Do you want to ensure your business’s data is safe and secure? Do you worry about cyber attacks, viruses, or malicious software affecting your operations?
A secure gateway can help protect critical information and allow for smooth and efficient daily operations.
In this post, we will explore what a secure web gateway is and its uses for businesses of any size. Here, we briefly discuss the best secure web gateway software with its features, pricing, and likes and dislikes.
What is Secure Web Gateway (SWG)?
Secure web gateways are a way to help keep your information safe. They look at websites and downloads to ensure they have no bad stuff like viruses. This helps protect you from internet threats.
A secure web gateway is like a shield that protects you from bad things on the Internet. It looks at websites and ensures they are safe for you to use. It also controls what websites you can visit and helps to keep them safe from viruses or other dangers.
Uses of the Secure Web Gateway (SWG) Software
- Organizations use SWGs to give people secure access to the Internet when they are not connected to the VPN.
- This can be used to help keep you safe online.
- It can block websites or content that are inappropriate for you to see.
- It can also stop people from taking your data without permission.
- SASE solutions can help protect your information online.
- With this kind of solution, you get a platform that helps you see everything happening on the web and control access to it.
- The software can help protect your computer when you look at websites.
- It will filter out viruses, spam, and other bad things. It can also block dangerous URLs and web traffic.
- The software makes sure that you follow the rules when using the Internet.
List of top secure web gateway
1. Clean Browsing
Clean browsing is a safe way to keep people from seeing adult content and things that are not appropriate.
It also blocks access to other things like gambling, downloading, gaming, social media, and more (a total of 20 different filters). This helps give you control over what is happening on your network. It is a DNS-based content filtering software.
Features
- Content filtering for families
- Adult content filtering
- Content filtering for partners
- Content filtering for business
- Protective DNS firewall
- Provides RPZ (blocklist of malicious domains) feed option
Some screenshots of Clean Browsing
Pricing
It offers the following plans.
- Families: $8.99 per month,$75 per year(Basic)
- Schools or libraries: $15 per month, $150 per year (pro 50 )
- Organizations: $30 per month,$300 per year(pro 100)
For customization, you can contact them directly.
Likes
- Keeps safe from bad links in emails.
- You can also decide to block certain websites or types of websites.
- You don’t need to install any special software on your computer.
Dislikes
- Malware can try to take over your computer
Other details
| Deployment | Cloud, SaaS, Web-Based |
| Supported devices | Desktop – Mac, Desktop – Windows |
| Support | FAQs/Forum, Knowledge Base, 24/7 (Live Rep) |
| Training | Documentation |
User opinion
This service is good for homes and small businesses. It will stop people from looking at adult content and protect you from phishing scams. Three options let you choose which websites to block and give you adult content and phishing protection blocks.
2. Perimeter 81 secure web gateway
This helps you to create rules to decide which websites are blocked, warned against, or allowed. The rules will be based on the user or group.
This lets you control which websites people can visit and keep them safe from threats online. It also helps stop fake websites that try to get passwords from people who use them by pretending to be real sites.
Features
- Protects against web-based threats
- Flexible
- Controls internet access
- Track web activity
Screenshot of Perimeter 81 secure web gateway
Pricing
It offers the following plans
- Essential: $10/month (Billed monthly) ,$8/month (Billed annually)
- Premium: $15/month (Billed monthly) ,$12/month (Billed annually)
- Premium Plus: $20/month(Billed monthly),$16/month (Billed annually)
- Enterprise: You need to contact them directly
Likes
- Easy to install and easy to use
- Non-technical people also can use this without any training.
- You can pick which websites people can access. You can choose to block them, warn people before they go there, or allow people to go on the website.
- Completely secure platform
Dislikes
- The VPN connection turns off when the laptop locks out. It should stay connected all day without needing to reconnect.
- Turn on the VPN from a small icon in the bottom right corner of the screen instead of needing to open up the whole program.
Supported industries
- Technology & SaaS
- Healthcare
- Finance
- Retail
- Insurance
- Government
Other details
| Deployment | Cloud, SaaS, Web-Based |
| Supported devices | Desktop – Mac, Desktop – Windows, Desktop – Linux On-Premise – Windows, On-Premise – Linux, Mobile – Android, Mobile – iPhone, Mobile – iPad |
| Support | Email/Help Desk, FAQs/Forum, Knowledge Base, Phone Support, 24/7 (Live Rep)Chat |
| Training | In-Person, Live Online, Webinars, Documentation, Videos |
| Customer reviews | Capterra: 4.1 out of 5 (41+ reviews) |
User opinion
Perimeter is a service that helps protect your business from harm. It can stop people from getting into places they shouldn’t keep out bad things like viruses and act like a wall to keep your private information safe. It doesn’t need any special equipment, and you can set it up quickly over the Internet.
3. Zscaler Web Security
Zscaler Web Secure Gateway is a cloud-based security system that helps protect you from online threats.
It has URL filtering, a firewall, application control, anti-virus, and anti-spam protection. It also updates itself daily to ensure it can block the latest threats. If any users find something dangerous, it will be blocked for all customers.
Features
- Secure to user
- Secure workloads
- Secure your IoT and OT
Pricing
It has three editions. Each edition has many plans. All are listed below. For the pricing of each plan, you need to contact them directly.
- Users edition
- Business
- Transformation
- Unlimited
- Internet access edition
- Essentials
- Business
- Transformation
- Unlimited
- Private access edition
- Essentials
- Business
- Transformation
- Unlimited
- It has some digital experience plans.
- Standard
- M365
- Advanced
- Advanced Plus
Likes
- It is seamless and user-friendly
- It helps me to connect to the company network even when you are away from the office. (or Work from home)
Dislikes
- Using ZScaler gateways can slow down the time for a website to load.
- It can also cause websites to block you randomly or ask you to solve a CAPTCHA.
- It is hard to set up a system in a big company when it has many different locations with internet connections.
- When multiple people log in to the same device, keeping up with their changes takes time.
- Multi editions and pricing plans can be difficult to select
Other details
| Deployment | Cloud, SaaS, Web-Based |
| Support | 24/7 (Live Rep) |
| Training | In-Person, Live Online, Webinars, Documentation |
| Customer reviews | Capterra: 4.3 out of 5 (34+ reviews) |
User opinion
Overall, Users can use Zscaler to stay safe online. The program can grow bigger if needed so that it won’t be limited by hardware. This software will replace older network security solutions and help protect data from attacks.
It uses a zero-trust method which means it trusts nothing until it has proof that it should be trusted.
4. Symantec secure gateway
Symantec, part of Broadcom Software, has improved its Secure Web Gateway. As a result, they have a new all-in-one solution for protection from bad websites on the Internet and cloud.
Symantec Cloud Secure Web Gateway is a very important tool that helps protect people from cyber threats. It can help businesses control what websites people can access, keep users safe from harm, and ensure no one can get their sensitive information.
Features
- Endpoint security
- Network security
- Information security
- Email security
- All round visibility and protection
- Zero Trust network Access
- Web isolation
Pricing
You need to contact the vendor for pricing.
Likes
- Easy to set up
- Complete web protection
- Automatic web security from threats
- Easy product configuration
Dislikes
- Slowdowns the system
- Steep pricing
- It doesn’t have DDOS protection, OWASP attack defense, and other types of security.
- When big cyber attacks happen, it takes a while for alerts and notifications to be sent out.
- Memory consumption is more.
User opinion
Overall Symantec Secure Gateway is a cloud-based tool that helps businesses protect themselves from harm. It can check who users are, look at encrypted data, and help prevent people from taking important information. It also stops dangerous threats like viruses or hackers.
5. Forcepoint web security
With the help of Forcepoint, you can visit any website or download any document quickly and safely. This will work well for your team’s needs.
Forcepoint Web Security Cloud is a helper between your computer and the Internet. When you ask for something from the Internet, your browser talks to the cloud first.
The cloud then checks if it is safe and follows certain rules. After that, the cloud passes what you requested to the Internet. This helps protect us from security threats, data loss, and things we should not see online.
Features
- Controls cloud app usage
- Zero trust web access
- Granular web content filtering
- Distributed enforcement
- Meture RBI technology
Pricing
For pricing, you need to contact the vendor directly.
Likes
- It can integrate with DLP modules and Forcepoint AMD for sandboxing
- Hybrid capabilities
- It is useful for both office and home users
- It stops websites with viruses, malware, or spyware from opening on your computer.
Dislikes
- Not that user-friendly
- When we use Forcepoint Web Security, the computers take a long time to respond.
- When we use Forcepoint Web Security, the computers take a long time to respond.
- Steep learning curve
- Sometimes, when using software like the SSL security system, your web browser might not work as quickly as newer versions of web browsers.
Other details
| Deployment | Cloud, SaaS, Web-Based |
| Support | Email/Help Desk, FAQs/Forum, Knowledge Base, Phone Support, 24/7 (Live Rep), Chat |
| Supported device | Desktop – Mac, Desktop – Windows, On-Premise – Windows, On-Premise – Linux, Mobile – Android, Mobile – iPhone, Mobile – iPad |
| Training | In-Person, Live Online, Webinars, Documentation, Videos |
| Customer reviews | G2: 4.2 out of 5 (58+ reviews), Capterra: 4.3 out of 5 (7+ reviews) |
User opinion
Overall, Forcepoint SWG does many things. For example, it checks which websites you visit and can stop you from visiting some places, and block downloads of bad programs.
It stops people from uploading sensitive information to their accounts online, finds out if people are using the Internet secretly, and can also protect you by isolating what you do online and ensuring it is safe.
6. Barracuda Web Security Gateway
The Barracuda Web Security Gateway is a tool that helps people use the Internet safely. It can protect you from viruses, spyware, and malware. It also ensures people only use the Internet for things they should be doing.
Barracuda virtual security gateways are 310Vx, 410Vxand 610Vx.
Features
- Constantly evolving capabilities
- Intuitive management interface
- Complete security without any boundaries
Pricing
For pricing details, you need to get a quote from Barracuda.
Likes
- It is reliable and easy to use
- Control of domains and sites is possible
- You can quickly decide who can and cannot use your service.
- Active Directory can be used to put restrictions on certain people or groups.
- It can also be used to give some users and groups more access to the web if needed.
Dislikes
- Less configuration and customization options
- When you try to block one thing, it could prevent you from getting something else that you need.
Other details
| Deployment | Cloud, SaaS, Web-Based |
| Support | FAQs/Forum, Knowledge Base, Phone Support, 24/7 (Live Rep), Chat |
| Training | In-Person, Live Online, Webinars, Documentation |
| Customer reviews | Capterra: 4.6 out of 5 (9+ reviews), G2: 4.4 out of 5 (24+ reviews) |
User opinion
Overall, The Barracuda Web Security Gateway helps protect organizations from malware and viruses found on the Internet. It also stops people from wasting time and using too much internet data.
The security gateway has been given awards for preventing spyware, malware, and viruses. It can also help make rules about social media use and see what websites people visit, even if the traffic is encrypted.
7. Web Titan web security filter
WebTitan Cloud is a tool that helps you keep your business and users safe when they are online. It’s easy to set up.
WebTitan Cloud can block websites with bad content like porn, block viruses, and malware, and limit people from visiting sites that aren’t related to Work. It also provides reports to see what people have been browsing online.
Features
- Malware blocking
- Content filtering
- Flexible policies and easy reporting
- Provides security for remote users
- All API driven
- Real-time updates
Pricing
For pricing, you need to request a quote.
Likes
- Easy to use and good customer support
- Competitive Pricing
- Easy implementation and good administration
- Easily keep control over the website.
Dislikes
- Limited troubleshooting
- Importing blocked sites is a bit slow
- Slight technical glitches
Other details
| Deployment | Cloud, SaaS, Web-Based |
| Supported devices | Desktop – Mac, Desktop – Windows, Desktop – Linux, Desktop – Chromebook, On-Premise – Windows, On-Premise – Linux |
| Support | Email/Help Desk, FAQs/Forum, Knowledge Base, Phone Support, 24/7 (Live Rep), Chat |
| Training | In-person, Live Online, Webinars, Documentation, Videos |
| Customer reviews | Capterra: 4.5 out of 5 (258+ reviews) |
User opinion
Overall, WebTitan Web Filter is a type of internet protection. It helps keep businesses safe by stopping cyber threats like viruses, hackers, and bad websites. It works through a special set of instructions that can be used worldwide.
8. DNS filter
Threat protection is a way to protect your computer from bad things. DNSFilter makes it easy and cheap to start using this kind of protection. You can be ready without any long-term agreements or promises in a few minutes.
Cloud-based DNS services can help protect your users from dangerous things like phishing, malware, and ransomware.
Feature
- Worldwide DNS networking
- Content filtering
- Power by machine learning
- Secured reports
- Available in Windows, MacOS, iOS, Android, etc
Pricing
- Basic: $1/user/month (Billed monthly) $.90/user/month (billed annually)
- Pro: $2/user/month (Billed monthly) $1.80/user/month (billed annually)
- Enterprise: $3/user/month (Billed monthly) $2.70/user/month (billed annually)
Likes
- Great web security at an affordable price
- Responsive and reliable interface
- Easy to set up and good customer support
Dislikes
- Lack of detailed reporting
- Less transparency in selecting a particular category
Other details
| Deployment | Cloud, SaaS, Web-Based |
| Supported devices | Desktop – Mac, Desktop – Windows, Mobile – Android, Mobile – iPhone Mobile – iPad |
| Support | Email/Help Desk, FAQs/Forum, Knowledge Base, Phone Support, Chat |
| Training | Webinars, Documentation, Videos |
| Customer reviews | Capterra: 4.7 out of 5 (82+ reviews), G2: 4.6 out of 5 (204+reviews) |
User opinion
DNSFilter has a special technology called Webshrinker. It looks at websites in real-time and puts them into different categories.
This happens automatically when visitors come to the website. Through Webshrinker, billions of websites have been classified, and millions of dangerous sites are found daily.
9. Kaspersky web security
Kaspersky Web Traffic Security is like a guard at the entrance of your Internet. It looks at all the traffic coming in and out, monitors what your employees do online, and blocks any bad things that could come into your network.
This helps keep malware, ransomware, and phishing away from your information and stops people from doing risky online activities.
Features
- Reputation-based filtering
- Most tested and protective technology
- Multi-layered security
- Detection of harmful programs
- Malicious document detection
- Blocks the attackers before they attempt
- Content filtering
- Web control with categorization
Pricing
It offers a free trial. You need to contact the vendor directly for pricing.
Likes
- Intuitive design and antimalware
- Customizable and parental control option
- Web and Android protection
Dislikes
- Limited features on macOS
- VPN is not advanced and limited free VPN capacity
User opinion
Overall, Kaspersky is a great choice for protecting your device. It has top-notch antimalware, good web protection, an optional password manager, and excellent parental controls.
10.CiscoUmbrella
Cisco Umbrella Secure Web Gateway (SWG) helps protect your web traffic. It can log, inspect, and control what you do online. Security does not need to be complicated with this program.
Features
- Streamlined web security
- DNS layer security
- Category-based content web filtering
- Allow and block lists
- Block bypass
- Flexible and location-aware enforcement
- Effective web filtering management
Pricing
For pricing details, you need to contact Cisco directly.
Likes
- Different application categories
- It blocks unknown threads
- It blocks newly seen domains
- Prevention against malware attack
Dislikes
- It is expensive
- Proactive real-time protection can sometimes block sites or applications you want to access.
- GUI response can be better
User opinion
Overall, Cisco Secure Web Appliance can help you stay safe online. It will block websites that might be dangerous and test new websites before allowing you to use them. This helps you follow the rules for being online.
Conclusion
Secure Web Gateways are essential for organizations of all sizes, large and small. They can provide much-needed protection from malicious viruses, malware, and other cyber threats.
In addition, the availability of a large variety of SWG providers has made it possible for businesses to compare features and pricing and customize solutions according to their specific needs.
Considering all mentioned aspects, you carefully evaluate which secure web gateway meets its requirements to ensure maximum risk mitigation measures are properly implemented.