A SWG is a security technology designed to protect organisations, 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 unauthorised user behaviour.

Learn more about the capabilities of Forcepoint's secure web gateway solution through our comprehensive guide.

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 an SWG may include:

• URL filtering
• Application control
• Antivirus software
• HTTPS inspection
• Anti-malware detection and blocking
• Access control

With SWG technology, organisations can:

• Control sensitive data on the web
• Stop web-based threats
• Uncover and monitor shadow IT
• Deliver consistent performance
• Why do web security solutions matter?

A web security solution is designed to protect websites, web apps and other web resources from a wide range of cyber threats. While a variety of solutions have been developed to improve web security, these technologies are most often combined in a SWG.

Web security solutions, like a SWG, have become an indispensable part of the security stack as threats become more sophisticated and IT environments more complex. The traditional network perimeter has virtually disappeared, thanks to major IT transformations like cloud computing, BYOD, hybrid workforces and reliance on SaaS applications. Legacy web security solutions that require all traffic to be routed through a central hub for security inspection can add severe latency to network connections, hindering productivity and limiting competitiveness.

A web security gateway prevents web-based threats from entering an organisation's network and blocks users from accessing web resources that may contain malware, viruses and other threats. A web secure gateway serves as a checkpoint, sitting between an organisation's internal network and the internet to inspect traffic flowing in from and out to the web. Web security gateway solutions employ a variety of technologies such as URL filtering, malware detection, application control and inspection of encrypted traffic while delivering greater visibility into web traffic and usage.

A web security appliance helps protect organisations and users from internet-related threats such as malware, viruses, spoofed websites, phishing attacks and more. Web security appliances can also help prevent data leaks, control application usage, improve visibility of web activity and enforce security policies across the organisation.

A SWG service is a cloud-based solution that monitors all traffic entering an IT environment from the web, as well as all outbound web requests from an organisation's users.