How does a secure web gateway work? What are the key functions of this kind of technology? Why should this interest you?
How Does a Secure Web Gateway Work?
A secure web gateway or SWG works by allowing you to control access to websites and servers on the Internet. It does this by filtering content, blocking malware and other malicious elements, and managing traffic for you.
This gives you control over your network, which can free up your staff from having to deal with the mundane aspects of IT. Also, it is a layer of security that protects against data loss from malware and other hacking attempts, ensuring important information is safe.
One of the most important features of a secure web gateway is its ability to manage traffic. As it allows you to prioritize particular types of traffic. For example, if a server is particularly busy with processing large amounts of data, you can make sure that voice calls are prioritized over the data transfers. This way the voice connections will not be affected by slow file downloads or streaming video buffering problems, for example.
Moreover, another main advantage of a secure web gateway is its ability to filter content. When a user clicks on a link or attempts to visit a site that has been blocked by your network administrator, a message appears informing them that access has been denied.
So, this protects them from accessing potentially dangerous sites. Such as phishing sites or sites containing malware. And other malicious elements that could damage their computer or steal private information. Such as usernames, passwords, and credit card details.
Blocking access to these sites can save money. This is by reducing the cost of repairing IT equipment and paying for repairs to equipment that has been damaged by cybercriminals.
Other Advantages of Secure Web Gateway
The security provided by SWG can also protect against denial-of-service attacks. These are used by hackers to bring down networks by flooding them with requests. If your network uses a secure web gateway, this risk is eliminated. As the requests are blocked before they reach your servers, preventing any damage and minimizing any disruption caused by these attacks.
Moreover, an SWG also protects against data loss through malware and viruses. And other malicious programs that can steal important information stored on your computer systems and servers.
This not only protects your staff from losing important work. But it also helps keep customer data safe from being stolen or tampered with by unauthorized third parties.
Finally, another advantage of using this kind of technology is the level of application control it offers. You can block applications from unauthorized users. So that only users who have been given permission can use certain programs or access files in specific locations on your servers.
The Bottom Line
So, an SWG is a layer of security. That protects you from hackers. And other malicious elements on the Internet. It does this by filtering content, blocking malware and other malicious elements, and managing traffic for you. Also, it is particularly useful for protecting against denial-of-service attacks.