Contents
A secure web gateway can be seen as a solution for network security that can either be deployed in the cloud, or on premise. Business policies are enforced and internet traffic is also screened. In this way, a secure web gateway helps shield a business from internet security risks, including malware.
It’s the secure web gateway, which is responsible for standing between the Internet and users. It provides advanced network security by comparing the web requests it gets to corporate policies. A good web gateway incorporates important security functions such as: preventing data loss, URL filtering, application control, antivirus, and HTTPS inspection.
In this article, you will learn what the pros and cons associated with secure web gateways are. You’ll also learn about the pros and cons of Cloud Access Security Broker solutions, also known as CASB. Finally, you’ll be able to determine whether a secure web gateway or a CASB would suit your business better. Being aware of security solutions can also help you decide which would suit you better.
SWG Pros and Cons
The main appeal associated with a secure web gateway is that it allows for the screening as well as filtering of internet content. This is before the content can reach any corporate systems. The internet is an important source of cyber risk. SWGs have ended up changing what their deployment location is, from appliances on-premise to services based on the cloud.
It’s also important to note that secure web gateways need traffic in order to transit through them. This is an important prerequisite when it comes to providing protection. An SWG could be deployed as a standalone solution where all the traffic is routed through, or it could also be a part of the Secure Access Service Edge, also known as SASE.
So what are the pros and cons?
SWG Pros
- SWGs allow web content to be screened and filtered before it can reach the systems of the corporate.
- SWGs have changed what their deployment location is, from appliances based on-premise, to becoming cloud-based, instead of changing core functions.
SWG Cons
- SWGs need traffic to transit through, in order to provide protection
- It’s possible to deploy an SWG as a solution that is standalone, where all the traffic is routed through it. It could also be part of a SASE solution.
CASB Pros and Cons
A CASB solution can be deployed either as an appliance on-premise, or as a service based on the cloud. Its main role is to be the gateway between the cloud service provider and their customers. With CASB solutions, corporate security policies can be enforced. Attempts can also be made to minimise risk, as well as ensure regulatory compliance.
CASB comes with various features. These include: authentication, SSO or single sign on, as well as mapping credentials. This enables businesses to detect whether cloud resources are used by authorised or unauthorised users. You can also get SWG functions that are common, such as detecting malware and preventing the loss of data.
CASB Pros
- CASB solutions are essentially designed for interaction with API, or application programming interfaces. These interfaces are provided by service providers of the cloud.
- Should the APIs be available, this means that CASB solutions can turn out to be extremely effective.
CASB Cons
- One big limitation associated with CASB is that it needs to be integrated with other security solutions that are standalone. This is the only way to achieve a security architecture that is comprehensive.
- You may need to rely on arrays of solutions that are standalone. This can make security management costly, complex, and less efficient.
Which Is Better SWG Or CASB?
Web gateway security and CASB can both be seen as a step up from using firewalls to maintain network security. However, their use cases are very different. Cloud-based SWGs tend to have more features and capabilities than CASB solutions. This means that an SWG can be a great replacement for firewalls that are limited.
Adopting SWG, targets web threats using an inline proxy solution together with threat defence. CASB can also be seen as necessary; this is because both firewalls and secure web gateways need traffic to transit through, in order to provide protection.
CASB solutions can perform well when it comes to addressing challenges that are new. It can also work to provide security solutions to people who are remote working. Disruptive transformation has been accelerated as more and more people choose to work remotely. It’s not necessary for businesses to invest in CASB solutions right at this minute. However, it’s still evolving as a core part of the technology road map of businesses that want to be strategic.
With CASB solutions, you can choose between variants either on the cloud, or on-premise, which can be useful should you be migrating to the cloud in phases. With cybersecurity solutions like SWG and CASB, businesses can better protect their interests.
You should also note that API support is not universal, when it comes to CASB. For businesses, this means that they need to monitor online traffic using a proxy. There are several benefits to opting for CASB solutions as well. These include: visibility, compliance, mitigation as well as risk detection. CASB solutions can also increase the visibility into applications used by employees, or even whole teams, in order to be more efficient at work.
Visibility when it comes to such applications as well as their usage can enable IT employees to deliver what the businesses want. They can also better align with the requirements of businesses to be more agile as well as efficient.
Conclusion
There are several benefits associated with adopting both SWGs as well as CASBs. However, there are certain key differences between these two as well. CASBs are becoming more and more popular among businesses, however API support is still limited. SWGs on the other hand need web traffic in order to provide protection.
In this way, there are key differences between how SWGs and CASBs work. Both security solutions are great for businesses, and when you know what the pros and cons of each type are, you can better choose one for your business.
If you want to adopt or learn more about adopting SWGs or CASBs into your business, then get in touch with BlueFort Security support. You can call BlueFort Security at 01252 917000, or send an email to enquiries@bluefort.com. You can also get in touch with them via their contact form.
