Fortinet FortiGate SWG vs Symantec Proxy comparison

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100% willing to recommend
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76% willing to recommend
Comparison Buyer's Guide
Executive Summary

We performed a comparison between Fortinet FortiGate SWG and Symantec Proxy based on real PeerSpot user reviews.

Find out in this report how the two Secure Web Gateways (SWG) solutions compare in terms of features, pricing, service and support, easy of deployment, and ROI.
To learn more, read our detailed Fortinet FortiGate SWG vs. Symantec Proxy Report (Updated: March 2024).
768,246 professionals have used our research since 2012.
Featured Review
Quotes From Members
We asked business professionals to review the solutions they use.
Here are some excerpts of what they said:
Pros
"The most valuable features are the antivirus as a whole, the anti-malware, and all of the protection features that scan our enterprise devices.""On the outside, the main differentiation is because Lookout ingest. They have ingested basically all of the apps for the last ten years and all the versions of all the apps, and we have that in a corporate database that allows us to do very large-scale machine learning and analysis on that data set. That's not something that any of the competitors really have the capability to do because they don't have access to the data set. A lot of the apps you can no longer get them because that version of the app is five or six years old, and it just doesn't exist anywhere anymore, except within our infrastructure. So, the ability to have that very rich dataset and learn from that dataset is a real differentiator.""The solution is stable.""The protection offered by the product is the most valuable feature. It detects vulnerabilities or traps on our users' phones and then prompts them to clean up their devices. Tools we used previously would only discover, which required us to gather information on the backend, so Lookout is a welcome upgrade."

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"Fortinet FortiGate SWG's content is its most valuable feature.""FortiGate is easy to use, and I also like its VPN.""The product is easy to install since we only need to follow the user manual, documents, and articles provided by Fortinet to install the product.""The overall features of Fortinet FortiGate SWG are good.""FortiGate is easy to configure. We configured one of the units and sent it to Indiana to be installed. We asked them to give us a call when they got it, so we could help them through the process, but they called us back to tell us it works great.""The technical support is good.""It's a flexible solution.""Web filtering is the most useful feature."

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"The most valuable features of this solution are the URL database, malicious URLs, policies, and policy creation.""It is easy to use, and it is stable and scalable. You don't need a large team for deployment and maintenance.""It's a stable solution.""The tool's most valuable features are content-to-content filtration and SCCM protection.""The developer's assistance is valuable, enabling seamless integration which allows for a comprehensive view of categories, even if not certified by the link.""The content that we are getting is very good. Content caching is also supported.""Symantec Proxy’s technical support is very good.""The most valuable feature is the caching."

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Cons
"From the analysis that we've done, they do seem to be maybe a step behind in trying to enter the market with a new solution. But when they do pick up, they do come out with some good products.""Lookout was moving into the SSE space. And so their work on SecureWeb Gateway and SD-WAN is still sort of evolving.""The stability depends on the service from where you access it. Because sometimes, the place you are in, you have Gateway. You don't have Gateway. The gateway is overutilized. At the end, you need to go through their gateways. And this is the key point here. You have a tracking point. If it's not well orchestrated, and it scales up as you add more to the existing team, you will suffer""We just submitted an enhancement request reflecting the main area we want to see improvement in; the APIs. Currently, we're able to build dashboards, but it's somewhat backward because we use our MDM API to create them. Lookout should provide API to customers so we can query our data and use it in our cloud, and this is the only outstanding area for improvement with the product right now."

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"The UI/UX experience can be a little better.""Fortinet FortiGate SWG's SSL offloading features need improvement.""The graphical user interface of Fortinet FortiGate SWG is an area of concern where improvements are required.""The solution is expensive.""The product needs to drastically improve its reporting capability.""Integrating OpenVPN with FortiGate would provide a powerful combination of secure remote access and comprehensive network security.""Fortinet's support team consists of a huge networking team, because of which there is a delay in response at times.""Fortinet FortiGate SWG could improve the price, it is expensive."

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"Improvements in log availability would greatly enhance its overall effectiveness.""The deployment is quite difficult.""The platform's pricing needs improvement.""The user interface could be improved, and the price could be lower as well.""Prior to the Broadcom purchase, every appliance was application based, but now they have one ISG device and on top of it multiple applications are running. It has a single point of failure. If your device goes down, all of the applications would be down.""One area for improvement in Symantec is the lack of a reporting server or dashboard integration with SIM.""The initial setup can be somewhat complex, and deploying the system can take some time.""The initial setup is actually quite complex to install because our users don't have admin rights on the boxes and there's no remote install option by an administrator."

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Pricing and Cost Advice
  • "The pricing is fair; it's comparable to our previous solution, and we carried out multiple POCs and POVs (proof of value). The product is worth the money we pay for it."
  • "Lookout is definitely on the lower end when it comes to price point and that seems to be the only differentiator. The technology is in place in this space and it's really about who is coming in at the better price point now."
  • "In terms of feature performance versus cost, they're a good value."
  • "The licensing costs are good. Prisma has much more options and support for security, but it has a higher cost. For example, Lookout costs 2/3rd of Prisma's licensing price."
  • More Lookout Pricing and Cost Advice →

  • "It is less expensive than a Cisco solution."
  • "It is around $50,000 per month."
  • "There is a need to pay for a license for the product."
  • "The price is relatively expensive compared to other solutions which are providing similar features."
  • "We pay about $4,000 for a yearly license, and there aren't any additional fees."
  • "The pricing for this solution is reasonable."
  • "Pricing for Fortinet FortiGate SWG is more suitable for enterprise or large-sized organizations because they are the ones who can afford it versus small and medium-sized organizations."
  • "FortiGate SWG is reasonably priced."
  • More Fortinet FortiGate SWG Pricing and Cost Advice →

  • "In terms of cost, it is expensive. Its pricing has been a challenge for us since its acquisition by Broadcom."
  • "It's expensive. Clients often go to other products."
  • "Licensing is based on a subscription."
  • "The price is too expensive compared with that of another solution."
  • "There are no licensing fees required."
  • "There is a license needed to use Symantec Proxy."
  • "Our cost was based on a three-year upfront CapEx contract."
  • "Symantec Proxy has different expiry dates and renewal dates, which is a problem, so Broadcom should improve the licensing renewal process for the solution."
  • More Symantec Proxy Pricing and Cost Advice →

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    Questions from the Community
    Top Answer:The licensing costs are good. Prisma has much more options and support for security, but it has a higher cost. For… more »
    Top Answer:The solution could improve identity integration as well. Zero trust, it's a good start as a zero-trust solution… more »
    Top Answer:The interface and other reports are all user-friendly.
    Top Answer:The renewable is lower because the market doesn’t accept it publicly.
    Top Answer:The solution's pricing could be improved.
    Top Answer:The tool's most valuable features are content-to-content filtration and SCCM protection.
    Top Answer:The solution is very expensive. I rate the pricing a nine out of ten. The price is an issue for our customers… more »
    Top Answer:Symantec Proxy needs to include content management capabilities.
    Comparisons
    Also Known As
    CipherCloud
    FortiGate SWG, FortiGate Secure Web Gateway
    Blue Coat Encrypted Traffic Management, ProxySG Appliance
    Learn More
    Overview

    Lookout is a well-established and powerful secure web gateway (SWG) solution that protects more than 200 million users from threats that can result from the penetration of unsecured web traffic into their networks. Lookout is designed to enable organizations to work remotely while maintaining a tight blanket of security over their confidential business data. It provides administrators with security that extends from their endpoints to the cloud service that they are using to run their organization’s network. 

    Users of Lookout are able to proactively detect threats and keep themselves secure from a field of threats that constantly evolves. IT teams can protect their organizations without having to rely on any other security solutions. This singular solution can run on multiple kinds of mobile devices. The privacy of individuals is preserved while keeping compliance rules intact. Additionally, users gain access to a number of tools that enable them to prevent security breaches from taking place.

    Lookout Benefits

    Some of the ways that organizations can benefit by deploying Lookout include:

    • Ease of deployment. Lookout is a solution whose design makes it easy for users to deploy it. It provides users with simple, step-by-step instructions that remove the need for organizations to devote extensive amounts of time to make sure that it is properly set up. Anyone can quickly set up the solution without undergoing technical training. 
    • Built-in support. Users of the Lookout application have access to built-in demos that can teach them how to use various solution features. Instead of spending time trying to figure out the application, users can watch the demo that is most relevant to them and see for themselves how that particular feature is used.
    • Easy-to-use user interface. Lookout’s user interface is laid out in an intuitive way that makes it easy for administrators to navigate. This interface is present in both the mobile and desktop versions of this solution. 
    • Settings customization. Lookout has a built-in settings customization menu. This makes it possible for administrators to easily customize their settings so that they best conform to their needs. 

    Lookout Features

    • Activity monitoring and activity tracking. Lookout’s activity monitoring and activity tracking capabilities enable users to keep a close eye on the activities that are taking place in their networks. IT teams and administrators have the ability to watch their networks for any unusual activity. These features ensure that organizations can keep ahead of any potential threats. They provide the kinds of insights and warnings that make the jobs of those IT teams and administrators much easier and more streamlined. 
    • Encryption. Organizations that employ Lookout can encrypt their networks and keep crucial business data from being read by unauthorized parties. This feature keeps the secrets organizations are trying to keep out of the wrong hands.
    • Anti-virus tools. Lookout provides users with tools to block threats from harming their networks. These tools can successfully block 99.6 percent of threats without raising false alarms. 

    Fortinet FortiGate SWG is a comprehensive web security solution provided by Fortinet. FortiGate SWG combines web filtering, malware protection, data loss prevention (DLP), and application control capabilities into a single integrated platform. It is designed to protect organizations from web-based threats, enforce compliance policies, and provide secure access to web resources.

    FortiGate SWG Benefits:

    • Comprehensive web filtering and security features
    • Ease of use and management
    • Integration with other Fortinet products
    • Strong threat detection capabilities
    • Scalability and flexibility
    • Granular control over user access and activity

    FortiGate SWG Features:

    • Web Filtering: FortiGate SWG employs URL filtering and content categorization to control and enforce web access policies.
    • Malware Protection: The solution provides real-time protection against web-borne threats, such as malware, ransomware, and phishing attacks. 
    • Data Loss Prevention (DLP): FortiGate SWG helps prevent sensitive data from being leaked or exfiltrated through web channels.
    • SSL Inspection: The solution supports SSL/TLS decryption and inspection, allowing organizations to examine encrypted web traffic for threats and enforce security policies.
    • Application Control: FortiGate SWG enables granular control over web applications and protocols. 
    • Advanced Threat Intelligence: FortiGate SWG leverages Fortinet's threat intelligence services to provide up-to-date information about emerging threats and zero-day vulnerabilities. 
    • User Authentication and Access Control: The solution supports various authentication methods, including single sign-on (SSO) and integration with identity providers, to ensure secure user authentication and access control for web resources. 
    • Reporting and Analytics: FortiGate SWG provides comprehensive reporting and analytics capabilities. 

    FortiGate SWG is typically deployed as a hardware appliance or as a virtual appliance in on-premises environments, but it may also be available as a cloud-based service. It is part of Fortinet's broader security fabric ecosystem, allowing integration with other Fortinet products to provide a unified and coordinated security infrastructure.

    Reviews from Real Users

    Below are some reviews and helpful feedback written by FortiGate SWG users.

    David Carlson, CIO at Camco Mfg., says that "Non-IT people could plug it in, connect it to the fiber, and get it running without IT help".

    Suresh Vijayen, Product Manager at IX Telecom, writes that FortiGate SWG "Provides helpful technical support, but its dashboard needs to be more user-friendly".

    Chandan Munshi, Chief Technical Officer at Provision Technologies LLP, states that "The user interface is intuitive. Anyone can configure the firewall with little knowledge of the product. The back-end is robust with good security."

    Symantec Proxy is designed to provide web security, web access control, and secure web gateway functionalities for organizations. It helps protect against web-based threats, enforce web usage policies, and provide secure access to internet resources.

    Symantec Proxy Benefits:

    • Easy to use
    • Comprehensive security features
    • Ability to block malicious websites and applications
    • Efficient management of network traffic
    • Scalable and compatible with various operating systems and devices
    • Highly rated customer support and technical assistance

    Symantec Proxy Features:

    • Web Filtering: Symantec Proxy offers web filtering capabilities to control and manage web access based on predefined categories or custom policies.
      1. Malware Protection: The solution incorporates malware detection and prevention mechanisms to identify and block web-based threats, such as malware, viruses, and phishing attacks. 
      2. URL Filtering: Symantec Proxy uses URL filtering to categorize and assess the reputation of web domains and URLs in real-time. 
      3. SSL/TLS Inspection: The proxy solution supports SSL/TLS decryption and inspection to examine encrypted web traffic for potential threats or policy violations. 
      4. Data Loss Prevention (DLP): Symantec Proxy may include data loss prevention capabilities to prevent the unauthorized exfiltration of sensitive data through web channels. 
      5. User Authentication and Access Control: The solution supports user authentication and access control mechanisms to enforce user-based policies and provide secure internet access.
      6. Reporting and Analytics: Symantec Proxy provides reporting and analytics capabilities to monitor web usage, user activities, security events, and compliance violations.

      Reviews from Real Users

      Below are some reviews and helpful feedback written by Symantec Proxy users. 

      PeerSpot user, Consultant at a financial services firm, says that Symantec Proxy "...enables us to manage bandwidth for users based on their privilege levels. For example, if a user wants to use a certain application or resource, we can provide access based on their privileges."

      PeerSpot user, General Manager & founder at a engineering company, writes that Symantec Proxy has "A complex deployment, no proper user reporting, and a proxy component that works."

      Muhammad Salahuddin, Unit Head - Network and Security Solutions at FPM Solutions, states that Symantec Proxy has "Good URL filtering but is expensive and doesn't have good technical support services."

        Sample Customers
        Salt Lake County, Catholic College Bendigo, Azienda Unita Sanitaria
        Jefferies
        Top Industries
        VISITORS READING REVIEWS
        Computer Software Company20%
        Financial Services Firm10%
        Manufacturing Company10%
        Government6%
        REVIEWERS
        Comms Service Provider19%
        Financial Services Firm14%
        Transportation Company10%
        Training & Coaching Company5%
        VISITORS READING REVIEWS
        Computer Software Company16%
        Comms Service Provider9%
        Government9%
        Financial Services Firm7%
        REVIEWERS
        Financial Services Firm42%
        Comms Service Provider17%
        Government8%
        Marketing Services Firm8%
        VISITORS READING REVIEWS
        Computer Software Company16%
        Financial Services Firm14%
        Manufacturing Company11%
        Government7%
        Company Size
        VISITORS READING REVIEWS
        Small Business22%
        Midsize Enterprise16%
        Large Enterprise62%
        REVIEWERS
        Small Business50%
        Midsize Enterprise21%
        Large Enterprise29%
        VISITORS READING REVIEWS
        Small Business28%
        Midsize Enterprise20%
        Large Enterprise53%
        REVIEWERS
        Small Business33%
        Midsize Enterprise11%
        Large Enterprise56%
        VISITORS READING REVIEWS
        Small Business17%
        Midsize Enterprise18%
        Large Enterprise66%
        Buyer's Guide
        Fortinet FortiGate SWG vs. Symantec Proxy
        March 2024
        Find out what your peers are saying about Fortinet FortiGate SWG vs. Symantec Proxy and other solutions. Updated: March 2024.
        768,246 professionals have used our research since 2012.

        Fortinet FortiGate SWG is ranked 4th in Secure Web Gateways (SWG) with 39 reviews while Symantec Proxy is ranked 15th in Secure Web Gateways (SWG) with 18 reviews. Fortinet FortiGate SWG is rated 8.6, while Symantec Proxy is rated 7.2. The top reviewer of Fortinet FortiGate SWG writes "Non-IT people could plug it in, connect it to the fiber, and get it running without IT help. ". On the other hand, the top reviewer of Symantec Proxy writes "A user-friendly solution with good technical support". Fortinet FortiGate SWG is most compared with Cisco Umbrella, Fortinet FortiProxy, Forcepoint Secure Web Gateway, Sangfor Internet Access Gateway (IAG) and McAfee Web Gateway Cloud Service, whereas Symantec Proxy is most compared with Forcepoint Secure Web Gateway, Skyhigh Security, Netskope Next Gen Secure Web Gateway, McAfee Web Gateway Cloud Service and iboss. See our Fortinet FortiGate SWG vs. Symantec Proxy report.

        See our list of best Secure Web Gateways (SWG) vendors.

        We monitor all Secure Web Gateways (SWG) reviews to prevent fraudulent reviews and keep review quality high. We do not post reviews by company employees or direct competitors. We validate each review for authenticity via cross-reference with LinkedIn, and personal follow-up with the reviewer when necessary.