Secure Web Gateways (SWGs) play an essential role in protecting organizations against sophisticated cyber threats.
But, as attackers continually adapt their methods, SWGs must also evolve to keep up. With this in mind, here are the key trends shaping the future of SWGs and how they are helping companies secure remote workers and protect sensitive data.
A Secure Web Gateway (SWG) is a security solution that shields users from online threats by enforcing safety protocols, filtering web traffic, and controlling application access. Acting as a buffer between a company’s network and the internet, SWGs block unauthorized or harmful data from entering the system.
They also include features like:
Here are some of the latest trends shaping the role of SWGs in business:
Human error accounts for 95% of data breaches, according to Cybint. Advanced SWGs, however, now mitigate this risk by using automated threat detection, real-time monitoring, and AI-powered insights to catch suspicious activities before they escalate.
This reduces the pressure on employees to detect every threat and strengthens organizations’ security stance by minimizing the chances of successful phishing attacks or accidental downloads of malicious files.
With over a quarter of employees now in remote or hybrid setups, the corporate security perimeter is more dynamic and complex than ever. Traditional firewalls and Virtual Private Networks (VPN) aren’t always up to the task. SWGs offer a scalable solution, delivering secure access to applications and resources from anywhere.
By integrating SWGs, businesses can ensure remote workers have the same level of security as those working onsite.
As SWG technology grows more sophisticated, many companies are outsourcing to third-party vendors for:
This allows businesses to streamline operations and focus on their core tasks while security experts handle complex threat management.
VPNs have often been the go-to for remote security, but they have their limits. Traditional VPNs often increase latency, lack granular control, and don’t scale well across complex networks. As a result, many companies are moving away from VPNs in favor of SWGs
This is because they offer stronger security without the performance trade-offs, making them better suited to support complex, distributed work environments.
Cloud-based SWGs are gaining traction as companies migrate away from on-prem solutions.
They’re faster to deploy, scale easily, and provide secure access from any location without routing all traffic through a central data center – ideal for hybrid and remote workforces.
SWGs offer several benefits for businesses looking to improve their security posture:
Deploying an SWG, like any security technology, can come with certain challenges:
SWGs continue to evolve in response to the current threat landscape and fast-changing business needs. Looking ahead, businesses can expect to see:
Protecting your corporate network today requires a powerful security solution. Check Point’s SASE provides fast, secure access to both on-premises and cloud resources, all while strengthening your network through a zero-trust architecture, advanced threat detection, AI-driven security, and more.
With an integrated Secure Web Gateway that shields users from complex threats, Check Point’s SASE adds a robust layer of defense around your network, ensuring the protection of your vital assets.
Book a free demo today to learn more.