Secure Web Gateway vs. Proxy: Everything You Need to Know

Secure web gateways (SWGs) are powerful security solutions that act like double-sided shields to provide a crucial layer of defense against web-based threats. They keep unwanted traffic from gaining access to your network and monitor the data that leaves. 

By intercepting and inspecting all traffic entering and leaving the network, SWGs help businesses protect their sensitive information and stay one step ahead of cybercriminals.

What is a Secure Web Gateway (SWG)?

A Secure Web Gateway (SWG) is a security solution that provides web security services to protect against web-based threats such as malware, viruses, and phishing attacks.

A SWG typically sits at the network perimeter and inspects all traffic entering and leaving the network. It can block known malicious websites, prevent malware intrusion, and detect unauthorized attempts to access your network.

What is a Proxy Server?

A web proxy server is a computer system or application that acts as an intermediary between a user’s device and a web server. Proxies can provide:

• Browsing anonymity
• Filter web content
• Cache resources for better performance
• Increase security for internet users

When a device requests an internet resource, such as a web page, the request goes to the web proxy server instead of directly to the web server. The web proxy server then evaluates the request, retrieves the resource from the web server on behalf of the client, and forwards it back to the client.

Secure Web Gateway (SWG) vs. Proxy

While both Secure Web Gateways (SWGs) and proxies serve as intermediaries between users and the internet, their primary functions and capabilities differ significantly.

Proxy:

• Primary function: Improving performance and providing anonymity.
• Security features: Limited, often focused on basic content filtering and IP address masking.
• URL filtering: Basic, often allowing or blocking entire websites.
• SSL/TLS inspection: May or may not support, limiting visibility into encrypted traffic.
• Use cases: Suitable for individual users seeking privacy or performance benefits, but not ideal for organizations with stringent security requirements.

Secure Web Gateway (SWG):

• Primary function: Protecting organizations from web-based threats and ensuring compliance.
• Security features: Comprehensive, including threat prevention (e.g., malware, phishing, ransomware), data loss prevention (DLP), and compliance enforcement.
• URL filtering: Granular control over website access, allowing for the blocking of specific domains, categories,or content types.
• SSL/TLS inspection: Typically supports, providing visibility into encrypted traffic for threat detection and prevention.
• Use cases: Ideal for organizations of all sizes that need to protect their network and data from advanced threats while ensuring compliance with regulations.

Choosing the Right Solution

The decision between a proxy and an SWG depends on your specific needs and priorities. Consider the following factors:

• Security requirements: If you need robust protection against advanced threats and compliance with regulations,an SWG is essential.
• Data sensitivity: If you handle sensitive data, an SWG with strong DLP capabilities is crucial.
• User base: If you have a large user base or need to enforce strict internet usage policies, an SWG can provide better control and visibility.
• Budget: SWGs can be more expensive than proxies, so consider your budget constraints.

In summary, while both proxies and SWGs serve as intermediaries for internet traffic, an SWG offers a much more robust set of security features.

Bulletproof Your Security with Perimeter81

Secure Access Service Edge (SASE) is a blueprint for better business security and involves the combination of software-defined edge networking, user-focused authentication, and access control integration across the cloud.

Looking for a secure web gateway for your business? 

Learn how Perimeter81 can help you meet all your web security, cloud security, and compliance requirements on a single, scalable, secure access service edge (SASE) platform.

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