Secure Web Gateway (SWG) Solution

Secure Web Gateway (SWG) provides centralised, controlled access to the internet. It comes with configurable web protection capabilities to manage and control traffic in accordance with your network security policy.

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What is it?

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)

Read the full service definition here:

Service Definition

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 dynamically every hour to ensure a robust filtering process.

Deep Packet Inspection (DPI)

Deep Packet Inspection (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 the inspection capabilities of 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 the 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 end users from the websites they browse rather than routing directly to the internet. This feature is usually combined with the 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. Block / allow websites that consume heavy bandwidth, contain mature content, carry a security risk or are simply unrelated to your business. The choice is yours!

Why are Secure Web Gateways (SWG) important?

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.

Benefits

Secure Web Gateway benefits

A managed Secure Web Gateway as a service allows for safe browsing and controlled productivity for the entire organisation

: Set URL filters and application controls by category, by recommended defaults, or go granular with specific websites and domains. Every security policy configuration is unique, and we'll help you deploy the perfect blend.
: As part of your managed service, Cloud Gateway become the custodians of your SWG policy, but you have full control over the rules you want to set for your organisation.
: New URL filters, application controls or amendments to policy can be deployed within minutes through the My Cloud Gateway portal.
: Mix and match your SWG functionality with Firewall-as-a-Service (FWaaS) and Web Application Firewall (WAF), as part of a comprehensive network security posture.
: My Cloud Gateway allows you to review and edit security rules. See all your security events and top threats via a simple, intuitive display. You can raise support tickets and run reports too!

Why choose Cloud Gateway for Secure Web Gateway solutions?

At Cloud Gateway, we offer top-notch Secure Web Gateway solutions, tailored to your business needs.

Our systems provide robust protection against threats, backed by round-the-clock support. Choose us for a secure, reliable, and efficient service.

As a fully managed service, we take care of the network security, allowing you to focus on growing your business.

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Secure Web Gateway FAQs

Answering your FAQs about SWG

: Secure Web Gateways (SWGs) are essential for securing remote workers as they act as a separation 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.