A web security gateway (also known as secure web gateway or SWG) is a type of network security service that protects a network against web-based threats.
The secure gateway acts as a checkpoint or barrier between the organization’s network and the internet, sitting at the network perimeter or in the cloud.
The web gateway governs incoming and outgoing traffic. Thus, it prevents malicious traffic, viruses, and malware from accessing the network and blocks users from accessing suspicious sites. Network users can only access sites approved by the web gateway.
Web security gateways are usually available as software deployed on-premises, as hardware, or as a virtual appliance. A gateway not only protects against malicious incoming traffic but also may protect against the exfiltration of sensitive data, therefore helping to prevent data breaches.
Most security teams will employ a layered security strategy to protect a network. The increase in cybersecurity attacks and distributed workforces combine to form a high-risk security landscape for any organization. Workers using unsecured devices with unsecured connections expand the attack surface. On the other hand, “Crimeware-as-a-Service” makes cyberattacks available to almost anyone, thus increasing the number of attacks exponentially.
Secure web gateways (SWGs) act like filters, blocking malicious traffic, malware, and viruses from entering the organization’s network. These solutions control inbound and outbound traffic by sitting at the network perimeter and enforcing security policies. A secure web gateway (also known as web security gateway) can protect the organization’s network and users from data breaches regardless of location, operating system, or application.
One of the key benefits of a secure gateway is that it protects users from fake websites. Criminals are more sophisticated than ever when it comes to embedding threat vectors into seemingly legitimate websites. By blocking access to suspicious sites, SWGs protect the users.
A secure web gateway (SWG) consists of a software or a hardware device installed at the edge of the network. The solution can also sit at user endpoints. The gateway monitors and filters all traffic coming or going from users to the network. It checks for viruses, malicious injection, and malware, and monitors all attempts to connect.
Secure gateways filter malicious traffic by checking website addresses against a whitelist of approved sites. If a user wants to access a site that is not on the list, access is blocked. The secure gateway keeps a database of approved websites and rules for filtering.
At the same time, a secure gateway checks the data coming out from the network, and will block data coming from restricted sources. This means that sensitive data cannot leave the network.
Most secure gateways also work at the application level, restricting uploads to SaaS (software-as-a-service) applications.
A secure web gateway (SWG) is any hardware or software that monitors and controls network traffic to protect against security threats. Secure gateways and firewalls, especially next-generation firewalls, both monitor and protect networks, detecting malicious activity.
Secure web gateways differ from firewalls in that firewalls look at the traffic packet by packet, allowing or blocking each one. Most firewalls don’t look at the entire file. Gateways, on the contrary, get the complete request from the client before deciding whether or not to allow access. Secure web gateways are a step beyond firewalls, extending the protection from the network level to the application level.
There are many kinds of secure web gateways (SWGs) - some in the form of hardware devices and others offered as software solutions. Each solution provides distinct features. Still, there are controls and functions that are common to all:
According to IT Central Station (soon to be Peerspot) users, the most prominent feature of web security gateway software is obviously the degree of security offered. This means that a good option will include solid malware and other threat detection to catch harmful entities masked in http format, without flagging normal applications as harmful. Solid web security gateway software will also feature rigorous data loss prevention for leak-proof data-sharing channels, as well as protection against other external threats. Additionally, deployment needs should be addressed properly by the software. Users also agree that web security gateways should include update support provided by the manufacturer.
Secure web gateways (SWGs) act like a first line of defense in a layered defense security approach by filtering all traffic incoming and outgoing through the network.
Why install a secure web gateway?
1. Detects and prevents cyberattacks.
A secure web gateway prevents users within the organization from accessing malicious or risky websites and applications, therefore preventing them from providing credentials on fake or criminal websites.
In addition, by only approving whitelisted sites, the SWG enforces company security policies. This enables organizations with remote workers to stay protected while connecting from anywhere.
Gateways also eliminate the SSL blind spot. Unlike other solutions, a secure gateway checks encrypted traffic. Even next-generation firewalls only cover 81% of SSL traffic. With half of the web encrypted, failing to check SSL traffic can leave a lot of traffic open to attacks or policy violations.
2. Gives the organization visibility over network traffic.
The gateway monitors and logs all incoming and outgoing traffic. By keeping track of what is happening on premises or in the cloud, a gateway can give you the visibility you need to understand how your network is used. Secure web gateways support compliance efforts by offering granular control over application usage. The web gateway not only controls traffic but categorizes it, enhancing policy enforcement.
3. Optimizes cost of ownership.
Many secure web gateway solutions are easy to implement and maintain. The integration of existing infrastructure and other solutions in the ecosystem reduces the tech-sprawl, reducing costs. When the solution is easy to manage, it extends consistent protection while minimizing management costs and time.
