SECURE WEB GATEWAY

Secure Web Gateway (SWG) Solution

Secure Web Gateway (SWG) is a next-generation security solution that provides centralised, controlled access to the internet, ensuring all web traffic is managed and secured in line with your organisation’s security policies. With configurable web protections, SWG helps enforce compliance and prevent unauthorised access to harmful or inappropriate content.

By leveraging cloud scalability and flexibility, SWG eliminates the need for extensive on-premises hardware, streamlining security management across your network.

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What is Secure Web Gateway (SWG)?

Secure Web Gateway (SWG) is a cybersecurity solution that acts as a barrier between users and the internet, allowing organisations to enforce security policies and protect against web-based threats. It works by inspecting web traffic in real time to detect and block malicious activities, such as malware, ransomware, and phishing attacks, while ensuring safe access to legitimate resources.


How does a Secure Web Gateway work?

Positioned between company employees and the internet, SWG filters unsafe content from web traffic, mitigating cyber threats and preventing data breaches. SWG also blocks risky and/or unauthorised user behaviour.

SWG will verify URLs against a categorised database and policies to allow safe access. It manages web app access with granular controls, scans downloads for malware, decrypts SSL data for threats, and blocks sensitive data. It logs user activity for monitoring and reporting.


Secure Web Gateway features:

  • Uniform Resource Locator (URL) Filtering

  • Domain Name System (DNS) Inspection

  • Application Control

  • Proxy Services

  • Deep Packet Inspection (DPI)


Fact sheet

Uniform Resource Locator (URL) Filtering

URL filtering prevents end-users from accessing potentially harmful websites or resources that could be deemed non-work related. URL filtering can be specified by using major categories (gambling, adult, IT) or by reputation; these category databases are automatically updated every hour to ensure a robust filtering process, so you don't have to do this manually.

Deep Packet Inspection (DPI)

DPI allows SWG to apply controls based on information within the payload, which may not otherwise be seen due to encryption such as HTTPS/TLS in a web browser. DPI provides a more effective mechanism for executing network packet filtering. In addition to regular packet-sniffing technologies, DPI can find otherwise hidden threats within the data stream, such as attempts at data exfiltration, violations of content policies, malware, and more.

Domain Name System (DNS) Inspection

Domain Name System (DNS) is the mechanism to resolve a human-friendly name to a computer-friendly IP address. For example, 172.217.169.4 is commonly known as www.google.com. Amongst other capabilities, DNS filtering can filter DNS requests based on the domain category rating, or by your own domain categories. It also allows you to define and enforce domain and IP address lists to block or allow.

Application Control

With application control, you can identify and control which applications are trusted in the IT environment. An example may include “permit Zoom via the browser” but “deny the Zoom application”. You can also prevent unauthorised applications from running. These unauthorised applications may be from an unknown source, potentially malicious, or could simply be blocked to eliminate Shadow IT or duplication.

Proxy Services

Proxy Services act as a gatekeeper between your environment and the internet. An intermediary server separates users from the websites they browse rather than routing directly to the internet. This feature is usually combined with URL filtering and DNS Inspection services. For some organisations a “protocol break” is required between the user and the remote web location (server) for security compliance, an explicit proxy provides this.

URL Categories

We utilise a global threat intelligence subscription that categorises websites. SWG can be configured to combine both category and specific URL filtering.

You can block or allow websites that consume heavy bandwidth, contain mature content, carry a security risk or are simply unrelated to your business. The choice is yours!

BENEFITS

Secure Web Gateway benefits

Set URL filters and application controls by category, by recommended defaults, or go even more granular with specific websites and domains.

Every security policy configuration is unique, and we'll help you deploy the perfect blend. Start with policy for your critical routes, and introduce additional rulesets whenever you add new connections and users.

We collaborate with you to design a bespoke platform solution, tailored to meet your immediate challenges while providing the flexibility to scale and adapt as new technologies emerge.

As part of your managed service, Cloud Gateway become the custodians of your security policy, but you have full control over the rules you want to set for your organisation.

New SWG rules or amendments to policy can be deployed within minutes through the Cloud Gateway portal.

We offer a range of advanced security services to safeguard users, devices and data running across your network.

Implement security functions like FWaaS and WAF, protecting all your traffic as part of a comprehensive network security posture.

This ensures end-to-end protection, safeguarding your network from evolving threats while maintaining seamless, uninterrupted access for authorised users. With Cloud Gateway, you can be confident that your network is secure, resilient, and aligned with best practices in the industry.

The Cloud Gateway portal shows your entire connected ecosystem, via a simple, intuitive dashboard. It's packed full of data, allowing you to keep track of security events, network performance, utilisation and traffic flows in real-time, as well as raise support tickets to our team.

What makes Cloud Gateway's SWG unique?

Cloud Gateway's SWG is designed to integrate with the rest of your connectivity and security ecosystem. It supports centralised management and easy scaling as your needs change.

With a traditional vendor, you get cutting-edge technology. With a Managed Service Provider (MSP) you receive reliable, expert support.

Cloud Gateway is uniquely positioned to offer both of these outcomes. Our tech-enabled managed service seamlessly blends an innovative technology platform with best-in-class experts, to deliver a transformative customer experience that is disrupting the network and security market.

The networking sector is evolving, and we’re committed to leading this change. As businesses demand smarter, more flexible solutions, we harness the power of Network-as-a-Service (NaaS) to provide agile, secure, and future-ready connectivity.

SWG FAQS

Answering your FAQs about SWG

Secure Web Gateways are important because they help to protect organisations from one of the industry's biggest cyber security threats, human error.

Cyber threats are increasingly sophisticated and can be concealed inside websites that may appear legitimate to the naked eye. When a user accesses a compromised website online, they may inadvertently divulge sensitive information or become exposed to malicious code - introducing risk to the wider organisation.

SWGs can inspect traffic, and be configured to block known malicious websites, helping to reduce the likelihood of a user causing a data breach or other security attack as a result of their online browsing.

Secure Web Gateways (SWGs) are essential for securing remote workers as they act as a separation point between globally distributed users and the internet.

With a remote workforce, organisations do not have direct control over devices and networks. By requiring remote workers to access the internet through SWG, companies with a hybrid or remote workforce can better prevent data breaches from a distance.

Both Secure Web Gateway and Web Application Firewalls enforce specific security policies, helping organisations protect themselves from cyber threats and data breaches, whilst complying with regulatory requirements.

However, their purposes are quite different. A Secure Web Gateway (SWG) is designed to eliminate unwanted software and internet traffic to ensure adherence to corporate and regulatory policies. A Web Application Firewall (WAF) is dedicated to safeguarding web applications from attacks through the filtration and monitoring of HTTP traffic.

A Virtual Private Network (VPN) primarily ensures secure inbound access and connectivity through encrypted tunnelling, while an SWG enables outbound internet access with comprehensive security inspection and filtering features.

Businesses are increasingly opting for cloud-based Secure Web Gateways (SWG) to enhance threat protection for an ever-expanding network estate. This cloud model eliminates the need for costly MPLS circuits which historically would backhaul traffic to a data centre for security policy to be applied.

By choosing a pure cloud-based SWG or a hybrid approach, companies can benefit from improved flexibility, simplified management, and enhanced performance.

Protect your network with Cloud Gateway.

Governance, visibility and control doesn't need to be complicated. We've helped hundreds of organisations secure their network ecosystem. Contact us to get started.

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