10 July 2025 · articles
What is a Secure Web Gateway (SWG)? A Complete Guide for Modern Businesses
Learn what a Secure Web Gateway is, how it works, key features, and why cloud-based web security is essential for businesses today.
/f/148396/2625x1750/dee982ade7/swg-header.png)
10 July 2025
What Does a Secure Web Gateway Do?
Secure Web Gateway (SWG) is a next-generation cybersecurity solution that acts as a filter between your internal network and the public internet, providing centralised, controlled access.
SWGs inspect all web traffic in real time - blocking malicious content, enforcing acceptable use policies, and protecting sensitive data. Unlike traditional firewalls or VPNs, they are specifically designed to monitor outbound internet traffic and prevent users from (even accidentally) accessing harmful or inappropriate sites - regardless of whether users are on the internal corporate network or roaming on public networks. This ensures consistent protection and policy enforcement for remote users accessing cloud services (like Microsoft 365, Salesforce, and other SaaS platforms) even without a VPN.
With configurable web protections, SWGs ensure all web traffic is managed and secured in line with your organisation’s security policies, however big or small. Also, by leveraging cloud scalability and flexibility, they eliminate the need for extensive on-premises hardware - streamlining security management across your network.
Why Your Business Needs a Secure Web Gateway
Block malicious websites and downloads (avoiding human error)
Prevent data loss and shadow IT risks
Ensure secure remote and hybrid working
Enforce compliance with internal and external regulations
Protect users even when working off-network
Modern threats evolve rapidly. Even legitimate websites can unknowingly host malicious code. A cloud-based SWG adds a layer of intelligent, always-on defence; especially important for organisations with remote or mobile workers.
WHAt is a secure web gateway
Key Features of an SWG
Blocks access to unsafe or non-work‑related websites using category-based filters (e.g. gambling, adult, streaming), leveraging threat‑intelligence databases refreshed hourly.
Monitors DNS requests to determine domain legitimacy and enforce blocklists or allowlists by category or reputation.
Acts as an intermediary for web traffic, offering protocol breaks and policy enforcement through explicit proxy setups.
Controls access to web applications like Zoom, Google Drive, and Dropbox - enabling usage by browser while blocking standalone clients if necessary.
Tracks user activity and enforces auditing, feeding into SIEM/SOC platforms for better threat visibility and compliance monitoring.
How Does a Secure Web Gateway Work?
A secure web gateway evaluates each web request a user makes; checking the destination URL against threat databases, decrypting SSL if needed, scanning content for malware, and applying access policies. If a site or file is flagged as dangerous, access is immediately blocked.
When hosted in the cloud, this functionality scales dynamically and protects users whether they’re in the office, at home, or on the move.
Benefits of Cloud-Based Secure Web Gateways
Cloud-based SWGs offer significant advantages:
No on-prem hardware
Instant scalability for remote workers and branches
Easier policy enforcement and updates
Consistent protection across users and locations
Faster, direct-to-internet access without backhauling traffic
Why Choose Cloud Gateway’s Services?
Cloud Gateway’s SWG goes beyond basic filtering, offering advanced features like deep packet inspection (DPI) and full proxy capabilities - critical for detecting sophisticated threats and enforcing granular policies. Unlike many cloud-based SWGs, which may lack this depth of visibility and control, Cloud Gateway delivers enterprise-grade protection across all traffic, wherever users connect from.
When considering SSL and deep packet inspection (DPI) in cloud-based SWG services, it’s also crucial to ask: who is inspecting your data, and where is that inspection happening? With Cloud Gateway’s SWG, all traffic inspection and routing is performed exclusively within UK sovereign locations. This ensures full compliance with data residency, regulatory, and information security requirements - providing vital assurance for organisations handling sensitive or regulated data.
Cloud Gateway’s secure web gateway service includes:
✅ Tailored policy configuration and management
✅ Real-time URL filtering and DNS inspection
✅ SSL decryption and deep packet inspection
✅ Application-aware access control
✅ Portal access for self-service visibility
✅ Integration with firewall, WAF, remote access, and SIEM/SOC tools
With a traditional vendor, you get cutting-edge technology. With a Managed Service Provider (MSP) you receive reliable, expert support. Cloud Gateway is uniquely positioned to offer both of these outcomes. Our tech-enabled managed service seamlessly blends an innovative technology platform with best-in-class experts, to deliver a transformative customer experience that is disrupting the network and security market. Learn more here.
Do You Need a Secure Web Gateway in 2025?
If your organisation connects to the internet (and whose doesn’t?), then yes, an SWG is essential. As cyber threats increase and the workforce becomes more mobile, securing internet traffic is no longer optional.
A cloud-delivered Secure Web Gateway gives you the control, visibility, and protection you need - without the cost and complexity of legacy appliances.
Ready to protect your users from internet threats?
Explore Cloud Gateway’s Secure Web Gateway service and speak to our team to find the right solution for your business.