What Is A Secure Web Gateway?

A web proxy is an intermediary server that stands between users and the internet. Before allowing web content to reach the user, it inspects and filters web traffic, enforces access policies, and blocks web-based threats.

Policy enforcement refers to enabling and applying security rules to regulate web traffic. Policies define rules and restrictions for web usage, such as blocking specific websites, controlling application access, and prohibiting sensitive data transfer.

Antivirus and anti-malware protection uses technologies that detect, prevent, and block malicious software and threats. These tools scan web traffic in real time to identify and remediate viruses, malware, ransomware, and other malicious content.

Traffic inspection refers to intercepting and examining encrypted web traffic. Encryption allows for safe exchange of sensitive data, but cybercriminals also use encryption to hide malware. Traffic inspection helps apply application-specific security, detect hidden threats, enforce URL and malicious content filtering, and secure web traffic.

A secure web gateway with DLP security inspects outgoing web traffic, scans for sensitive data, and enforces policies to prevent data leaks. It analyzes content, applies predefined outbound traffic rules, and blocks sensitive data from leaving an organization’s network.

URL filtering is a security feature that blocks or allows access to websites based on their URLs or web addresses. It prevents users from accessing malicious or inappropriate websites and enforces compliance policies. Filtering can also allow restrictions on streaming services to optimize network performance.

Sandboxing is a security technique used to analyze potentially malicious code in a safe, isolated environment. It allows security professionals to test and observe suspicious files without risking damage to the host system or network.

A cloud-based outbound firewall is a network security tool that provides firewall protections from the cloud. It monitors, filters, and enforces policies on network traffic. This firewall enables layer 7 application visibility and control, layer 3 and 4 protection of all ports and protocols, and an intrusion prevention system for added threat defense.

Remote browser isolation (RBI) is a security tool that runs a user’s web-browsing session in a virtualized environment in the cloud. Isolating web content in a secure container allows access to potentially risky websites without the risk of malware infections.

Visibility and control functions allow organizations to gain insight into employee usage of cloud applications. Visibility informs reports on vendors, categories, application activity, and risk levels. This reporting enables better control over cloud adoption, risk reduction, and blocking or restrictions of inappropriate applications.