This blog will explore all about a secure web gateway vs a firewall. Also, this will highlight the benefits of using these two tools together.
A Secure Web Gateway vs a Firewall
To begin, a secure web gateway (SWG) is a network security device that is used to monitor and control web traffic. In addition, it is also used to pass or block traffic based on various parameters. A firewall, on the other hand, is a network device that is used to protect a network from unwanted or malicious traffic that may enter the network.
Both of these devices are an essential part of any network infrastructure. Without them, your network may be vulnerable to attacks from outside parties or malicious traffic.
Then, the main aim of an SWG is to filter traffic so that it can prevent users from accessing malicious websites and files. Also, it can prevent users from releasing confidential information via the internet.
The main purpose of a firewall is to monitor and control network traffic that is entering or exiting a network. Also, it can be used to block traffic that may cause harm to the network.
In addition, firewalls are used to protect a network from malicious attacks.
Now, let’s discuss some benefits of using an SWG together with a firewall in your network infrastructure.
Using a Secure Web Gateway and a Firewall Together
Minimal Overhead and Lower Cost
First, an SWG is a very minimal system resource usage as compared to a firewall. Because of this, there is little or no overhead cost when using an SWG. In addition, there aren’t many installation costs either.
A firewall has a high cost of installation and maintenance as compared to an SWG. However, an SWG is often included with your internet service provider (ISP) package at no additional charge to you. This is unlike a firewall, which you would have to buy and maintain separately.
Better Performance
Secondly, an SWG has better performance than a firewall because it mainly focuses on web traffic while ignoring other types of data traffic. A firewall monitors all types of data traffic in and out of the network. So, this means it can slow down network performance over time because of resource consumption.
More Flexibility in Blocking Websites
Thirdly, an SWG has more flexibility in blocking websites that may contain malicious content than a firewall does for certain types of traffic. Like FTP or HTTP requests, for example.
So, when used together, it is much easier to maintain and control traffic that may cause harm to your network infrastructure.
A Secure Web Gateway vs a Firewall: A Final Thought
To sum up, a secure web gateway is a network security device that is used to monitor and control web traffic. In addition, it is also used to pass or block traffic based on various parameters. A firewall, on the other hand, is a network device that is used to protect a network from unwanted or malicious traffic that may enter the network.
So, this blog discussed how an SWG and a firewall can be used together in your network infrastructure to protect it from malicious activity.