Secure Web Gateway (SWG)
What is Secure Web Gateway (SWG)?

Secure Web Gateway (SWG) is a security solution that mediates internet traffic initiated by users and filters it for any kind of suspicious web application or malware, in line with corporate and regulatory policy compliance. 

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  • SWG explained
  • Where does SWG fit in SASE?
  • Why should I consider SWG?
  • Features of SWG
  • How does SWG work?
  • SWG and HPE
  • Benefits of HPE Aruba Networking SWG
SWG explained
Functions of SWG diagram.
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SWG explained

Gartner1 defines SWG as solutions that filter unwanted software/malware from user-initiated Web/Internet traffic and enforces corporate and regulatory policy compliance.

As a result of work–from anywhere, employees can use the Internet without any checks or restrictions when they connect via non-corporate network. This opens up the business to a series of critical security challenges. Security teams need to scan web activity coming to and from employees’ devices and deploy robust security policies to protect corporate devices and data from any kind of cyberattack. SWG solves this security challenge by monitoring employee-generated web traffic for any kind of malicious activity. A SWG can be on-premises/agent-based or cloud-based solution that sits between the employees/users and the internet and protects them from accessing malicious websites or downloading malware and other viruses. It helps businesses apply Zero Trust to internet access and ensure regulatory compliances are met.  

For a solution to qualify as SWG it should offer, at minimum, the following basic functionalities: URL filtering, malware and antivirus scanning, and application controls for popular Web-based applications.

Related products, solutions or services

HPE Aruba Networking SSE

Enable seamless and secure access for every user, device, and application from anywhere with Security Service Edge (SSE).

HPE Aruba Networking EdgeConnect SD-WAN

Enable data access wherever it lives with a secure SD-WAN SASE solution that produces both the connectivity and security necessary for hybrid cloud.

Related topics

SSE (Security Service Edge)

Zero Trust Network Access (ZTNA)

Secure Access Service Edge (SASE)