What is a Secure Web Gateway?
A secure web gateway comes in two forms: hardware and software. The hardware includes things like routers, firewalls, VPN servers, etc. The software usually consists of open source applications that run on a specific operating system or machine. In order for a secure web gateway to function properly, it requires three main components:
1.) An HTTP/HTTP proxy
2.) HTTPS encryption certificates
3.) Firewall rules
Secure Web Gateway Explained Secrets Revealed
How does An HTTP/HTTP proxy work?
The main purpose of an HTTP/HTTP proxy is to route or relay traffic on behalf of other systems or users. For example, to access a website, you would type in the address into your browser’s address bar. The proxy server receives this request, connects to the site and then sends the requested information back to the client (you).
An HTTP/HTTP proxy has a few advantages including:
1.) More than one user can use it at one time
2.) Secure connections are more efficient
3.) It can log and monitor traffic if necessary
4.) It provides anonymity if needed
What are HTTPS encryption certificates?
HTTP encryption certificates (previously known as “SSL” certificates) are certificates to encrypt data sent to and from a secure web gateway.
How do HTTPS encryption certificates work?
HTTPS encryption certificates work by “signing” a piece of data with a private key. The public key is then to verify the signature. This means that it is impossible to modify or copy the signed data without knowing the private key.
When a user wishes to visit a secure website, their browser will first connect to the site with an unsecured HTTP connection. Once connected, the server will request that the browser download an SSL certificate and present it for verification.
This ensures that the user is actually on the intended website and not an imposter. Once verified, all communication between the browser and server will be encrypted using an SSL tunnel. This is what allows users to send credit card information, passwords, etc., over the Internet securely.
How do Firewall rules work?
Firewall rules are basically firewall policies set in place to control how traffic flows in and out of a network. For example, you can have rules that allow all inbound traffic, block all outbound traffic, allow only specific traffic such as port 80 or 443 through etc.
Firewall policies are on different criteria such as IP address, type of data (email, web browsing, etc), ports and protocols used etc.
A typical scenario in which firewall rules would be used would be if you were running a web server on your local network and wanted to block outside users from accessing it. You could simply set up a rule prohibiting outside requests to your web server’s port 80 or you could use port forwarding so outside requests for your web server will appear like they’re coming from your local machine instead of from somewhere else on the Internet.”
Secure Web Gateway Explained Secrets Revealed
A Secure Web Gateway (SWG) is any device that allows an organization to perform website filtering and monitoring. SWGs come in many shapes and sizes based on the level of security required by the organization. The following are some of the main functions performed by a secure web gateway:
Website Filtering: Website filtering or web filtering is a process of inspecting a website’s content to determine whether it is categorized as either malicious or non-malicious. Malicious content may consist of malicious code, inappropriate language, illegal or immoral content etc.