Distributed cloud-based security systems and methods

A distributed security system includes a plurality of content processing nodes that are located external to a network edge of an enterprise and located external from one of a computer device and a mobile device associated with a user, and a content processing node is configured to monitor a content item that is sent from or requested by the external system; classify the content item via a plurality of data inspection engines that utilize policy data and threat data; and one of distribute the content item, preclude distribution of the content item, allow distribution of the content item after a cleaning process, or perform threat detection on the content item, based on classification by the plurality of data inspection engines; and an authority node communicatively coupled to the plurality of content processing nodes and configured to provide the policy data and the threat data for threat classification.