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What Is a Secure Web Gateway (SWG)?

A Secure Web Gateway (SWG) is a network security solution that monitors and controls users' Internet access. This technology protects organizations from threats from the Internet. SWGs can improve network security while improving employee productivity by restricting access to certain web content.

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01

Secure Web Gateway: A Definition

A secure web gateway is a security system that is positioned between the internet and the user's end devices. It acts as a filter and analyzes incoming and outgoing web traffic with the aim of warding off potential threats and supporting the enforcement of company policies.

SWG solutions enhance the capabilities of traditional firewalls with advanced content analysis and the use of technologies such as machine learning to detect cyber threats. Unlike firewalls that operate primarily at the packet level, SWGs examine web traffic at the application level, providing precise control and enhanced protection against modern web-based threats.

02

How Does a Secure Web Gateway Work?

To safeguard endpoints from malicious data traffic, SWGs typically implement a multi-layered, real-time protection system. This system requires that connections based on HTTP, HTTPS, or even FTP pass through a series of steps. These steps include:

Blocklisting: This step analyzes traffic to identify known threats. IP addresses and domains are checked against block lists. Web content on these lists cannot be accessed by users.

Application control: The SWG can also ensure that only approved web applications are used in the enterprise. This reduces the use of shadow IT.

Malware scanning: To protect enterprise IT from threats such as malware, ransomware, and the like, SWGs scan traffic for suspicious patterns.

SSL/TLS termination: It may be necessary to temporarily disable encryption in order to inspect the traffic, depending on the type of connection. This is typically done in the case of HTTPS.

Advanced Threat Protection: A variety of technologies are employed here, including sandboxing, behavioral analysis, and reputation analysis of content.

Data Protection and Compliance: The SWG can also be utilized as a DLP (Data Loss Prevention) system to monitor outgoing data traffic for sensitive information. If necessary, the transfer of data is blocked to prevent data leakage.

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03

What Types of Secure Web Gateways Are There?

There are various forms of SWG implementation. Different models are suitable depending on the specific requirements and regulatory requirements of organizations:

 

  1. On-premises appliance: These are hardware solutions that are installed on the company network. They offer direct control of all parameters during administration, but they involve hardware costs, configuration, and maintenance costs.

  2. Cloud-based solutions: SWGs can also be obtained as software-as-a-service from a service provider for a fee. Hardware costs are eliminated here; implementation and maintenance are usually the responsibility of the service provider. Cloud-based solutions offer scalability and are suitable for companies with distributed locations or many remote employees.

  3. Hybrid solutions: The combination of on-premises and cloud-based SWG components offers organizations full access control and additional flexibility.

What Threats Does a Secure Web Gateway Protect Against?

SWGs protect against various threats and help managers to enforce company policies. An SWG is particularly advantageous in highly regulated industries with strict compliance requirements. Some of the most pressing risks that an SWG solution can help protect against include:

Malware and viruses

SWGs scan downloaded files and can analyze suspicious files in sandboxes.

Phishing attacks

SWGs can identify phishing sites by analyzing URLs and website content.

Botnet infections

SWGs detect suspicious communication patterns and block corresponding connections.

Data exfiltration

By monitoring outgoing traffic, SWGs can be used to block the unauthorized transfer of company data.

Accessing unauthorized websites

SWGs enforce corporate policies by blocking access to certain website categories or URLs.

Malicious code in encrypted traffic

By decrypting SSL/TLS traffic, SWGs can detect threats in encrypted connections.

05

Secure Web Gateways: What You Need to Know

Secure web gateways are an integral part of modern network security architectures. They provide protection against web-based threats and support the enforcement of corporate policies. The core features of SWGs include URL filtering, malware protection, and data loss prevention. SWGs are becoming increasingly important, especially in the context of increased remote working and cloud usage. They complement other security solutions such as next-generation firewalls and endpoint protection systems.

 

When choosing an SWG, companies should consider which type of implementation best suits their requirements, infrastructure and security objectives. Factors such as the geographical distribution of employees, compliance requirements and budget play a role in this decision. Overall, secure web gateways enable companies to take advantage of the internet while reducing the risks associated with it.