What is the truth about secure web gateway? What are the main functions and purposes of this tool? Let us know below.
The Truth About Secure Web Gateway
A secure web gateway (SWG) refers to a hardware or software product that filters and monitors all the incoming traffic to a local area network (LAN) or wide area network (WAN). The gateway will block any traffic that is considered insecure, such as malware and spam. It also screens and monitors outgoing traffic to prevent private data from getting hacked.
Then, the main functions of a security gateway include:
- Filtering. Receives all traffic and blocks any unwanted packets, such as viruses, spam, spyware, worms, etc.
- IDS/IPS. Scans all incoming and outgoing traffic to look for malicious activity.
- Logging. Records data about all the activities happening on the network so it can be used for investigations.
- Antivirus/antimalware. Scans files coming into and out of the LAN for viruses and malware, blocking any that are found.
- Web security. Blocks access to harmful websites by screening for malware and phishing sites.
- Application control. Prevents users from accessing unauthorized applications and only allows authorized apps to run on their box. This, then, helps prevent the spread of malware like worms through unauthorized file sharing apps like BitTorrent.
- Network protection. Monitors the LAN looking for suspicious activity, such as port scans or brute force attempts at password cracking.
- Data leak prevention (DLP). Prevents sensitive company data from leaving the network by blocking unauthorized access to ports such as FTP or mail servers. DLP can also screen outbound emails for sensitive data before they are sent out of the network.
The Best Way to Implement a Secure Web Gateway
The most effective way to implement SWG is through a combination of several security measures. IDS, IPS, antivirus, antispyware, anti-phishing, and web gateways using a unified threat management (UTM) platform.
This kind of layered defense will protect your company from a wider range of threats than if you used individual products with no integration between them. Moreover, when a new kind of threat is identified and a new signature released to protect against it, the UTM system will automatically download and install the update.
As the name indicates, the main function of SWG is to secure the web. This is important because most attacks come through the web. Moreover, by blocking these attacks before they get into your network, you are avoiding costly damages such as data theft and breach of privacy.
Then, the other advantage of this technology is that it can protect against threats that antivirus or antispyware programs cannot detect or respond to. So, this means you will be protected from attacks almost instantly after they happen. This is versus with an antivirus or antispyware program you can be exposed for days or weeks before you know you have been compromised.
Conclusion
In summary, if you have been using antivirus and antispyware programs alone to secure your company’s network, it’s time for an upgrade. A robust security solution like a secure web gateway will help protect your company from viruses, spyware, spam, phishing sites, and other threats that could lead to a costly data breach.