A secure web gateway is an advanced, cloud-delivered or on-premises network security service. It enforces consistent internet security and compliance policies for all users regardless of their location or the type of computer or device they are using. These gateway security tools also protect against threats to users who are accessing the internet via the web or are using any number of web-based applications. They allow organizations to enforce acceptable use policy for web access, enforce compliance with regulations and prevent data leakage. A secure web gateway protects against risks to online security by implementing client security policies and filtering real-time malicious internet traffic. A stable web gateway provides, at a minimum, URL filtering, web application controls, and malicious code detection and filtering. Prevention features for data breaches are also important. Why is a Secure Web Gateway Important? When networks become more decentralized and more users link directly to the web from any location and computer, your users, your network and the data accessed must be protected. A protected web gateway (SWG) prevents users from accessing malicious website traffic on the internet and in the cloud that could corrupt their computers and compromise the organization’s internal network. This also means users can access the internet in compliance with the regulatory policies of your company. Internet-borne threats are growing in number and sophistication. Organizations must consider the very real risk to their data, reputation and bottom line and put the right security measures into place. A secure web gateway is essential in this process and will prevent your network and data from being compromised and help you to stay compliant with the regulations that affect your line of business and the data you hold. Some features of Secure Web Gateway: Real-Time Traffic Inspection A safe web gateway inspects real-time web traffic, analyzes content against corporate policies and ensures blocking any content that is unacceptable or that contravenes company policy. Some safe web gateway solutions allow administrators to implement standard security policy templates straight off the shelf and also customize policies that fit their business model or criteria for enforcement. Protection for Off-Grid Workers As the workforce is more distributed, security solutions are needed to offer protection on anywhere, anytime and any device basis. A secure web gateway allows roaming users to seamlessly authenticate and have the same security policies that apply to their devices as they would if they were in the office. The result is a safe link no matter where they operate and complete peace of mind that all traffic on the internet is stable. Time and Content-Based Access Whether you need to limit access to the internet at particular times or you want to monitor access to specific web content, you can customize your protected web gateway to fit your appropriate usage policy and enforcement requirements. Individual users may be assigned time quotas or schedules which ensure maximum productivity or only require access to websites related to their job roles. Data Leak Prevention Prevention of data leakage, as the name implies, prevents the company data from being leaked to or hacked by a third party. A network protection portal combined with data leak prevention tools can be a very effective line of defense against both internal and external attacks, including the identification of specific business terms such as payment card industry (PCI) number patterns and phrases or personally identifiable information.