Secure Web Gateway Use Cases

What are some of the most common secure web gateway use cases? What are some of the things that companies can learn from these?

Secure Web Gateway Use Cases

One of the most common secure web gateway (SWG) use cases is providing a secure guest wireless network. This use case is commonly used in hotels, restaurants, airports, and other public areas. The goal is to provide a guest wireless network. So that visitors or patrons can access the internet and/or network resources. But not provide access to resources that may cause damage to the company or organization.  

Thus, this allows companies to have a public-facing network without exposing sensitive data. There are different ways to provide this service, including using captive portal solutions. Such as Hotspot 2.0 or even more advanced solutions that use the authorization capabilities of 802.1x access points.

This use case is very similar to the guest wireless use case above. The difference is that in this example, an organization wants to provide a limited number of employees (or contractors) with access to corporate resources. This is using their devices while they are away from the office.  

Many organizations do not want these devices accessing corporate resources while they are connected to the corporate network. So, that is why this use case is often used for contractors or consultants who need access to corporate data from remote locations.

Then, another common SWG use case is providing secure access for employees when they are offsite. There are two major versions of this use case. The first version provides secure access for employees when working from home or on the road. Thus, accessing corporate network resources via VPN over a 3G/4G connection.  

Next, the second version of this uses 802.1x and provides secure wired or wireless access for employees in branch offices or from remote offices. One where there are no VPN connections available.

Other Secure Web Gateway Use Cases

A more advanced form of the use case above is when an organization wants to provide secure wireless access for mobile workers. Those who need secure wireless connections while onsite. And have a temporary need for wired connections (such as contractors who regularly visit clients’ offices).

Then, a common use case for SWGs is providing Internet-based remote access solutions for telecommuters and IT staff. Those who need secure remote access to support remote users and resolve issues when they occur (or prevent them before they occur).

Moreover, another common SWG use case is providing web filtering services to prevent users from accessing inappropriate websites. While also preventing users from disabling filtering services (or getting around them). This can be applied at different levels: 

• network level (to block entire URLs or categories of content)
• user level (to block specific sites or categories of content)
• content level (to block specific content such as images or scripts)

Conclusion

As you can see, a secure web gateway can be used for many different things. Such as providing guest access, telecommuting support, web filtering, and much more. Thus, when choosing an SWG device it is important to evaluate your needs. And to choose the right device for your organization.