Secure Web Gateway

Secure Web Gateway (SWG)

A secure web gateway is a security solution that prevents unsecured internet traffic from entering an organization’s internal network.

It helps protect users from malicious websites and supports regulatory compliance.

Core Functionality

• URL filtering
• Malicious code detection and filtering
• Application control for popular SaaS services
• Blocking access to malicious websites and links
• Enforcing web use policies
• Filtering traffic at the application level

Difference from Firewalls and Proxies

• Firewalls inspect network-layer packets and compare them against known signatures.
• Proxies filter outbound or inbound connections based on policy.
• SWGs operate at the application layer and can evaluate web traffic more granularly.

Architecture Summary

SWGs sit between users and the internet, protecting good traffic while blocking malicious content and enforcing organizational policy.