A Plain-English Guide to Safer Web Browsing for Your Business
Executive Summary
A Secure Web Gateway (SWG) is a cloud-based security service that protects your users when they browse the internet. It blocks dangerous websites, filters inappropriate content, and stops malware before it reaches your devices, even if your staff are working from home, a café, or another office.
Think of it as a smart security checkpoint between your team and the internet, keeping them safe wherever they work.
Introduction
This article is part of our Secure Access Service Edge (SASE) and Secure Service Edge (SSE) blog series. If you’re new to these terms, you might want to start with our main explainer:
SSE vs. SASE: What’s the Difference — and What Does Your Business Need?
In this post, we’re zooming in on one of the key components of both SASE and SSE: the Secure Web Gateway, a must-have for any modern, cloud-first business.
What Is a Secure Web Gateway?
A Secure Web Gateway (SWG) is a cloud-based service that monitors and controls internet traffic. Whenever someone in your team tries to access a website, the SWG checks that it’s safe, before allowing the connection.
It can:
- Block access to known malicious or phishing websites
- Scan downloads for viruses and malware
- Enforce company policies (e.g. block social media or gambling sites)
- Prevent sensitive data from being uploaded to risky platforms
The best part? It works anywhere, not just inside the office and without needing a VPN or complicated setup.
Why Your Business Might Need One
As more work happens in browsers (think Microsoft 365, CRM systems, cloud file storage), web security becomes critical.
An SWG helps you:
- Protect remote and hybrid workers
- Stop malware and phishing threats
- Stay compliant and productive
- Prevent data leaks
A Real-World Example
Imagine a staff member working remotely who clicks a link in a phishing email. Without an SWG, that click could lead to:
- Malware installation
- Credential theft
- Or even a ransomware attack
With an SWG in place:
- The dodgy link is blocked before it loads
- The threat never reaches the user’s device
- You get peace of mind, without needing to micromanage their every move
Frequently Asked Questions
Not quite. Antivirus works after the threat hits the device. An SWG blocks the threat before it gets there, especially important when users work outside the office.
No. Modern SWG services are cloud-based and optimised for speed. Your users likely won’t notice it running in the background.
Yes. You can apply browsing rules by user, group, or device, keeping things flexible but safe.
Not at all. We can roll out SWG policies remotely, often without needing to touch individual machines.
Yes, it’s one of the core components of both. It’s the tool that keeps internet access safe and policy-compliant across your organisation.
Next Steps
A Secure Web Gateway is one of the most effective, low-maintenance ways to keep your team safe online, especially if you’ve embraced remote work or use cloud services.
Want help implementing cloud-based protection for your users?
Just ask your Get Support Customer Success Manager or call our team on 01865 594000.