, SCCM, Windows, Cloud PC, Windows, Entra, Microsoft Security, Career, etc.