Are you interested in knowing all about secure web gateway or SWG vs firewall? If so, explore this topic in this post below.
SWG vs Firewall
To begin, SWG refers to Secure Web Gateway, which has some advanced functions than a typical firewall. A firewall controls the data that comes in and out of a computer network. On the other hand, a secure web gateway controls both inbound and outbound traffic.
The difference between SWG and a firewall is the fact that SWG offers advanced protection against attacks by malicious users or programs. Also, it allows you to control access to the Internet. This is possible by inspecting all the traffic passing through it, which is not possible by a firewall.
Moreover, there are some other differences between SWG and a firewall as well. SWG is more secure than a traditional firewall because it ensures more security layers are in place. Also, it has several security features that you can use to protect your network from attacks.
So, to achieve these goals, SWG requires the installation of additional software and hardware on your network devices such as routers and firewalls. The best thing about having SWG on your network is that it provides you with an overall view of your network traffic. As well as the security status of all your devices on your network.
In other words, this device gives you real-time information about all the threats on your network at any point in time. What about a firewall?
A firewall provides security for your network by controlling inbound and outbound traffic. In other words, it prevents malicious users from connecting to your private network or accessing your private files. And it also prevents you from accessing the web servers of external entities.
Uses of SWG and Firewall
Now, let’s assume that you are a bank and you have a firewall on your network. Also, assume that you have an SWG installed on your network as well. In this case, for you to access the Internet, you must go through the firewall and the SWG.
In addition to that, your employees prefer using different browsers such as Firefox and Google Chrome. The good thing is that with SWG installed on your network, you can set different rules for different browsers. Hence, it will allow certain browsers to access certain websites. As well as block other browsers from accessing other websites.
Moreover, companies can always choose to use both SWG and firewall. What happens when they do so? When used together, an SWG can be used as an extra layer of security for the firewall.
Hence, in case the firewall fails to block malicious web traffic, the SWG will be able to detect and block it. As a result, you can ensure that your company’s network remains safe and secure.
Final Words
In conclusion, if you want to ensure the security of your network, install an SWG on it. Also, make sure that your firewall is always up and running at all times. So, what are you waiting for? Do these steps to ensure security within your organization.