Best Secure Web Gateway Vendors

What are secure web gateways?

How does a secure web gateway work?

What are the common features of a secure web gateway software?

What are the types of secure web gateways?

Organizations have a range of secure web gateways to choose from, each offering unique features. Here are the main types:

• Physical secure web gateways involve deploying hardware appliances within an organization's on-premises infrastructure. Dedicated physical servers filter and monitor web traffic to provide security features directly within the local network. These servers offer an organization complete control over their security policies and data, which makes them suitable for environments with stringent compliance requirements or sensitive data handling needs.
• SaaS secure web gateways allow organizations to leverage the scalability and flexibility of cloud computing without the need for on-premises hardware or maintenance overhead. SWGs deployed as SaaS applications offer rapid deployment, seamless updates, and accessibility from any location, making them ideal for businesses seeking cost-effective and agile security solutions.
• Cloud-based secure web gateways entail setting up virtual machines to transfer web data within a cloud infrastructure, such as Amazon Web Services (AWS) or Microsoft Azure. They provide organizations with better customization options and control over the underlying infrastructure. However, this approach may involve more management complexity than SaaS offerings and require cloud configuration and optimization expertise.
• Hybrid secure web gateways safeguard data on physical as well as cloud servers within a company’s IT network. Users can access their web applications and databases directly from physical servers and within the safety net of security. These systems provide encryption to data packets sent and received via cloud networks.
• Proxy based secure web gateways filter web traffic via proxy servers and enable employees to only access safe URLs from their client devices. Proxy servers act as mainframe servers that redirect URLs from server to browser for safe internet usage.
• Inline secure web gateways sift web URLs in real time and maintain the steady flow of uninterrupted web transfers between a network and a server. It is often used in hi-speed networks for immediate threat detection.

What are the benefits of secure web gateways?

Secure web gateway software offers numerous advantages for organizations. Some of the key benefits include:

• Prevention of data breaches: SWG employs robust data loss prevention solutions to monitor and control the transfer of sensitive data over the web. By enforcing policies and inspecting outbound traffic, these gateways help prevent data breaches and unauthorized data exfiltration or brute force attacks.
• Centralized policy enforcement: SWGs enable organizations to enforce consistent security policies and guidelines across their network infrastructure. By enforcing data privacy and maintenance policies, secure web gateway vendors ensure compliance with legal authorities and internal security standards.
• Protection against modern cyber threats: SWG software incorporates advanced threat detection mechanisms to defend against sophisticated cyber threats, including advanced persistent threats (APTs) and zero-day attacks. By leveraging real-time threat intelligence, behavioral analysis, and machine learning algorithms, it identifies and blocks malicious websites that damage domain health.
• Enhanced network efficiency: Secure web gateway software optimizes network traffic by allowing organizations to offload internet-bound traffic directly to the Internet rather than backhauling it via data centers. It improves network performance and reduces latency and congestion. 
• Visibility and control over shadow IT: SWG software enables IT administrators to gain visibility and control over unauthorized or unapproved SaaS applications and services employees use for different agendas. By monitoring web traffic and enforcing access policies, these gateways help prevent shadow IT and optimize load balancing for your database storage systems (DBMS).
• Better bandwidth management: Secure web gateway vendors offer bandwidth management capabilities to optimize network bandwidth usage and prioritize critical applications and services. By implementing traffic shaping policies and bandwidth throttling mechanisms, these gateways prevent critical projects from crashing and distribute network resources evenly.
• Protection of remote users: SWGs protect remote workers and mobile users accessing the Internet outside the corporate network perimeter. Through secure remote access solutions and virtual private network (VPN) software integration, these gateways enforce consistent security policies and provide threat protection for remote devices, regardless of location.

SWG vs. firewall 

Secure web gateway software and firewalls are cybersecurity tools that protect sensitive data stored within a network infrastructure. However, they have distinct features and use cases. 

Secure web gateway software is a network security solution designed specifically to protect online company assets. It monitors inbound and outbound traffic, offers granular application security, ensures data compliance and integrity, and analyzes SSL and TLS parameters to avoid any hassles in sending or receiving data over the Internet. It acts as a barrier between client browser and server, audits transactional data, and scans for malicious URLs to prevent malware.

On the other hand, firewalls offer end-to-end encryption against general server traffic, not necessarily web traffic. They support port connections, hosted IP providers, and browser-based traffic that flows directly on your system. These firewalls provide coverage for browsers by scanning, detecting, and preventing unauthorized users from accessing a particular system's or device's files. 

SWG vs. CASB

While both SWG and Cloud access security brokers (CASBs) are crucial for organizational security, they address different areas of vulnerability. 

A secure web gateway solution provides encryption against web traffic while adhering to company policies and guidelines. It inspects outbound URLs, manages DNS calls, controls content quality, and ensures direct or indirect access from the client browser to the local server. SWG solutions audit external IP addresses and route the traffic to your system applications in a secure and company-aligned way to prevent any unwanted breaches or outages. They monitor inbound and outbound data exchanges over content delivery networks to prevent loss and vulnerabilities.

On the other hand, cloud access security broker (CASB) tools protect cloud service data protection and container registry management over virtual servers to give you holistic cloud security. They secure your application contents or containers against DDOS attacks or data wrangling. They also ensure that private data files aren't exposed over public data warehouses and that software transfers are always authorized and authentic. They offer runtime data protection and fault isolation for the cloud. 

Who uses SWG solutions?

Secure web gateways are essential tools professionals use in various roles within an organization. Here's how:

• IT security teams that set security policies, configure threat detection mechanisms, and monitor web traffic for potential threats or use-policy violations.  IT teams use SWG solutions to eliminate unauthorized app usage and shadow IT incidents via a detailed advanced analytics report.
• Network operations teams collaborate with IT or data security teams to ensure the seamless integration of software web gateway solutions into the network architecture, troubleshoot connectivity issues, and optimize network performance.
• Risk management teams work closely with IT security teams to identify potential vulnerabilities, evaluate the effectiveness of SWGs in mitigating web-based threats, and develop risk mitigation strategies.
• Cloud service providers that partner with DNS hosting providers to implement secure web gateway software with cloud database storage to allow secure web traffic transmission and prevent cloud breaches even if the systems are unmonitored. 

How much does a secure web gateway product cost?

Secure web gateways come in different pricing models. Each has its advantages and is suitable for various customer scenarios.

• Perpetual license model allows one to pay a one-time fee for the software and own it indefinitely. Organizations from medium to enterprise level can opt for this license to avoid underutilization and frequent upgrades. 
• Subscription-based pricing model typically involves paying a recurring fee (monthly or annually) for access to the software. The fee often includes maintenance, support, and upgrades, providing predictable costs and access to the latest features.
• Bandwidth-based pricing model allows users to pay based on the volume of data processed or transferred through the gateway. It can be advantageous for organizations with fluctuating usage patterns or those who want to align costs directly with usage.

Software related to SWG

Below are the alternative software services to explore for adding more layers of protection and monitoring for your database systems.

• Proxy network software routes web traffic through intermediary servers, allowing for control and monitoring of internet usage. It helps filter out malicious content, enforce policies, and provide anonymity for users.
• Web Application Firewalls (WAF) monitor, filter, and block HTTP traffic to and from web applications. They protect web applications from common vulnerabilities, such as cross-site scripting (XSS), SQL injection, and other Open Web Application Security Project (OWASP) threats.
• CASB software solutions provide visibility, control, and security for cloud applications. They help organizations enforce security policies, detect threats, and ensure compliance across multiple cloud services.
• Secure Access Service Edge (SASE) platforms converge networking and security functionalities into a cloud-native service model. They integrate software-defined wide-area network (SD-WAN) capabilities with security functions such as firewall as a service (FWaaS) and zero-trust network access (ZTNA).
• SaaS Security Posture Management (SSPM) software helps organizations assess the security posture of their SaaS applications, enforce security policies, and detect anomalies or unauthorized access.

Challenges with SWG deployment 

Along with obvious benefits, SWG solutions also have a list of drawbacks that businesses face after purchasing the software.

• Impacts performance: Secure web gateways implement stringent security measures, such as deep packet inspection and content filtering, which sometimes lead to latency issues and degrade the overall user experience, especially during peak traffic periods or when handling large volumes of data.
• False positives and negatives: Secure web gateways rely on complex algorithms and signature databases to identify and block malicious activities. However, these systems may sometimes generate false positives, flagging legitimate web traffic as malicious or false negatives, and fail to detect actual threats.
• Bring Your Own Device (BYOD): The proliferation of BYOD policies introduces additional complexities for secure web gateways, as they need to secure network access for a diverse array of devices with varying security postures. BYOD policies also increase the risk of data leakage and unauthorized access, necessitating comprehensive data protection measures within SWGs.
• Integration complexity: Integrating secure web gateway software with agent legacy systems is difficult and poses many compatibility issues. Secure web gateway vendors also provide firewall defender services or built-in antivirus software to reduce integration complexities and empower users to onboard faster.
• Scalability challenges: As organizations struggle with large volumes of data, some URLs can trespass the secure web gateway. Failure of scalability issues can lead to system vulnerabilities and malicious URL entries that expose the system to cyber attacks or hacking.
• Shadow IT visibility: Many users register on third party applications without informing IT teams or data security teams. Accessing external apps and sharing information leads to an increase in shadow IT as network resources are being consumed by unauthorized applications. Mostly, IT is unaware of these transgressions because these networks are encrypted or obscure during SaaS audits.
• Evolving threat landscape: As generative AI gives a leeway to phishers and hackers to dodge robust security networks, secure web gateways need improvement in spotting and ruling out these instances to stay abreast with evolving threat landscape and keep devices protected.

Why do companies need a SWG?

Businesses need a secure web gateway software to set a standard for their web browsing policies and operations within their teams so that no unwanted content or files enter the system. It protects the IT network, resources, and software through business policies for a smooth user experience. 

Below are some reasons for investing in secure web gateway software to ensure a seamless browsing experience.

• Protection against cyber threats: SWG shields a business's internet processing operations. It selectively allows users to access high-quality websites for information exchange and vets and monitors incoming internet traffic. Raising alerts or warnings for harmful websites can alert users of potential malicious websites or phishing encounters.
• Regulatory compliance: Secure web gateways load and transfer data from the client to the server in alignment with company policies and regulation guidelines. That stops a user from following unethical web practices. 
• Control of employee Internet usage: These tools also provide data-driven insights regarding employee Internet consumption. It enables IT teams to keep track of Internet consumption and eliminate shadow IT for teams.
• Software as a service (SaaS) optimization: Scrutinizing web applications and web traffic proves effective in optimizing your SaaS stack and monitoring consumption. It also tracks browsing behaviors and informs if any team over-utilizes a specific web application.
• Cloud security: It not only safeguards on-premise systems but also extends antivirus and anti-malware abilities across cloud data pools and applications that might host a decent volume of data. It permits secure cloud data exchanges over cloud servers or wireless connections.

How to choose the best web security gateway for your business?

Choosing the best web security gateway isn't a one-size-fits-all solution. Here's a roadmap to guide your selection process:

• Assess the network landscape to determine the features and processing power required in the SWG. Consider the number of users relying on the SWG, as this impacts scalability and performance needs.
• Align the SWG with business needs by determining data sensitivity and identifying critical security and compliance requirements to protect against malware, phishing, or data breaches.
• Prioritize features and performance: To draw out a difference for best secure web gateway, pick radical feature-packed software offering URL inspection, SSL and data loss prevention. Conduct a demo as well to not fall victim to slow load time or server breakdown later.
• Consider vendor and deployment options. Research the vendor's track record and customer support offerings. Based on your infrastructure and budget, choose the best SWG tool. Evaluate how the SWG can scale to meet future growth. Consider pricing models and total cost of ownership (TCO).
• Make an informed decision. Pilot programs or proof-of-concepts can help you test different SWG solutions before committing. An intuitive and user-friendly interface simplifies administration and reduces training needs. Continuously monitor your SWG's performance, effectiveness, and return on investment (ROI) to ensure it adapts to your evolving needs.

How to implement secure web gateway solutions?

After purchasing the software, every business decision maker needs to implement a strategy for smooth onboarding. It involves running pilots across teams and sharing ideas on activating them without running into errors.

• Assess security needs and goals: Analyze your company’s current IT architecture, database security network, content delivery network and server loads to evaluate where to fit the SWG solution without disrupting the services. Identify which features like data loss prevention, threat intelligence or anti-malware are critical to you and need to be activated.
• Choose the right SWG solution: Take into consideration both your on-premise and cloud service providers to shortlist an SWG solution that is compatible with both. Ensure that all app users across the company network can acquire web protection for their internet operations with SWG software and  no URLs are approved without permission.
• Planning and integration: Check the expected user volume to ensure the SWG can handle the traffic smoothly. Then, set up the SWG to fit seamlessly into your security setup, like firewalls and CASBs. This way, all your security tools can work together, and you can set policies and allow user permissions for your tech stack.
• Defining security scope: Categorize IP addresses and decide on a browsable and secure web domain structure. Use the SWG's URL filtering to block malicious sites and enforce company policies. For extra security, turn on features like malware scanning or DLP to stop data leaks.
• Configure and enforce policies: Set up internet policies and general data protection regulations for data security and networking teams to enforce certain data standards and browsing guidelines for the teams in an organization. These policies will act as a guidebook post implementation and educate users on how to spot suspicious internet activities.
• Maintaining a secure environment: Teach your team about the SWG and how to use the Internet responsibly. Monitor the SWG for signs of trouble, update your security policies regularly, and conduct security audits to find and fix any weak spots.

SWG trends 

With companies' increasing focus on setting cybersecurity practices for their web operations, these trends will dominate in the future.

• Containerized deployment is becoming more popular because traditional SWGs often need dedicated hardware, which can limit flexibility and scalability. Containerized deployments address this by allowing SWGs to run in virtual environments alongside other security tools. It makes management more straightforward and enables flexible scaling to meet changing needs.
• AI-powered threat detection is changing SWG security by allowing real-time web traffic analysis. These AI-powered SWGs can detect threats that traditional methods might miss, greatly enhancing an organization's security and reducing the risk of cyberattacks.
• Integration of SWGs and SASE is gaining traction because it offers a unified security approach. This integration simplifies management by allowing control of web filtering (handled by the SWG) and access controls (provided by SASE) through a single console. This streamlined approach reduces complexity and operational overhead for IT teams.

Researched and written by Amal Joby

Reviewed and edited by Supanna Das