Have you heard about zero trust secure web gateway (SWG)? Do you have any idea what this is for? If not, then this blog is perfect for you.
What Is Zero Trust Secure Web Gateway?
A zero trust SWG is a network security tool that protects your organization’s network from cyber threats and data loss. This security architecture protects all layers of the network stack, from the endpoint to the cloud.
Moreover, it is an alternative to a traditional firewall in which the resources of a trusted zone are available only to specific users and applications after they authenticate. This means that, if you are not authorized to use a certain resource, you can’t access it.
Zero trust security does not depend on the location of your users or their IP addresses. So it offers protection regardless of where users are connecting from. As a result, it can be used with existing network structures and technologies. All without having to make changes or relocate resources. What, then, are the benefits of this tool?
The Benefits of Zero Trust Secure Web Gateway
Zero trust security is based on user identity to gain access to company resources and applications. User identity is verified with a single sign-on (SSO) solution that goes beyond just username and password. This is to include multi-factor authentication (MFA) as well (e.g., digital certificates) and entitlements based on role and resource location.
Moreover, it secures all application traffic through policy enforcement at any point in the network where a connection is established. This includes the endpoint device, gateway, and cloud resources like SaaS apps.
Additionally, identity information travels with traffic from one point to another throughout the network. This enables identity verification at every point of connection within the environment. This includes VPNs and remote access solutions like DirectAccess and VPNs.
Further, it secures every user regardless of their location or device type. Because zero trust security is based on user identity, any user anywhere can access company resources from any device with appropriate identity credentials. One that is verified at every point in the network path between them and their target resource (e.g., website or application).
Then, policy enforcement takes place at each connection point within the entire environment. Users will not be able to connect outside the policy unless they have valid credentials for that resource.
Also, it provides a flexible approach to policy enforcement. You can add or remove policy enforcement points at any time without having to modify your existing infrastructure. This is to include branch offices or cloud resources like SaaS apps.
Finally, zero trust enables rapid deployment by using pre-packaged policies. These policies are easily deployed across multiple points within your environment using simple tools. This means that you can deploy zero trust security with full confidence and predictability.
The Bottom Line
Therefore, a zero trust SWG is a network security tool that helps organizations to overcome common cyber threats and protect their data from loss. It does this by protecting all layers of the network stack, from the endpoint to the cloud.