Secure Web Gateway (SWG) Explained: The Definitive 2025 Guide

Introduction

In 2025, web threats such as malware and phishing attacks are becoming more sophisticated. A Secure Web Gateway (SWG) serves as an essential defense, protecting organizations from these sophisticated threats by inspecting and filtering internet traffic.

In this guide, you'll learn exactly what a SWG is, how it functions, why it's critical today and the features you must consider when selecting the right solution for your enterprise.

What is a Secure Web Gateway?

A Secure Web Gateway (SWG) is a security technology designed to protect organizations, networks, users and devices from internet-related threats. SWGs perform two primary functions: they filter out unsafe content from web traffic, and they block risky or unauthorized user behavior.

Traditionally, SWGs were simple URL-filtering solutions, but today they have evolved into robust solutions with advanced threat protection capabilities.

Forcepoint Web Security is a SWG solution that helps organizations get visibility and control over data and traffic anywhere on the web, with the high-speed performance users expect.

Why Organizations Need a SWG Today

The urgency for SWG implementation is driven by:

• Sophisticated threats: Phishing attacks and malware that can put sensitive information at risk.
• Compliance requirements: Organizations must meet standards such as PCI DSS, HIPAA and GDPR.
• Hybrid workforce complexity: The rise of remote workforces increases vulnerability, requiring cloud-native security solutions.

How a Secure Web Gateway Works

A SWG may be a software solution, a cloud-based service or a physical appliance. Positioned at the edge of a network, SWGs inspect incoming and outgoing traffic, using company policy to determine whether web traffic should be allowed, blocked or quarantined. Features of a SWG may include:

• Distributed enforcement
• Public cloud elasticity
• Granular web content filtering
• Mature RBI technology
• RBI file sanitizing with CDR

Core Capabilities of an Enterprise-Grade SWG

In addition to the above-mentioned features, additional key capabilities essential to an enterprise SWG can include:

• Advanced threat protection: Sandbox environments and malware detonation to neutralize zero-day threats.
• Integrated Forcepoint DLP enforcement: Ensures sensitive data remains secure.
• User and app visibility: Detailed visibility into web usage and application behavior.
• Comprehensive dashboard: Insights to streamline security operations.

SWG vs. Other Security Controls

Understanding how SWG compares with other security tools is critical:

• SWG vs Firewall: SWGs specifically handle web traffic threats, whereas firewalls control network-level access.
• SWG vs Proxy: SWGs offer more advanced threat protection compared to standard proxies.
• SWG vs CASB: CASBs protect cloud apps; SWGs secure broader internet access.
• SWG vs ZTNA: SWGs specifically target web security threats; Zero Trust Network Access (ZTNA) manages secure access to specific resources.

Evaluating SWG Solutions: Must-Ask Questions

To ensure the right selection, evaluate SWGs by asking:

• 1- Does it offer cloud scalability?
• 2- Is DLP integration available?
• 3- What's the impact on user latency?
• 4- How granular are policy controls?
• 5- Does reporting provide deep insights?
• 6- How effective is threat protection?

SWG Use Cases

SWGs can effectively address critical security scenarios: 

• Protecting remote workers: Ensuring secure web access from any location.
• Securing SaaS & web applications: Prevent unauthorized access and threats.
• Stopping data exfiltration: Integrated DLP keeps data secure.
• Compliance enforcement: Address critical regulatory requirements.

Potential SWG Migration Steps

A migration process can include the following steps or others:

• 1- Assessment: Review current security posture and needs.
• 2- Pilot & Policy Mapping: Initial deployment and policy alignment.
• 3- Phased Rollout: Gradual, controlled deployment minimizing disruption.
• 4- Continuous Optimization: Regular monitoring and adjustments to ensure optimal performance.
  
  These steps may vary by organization, so the above list serves as an example of the migrations steps that may take place.

Why Use Forcepoint Web Security

Forcepoint Web Security offers various benefits that can help organizations defend against modern threats. Below are a few of our favorite Forcepoint Web Security benefits:
 

• Control Sensitive Data on the Web: Identify and block potentially risky exfiltration attempts or data leaks anywhere on the web.
• Stop Web-based Threats: Forcepoint’s Advanced Classification Engine (ACE) prevents both zero-day and known ransomware attacks.
• Uncover and Monitor Shadow IT: Locate unsanctioned web and SaaS activity and safeguard emerging applications such as ChatGPT and other Generative AI tools.
• Deliver Consistent Performance: Provide users with safe and reliable access to the internet, wherever they're located.

Learn More about Forcepoint Web Security

Adopting a SWG solution like Forcepoint Web Security helps protect organizations against sophisticated web threats, supports compliance and enhances productivity by protecting traffic and data on the web from ransomware and zero-day threats.