If your organization operates with poor network security, it can lead to network vulnerabilities that result in cyberattacks.
The consequences of a cyberattack can be devastating to an organization and can cost organizations hundreds of thousands of dollars to repair their network.
Because of this, reliable network security is important and should be a priority for all organizations that rely on network connectivity to perform daily work tasks.
Coeo knows how important reliable network security is to an organization and has delivered thousands of network security solutions to organizations to improve their network security and help them avoid cyberattacks.
We want you to understand what a Secure Web Gateway (SWG) solution is so you can determine whether it is the right choice for your organization.
By the end of this article, you will know what Secure Web Gateway is, the features of the solution, and if it is the right fit for your organization.
What is Secure Web Gateway (SWG)?
Secure Web Gateway (SWG) is a type of SSE solution that provides security for users of the network who are accessing the internet.
SWGs secure users by filtering content, enforcing policies, and inspecting web traffic for malicious software and other threats.
URL and content filtering, Data Loss Prevention (DLP), and malware detection are all security services that an SWG provides.
If you would like to speak with our team to learn more about SWG or other network security solutions or ask any questions you may have you can schedule an appointment.
The features of Secure Web Gateway
There are many features of SWGs that can help improve your organization’s network security. These features include:
Web filtering
One of the main features of SWGs is web filtering. Web filtering enables you to control access to websites, applications, and URLs and allows you to block them based on user roles, risk profiles and reputation, and policies set up within your organization.
This allows you to exert better control over your employees’ web activity and blocks them from accessing unauthorized sites preventing malicious actors from attacking your network.
You can also block employees from accessing sites that are a work distraction such as Netflix and Youtube.
Advanced malware and threat protection
SWGs provide advanced malware and threat protection policies which include real-time malware detection antivirus and anti-malware scanning, and URL reputation filtering.
These protection policies detect and block malicious sites and downloads, phishing attempts, ransomware attacks as well as other types of cyberattacks and web-based threats.
Secure access and connectivity
SWGs facilitate secure web access and encrypted traffic inspection enabling you to protect data being sent and received.
SWGs' secure access ability also prevents data leaks and secures communication channels between users, devices, and web resources.
User authentication
SWG solutions provide user authentication and identity verification to validate user identities.
Using two-factor authentication, SWGs ensure that only authorized users within your organization can access your organization’s network and mitigate unauthorized users and insider threats when they are discovered.
This helps an organization operating in a hybrid work environment safely connect employees working remotely.
Organizations working in a remote or hybrid environment typically have a difficult time securing their network since users and edge devices are spread out over many different locations.
SWGs provide user authentication which ensures that your network can only be accessed by authorized users.
Improved visibility
Another feature of Secure Web Gateways also provides your organization with better visibility into your network.
This visibility enables you to see web traffic, user activities, application usage, and network behaviors in real time through comprehensive reporting, analytics, and monitoring tools.
Because of this visibility, you will see what is occurring in your network infrastructure so you can make changes to and manage your network to ensure efficiency and increase employee productivity.
Additionally, network monitoring with SWGs facilitates better threat detection and incident response enabling you to address any network vulnerabilities and optimize security posture and operations.
Is Secure Web Gateway a good fit for your organization?
Now you understand what SWG is and the features of the solution. However, it is also important to determine whether it is a good choice for your organization before making this purchase.
If your organization operates with network vulnerabilities and needs an updated network security solution, SWGs may be a good choice.
If your employees are accessing malicious websites or websites that distract them from their work tasks such as Netflix or YouTube, SWGs may be a good fit for your organization.
Similarly, SWGs will authenticate users preventing the network from being accessed by external, unauthorized users.
Also, if your organization is looking to protect its network from malware and other threats, SWGs may be a good solution to address these needs.
Finally, if your organization is looking for better network visibility to easily manage your network infrastructure a Secure Web Gateway may be the right solution to meet these needs.
However, if your organization currently has reliable network security and visibility, SWG may not be a good fit for your organization.
Determining whether Secure Web Gateway is a good fit for your organization
Now you understand what Secure Web Gateway is, its features, and whether it is the right solution for your organization. This will help you determine if you should invest in this solution.
Network vulnerabilities can lead to cyberattacks that cost your organization hundreds of thousands of dollars to repair your network. An SWG can help secure your network and ensure your data is safe to help you avoid cyberattacks.
Coeo understands how important reliable network security is to an organization and has delivered thousands of network security solutions to organizations to help them improve their security and avoid cyberattacks.
We want you to understand what SWG is and its features so you can determine whether it is the right solution for your organization.
If you would like to speak with our team to learn more about SWG or other network security solutions or ask any questions you may have you can schedule an appointment.
Now that you understand what SWG is and its features, check out this article to learn network security initiatives your organization should focus on:
