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What is SWG

Overview​

SWG (Secure Web Gateway) is a security product/service designed to ensure safety when users in companies or organizations access the internet.
It acts as a “gateway” between user devices and the internet, inspecting and controlling communication to protect against threats and misuse.

Based on the roles traditionally handled by proxy servers such as “access control” and “log management,”
it can be described as an “evolved proxy” that integrates a wide range of security functions such as malware protection and HTTPS inspection.

Main Functions of SWG​

Representative functions provided by SWG include:

  • URL / Category Filtering
    Control access to inappropriate or non-business-related sites
  • HTTPS Inspection
    Decrypt encrypted communications and inspect the contents to detect malware and suspicious traffic
  • Malware Protection
    Block viruses that enter through downloads or web access
  • Logging / Auditing Functions
    Visualize and track who accessed which site

Background: Why SWG is Needed​

Internet usage has changed dramatically in recent years.
Traditionally, the assumption was “PCs are used inside the corporate network, and internet access goes through a firewall or proxy.”
However, due to the following factors, perimeter-based security is no longer sufficient:

  • Spread of Cloud Services
    Business applications are moving from on-premises to the cloud (SaaS).
    Employees increasingly access business systems directly from the internet, without going through the corporate network.

  • Expansion of Remote Work and Mobile Usage
    Working from home or outside the office has become common.
    Employees outside the corporate network also need to be protected under the same security standards.

  • Advancement of Malware and Phishing
    Attackers exploit HTTPS encryption, embedding threats that traditional firewalls cannot detect.

  • Stricter Compliance and Audit Requirements
    Many industries now demand that records be kept of “who accessed which service from where.”

Limitations of Traditional Security​

The traditional perimeter defense model of “corporate network + firewall” assumes that “all communication is centralized within the corporate network.”
However, with the growth of cloud usage and remote work, the perimeter no longer exists.

  • Firewalls cannot protect “employees accessing directly from outside the company”
  • Traditional proxy servers cannot make “threats hidden in encrypted communication” visible
  • Policies cannot be applied to users who are not on the network

Why SWG is Attracting Attention​

This is where SWG (Secure Web Gateway) comes in.
SWG provides “consistent security regardless of location or network” and is attracting attention as a protection mechanism suited for the era of cloud and remote work.

Benefits of Introducing SWG​

  • Unified Security Policies: Consistently protect users both inside and outside the company
  • Risk Reduction: Prevent malware infections and data leaks
  • Compliance Support: Keep access logs and records
  • Operational Efficiency: Reduce the effort of configuring each individual device

PromoProxy and SWG​

PromoProxy provides these SWG functions in the cloud.
It can be deployed simply by configuring the browser, without the need for dedicated appliances or software.
From small teams to large enterprises, anyone can easily take advantage of the basic protections of SWG.

For more details, see What is PromoProxy