SWG vs WAF. In other words, secure web gateway vs web application firewall. Let us get to know more about each one in this blog.
SWG vs WAF: Definition
A secure web gateway or SWG refers to an appliance or software that sits between the web and the IT network. The functions of the SWG are to filter web traffic to ensure compliance with security policies, Internet standards, and regulations. It is also used to log and capture web traffic.
Moreover, an SWG provides real-time traffic analysis to detect attacks, viruses, malware, and spam. It also provides security information including device status and access control lists.
A Web Application Firewall (WAF), on the other hand, is a software firewall installed on a web server that is designed to protect against cyberattacks on websites. This is done by inspecting HTTP requests to find malicious payloads and block them from reaching the server.
Furthermore, WAFs have made website owners sleep better at night as they are no longer solely dependent on the OSI model for protection. Some of its features are that it blocks unwanted HTTP requests for website protection and allows only authorized requests that are based on custom rules defined by you. Moreover, it maintains a log of all blocked requests for auditing purposes.
SWG vs WAF: Which Is Better?
Companies today are continuously exposed to potential threats from the Internet. An SWG is a more reliable and cost-effective solution as it takes care of all web traffic, regardless of application. It also offers real-time traffic analysis and acts as front-line protection to secure the IT network by filtering out any unwanted content.
Moreover, it is also important to note that the SWG is more flexible in terms of configuration. Thus, allowing you to change policies depending on your company’s needs. Meanwhile, WAFs are widely used for protecting websites from hacker attacks. They are designed to detect and block malicious payloads embedded in HTTP requests from reaching the webserver.
On the downside, WAFs are known to block legitimate requests, which can disrupt website operations. Moreover, it requires a lot of effort and resources to manage rules and policies.
Then, when it comes to deciding which one is better, one should consider their needs and requirements. For example, if your company is looking for a single solution to protect against cyber-attacks and secure the IT network, then SWG is a good option. On the other hand, if you are only looking for protection for your website from hacker attacks, then WAF is the way to go.
So, when looking for web security for your business, you should consider all the options available. This will help you find the right SWG or WAF to ensure the security of your network and operations.
Conclusion
As you can see, both SWG and WAF are two different solutions for web security. The SWG can secure your entire network, while the WAF is better suited for your website. So, what do you think suits your company’s needs best?