Protecting employees from harmful content was a far more straightforward task once upon a time. COVID-19 changed all of that in an instant. The new hybrid work model has forced IT professionals to rethink their security strategy game plans. As threats continue to emerge, it becomes an ongoing game of cat and mouse for IT teams to outmaneuver cybercriminals.

One of the biggest challenges is keeping up with the latest forms of malware. Kaspersky detected 516,617 malicious installation packages in Q1 2022. Any one of these packages could be unknowingly downloaded by a remote worker. 

The focus then shifts to securing remote access to a corporate network to block dangerous websites and applications beyond the traditional perimeter that would give way to what we know as a Secure Web Gateway.

A Secure Web Gateway or SWG, operates at the application level, unlike traditional firewalls that work by inspecting packets at the network level. It allows companies to enforce tighter security policies and block access to harmful sites with rules set by the admin, preventing malicious web traffic from entering a network.

What is Enterprise Security Architecture?

Enterprise security architecture is a term that encompasses all the policies, principles, and models implemented by an organization to ensure that the network is protected from cyber threats. Security architecture involves a detailed plan for web security that incorporates different security concepts and tools such as tiered networks, security domains, security policies, and different types of security systems and devices.

An enterprise’s security architecture must include a layered plan covering all web security bases and implementing various security models and devices as needed. Enterprise security architecture recognizes that it is not enough to have standard security measures in place but they must be implemented expertly and accurately to ensure complete protection.

Preparing efficient enterprise security architecture takes place in the following stages:

• Research and risk assessment
• Security protocol and system design
• Security implementation and installation
• Testing, assurance, and system operations and monitoring

How an SWG Works in a Modern Enterprise Security Architecture Setting

Secure Web Gateways can be immediately incorporated into an enterprise’s security architecture. They provide multi-layered protection covering different web security areas and protecting remote employees requiring corporate network access.

Modern enterprise security architecture includes the most progressive methods, systems, and models for web security. Secure web gateways are one of these.

A SWG provides the following features:

Traffic Monitoring

All traffic that passes through a network is inspected and monitored. Content not aligning with corporate policies can be immediately blocked or restricted. Default turnkey inspection policies can be customized to suit the organization’s needs.

Enforcing Corporate Policies

The security policies of a network determine who and what is allowed on the network, where or when they are allowed, and what kinds of interactions are permissible between internal users. These policies can be enforced to ensure all employees safely access the corporate network, regardless of device or location.

URL Filtering

A Secure Web Gateway can protect users by blocking access to known malicious websites. This can be done by setting restrictions on certain websites and applications. Permissions may be either “allowed” or “restricted” based on the employee’s role. Specific sites like gambling, gaming, and social media may be blocked by default, increasing productivity and minimizing the threat surface.

Conclusion

A Secure Web Gateway is an ideal addition to any enterprise security architecture’s line of defense. They provide a well-rounded form of security that protects an organization’s network and workforce from malicious threats. It also prevents Shadow IT, where employees use IT-related software without authorization or knowledge from the IT department. Avoid the risks and add a Secure Web Gateway to your enterprise security today.