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/ SWG vs. CASB Explained: Key Differences, Use Cases, Benefits

SWG vs. CASB Explained: Key Differences, Use Cases, Benefits

Understand what sets these core technologies apart, and what unifies them.

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Zero TrustCloud SecurityData Security
  1. Overview
  2. What Is SWG?
  3. What Is CASB?
  4. SWG vs. CASB: Fundamental Differences
  5. SWG vs. CASB: Key Similarities
  6. SWG, CASB, or Both?
  7. The Future of SWG and CASB
  8. FAQ
  9. Related Topics

Stronger Together

As organizations’ core operations increasingly rely on the internet and cloud services, SWG and CASB technologies play crucial roles in protecting their users and data. Far from opposing solutions, SWG and CASB must work together seamlessly to mitigate threats, enforce policies, and safeguard sensitive assets across both web traffic and clouds.

What Is SWG?

A secure web gateway (SWG) protects users and devices from web-based threats by filtering and controlling access to risky or inappropriate web addresses.

Essential SWG use cases:

  • Block malicious web content, such as phishing sites or malware-infested pages
  • Enforce compliance with organizational policies through web filtering
  • Protect users by inspecting HTTP/HTTPS traffic for security risks in real time

Pros and Cons of SWG:

+ Effective protection against web-based threats

+ Granular control over web usage policies

+ Works for both on-premises and remote users

− Limited visibility into unmanaged or risky cloud applications

What is a secure web gateway?

What Is CASB?

A cloud access security broker (CASB) provides visibility, compliance, data protection, and threat detection for cloud applications.

Essential CASB use cases:

  • Discover and monitor the use of unmanaged or risky cloud apps (shadow IT)
  • Enforce data loss prevention (DLP) policies in cloud environments
  • Control access to cloud apps and ensure regulatory compliance
  • Enforce collaboration controls across risky external sharing

Pros and Cons of CASB:

+ Robust visibility and control over cloud app usage

+ Strong enforcement of data protection policies in hybrid and multicloud environments

+ Detects and mitigates insider and external threats to cloud-based data

− Limited coverage beyond SaaS cloud environments

What is a cloud access security broker?

SWG vs. CASB: Fundamental Differences

SWG

CASB

Core Functionality

Protects users and devices from internet-based threats like malware and phishing by securing web traffic

Secures sensitive data and access within cloud applications while monitoring and managing cloud usage

Visibility

Web traffic (e.g., URLs)

Cloud services (e.g., SaaS)

Deployment

Network gateway or endpoint agents (proxy-based)

API-based or inline with cloud services

Primary Focus

Malware, phishing, and inappropriate site access

Compliance, data protection, and access control

Crucial Pieces of a Modern Strategy

Although SWG and CASB have different focus areas, the common ground between these technologies is one of the reasons they are so important today.

  • Threat defense: Both fight threats such as phishing and malware, as well as provide data protection, policy enforcement, and compliance support.
  • Zero trust integration: Each enforces security policies and controls in alignment with the principles of zero trust, today’s most disruptive and effective security paradigm.
  • SSE and SASE frameworks: SWG and CASB are both critical pillars of secure service edge (SSE) and secure access service edge (SASE) architectures, enabling unified web and cloud security.

Greater Than the Sum of Their Parts

In today’s threat landscape, organizations can’t afford to deploy SWG or CASB in isolation. SWGs excel at protecting users from internet-based threats, but they lack the tools to monitor or secure sensitive data in cloud environments and apps. Similarly, while CASBs are vital for cloud security, they don’t address web-based risks arising from unmanaged URLs or websites.

Combining SWG and CASB ensures consistent and comprehensive coverage, protecting users, devices, data, and apps no matter how they are accessed. Each fills the gaps left by the other, forming the secure foundation organizations need to adapt to hybrid and remote workforces.

Taking a Unified Approach

As organizations increasingly adopt cloud native security controls and zero trust architectures, SWG and CASB technologies are converging with zero trust network access (ZTNA) in SSE and SASE platforms. This convergence emphasizes a holistic approach to securing modern infrastructures, helping organizations achieve seamless security enforcement, simplified management, and optimized protection against evolving threats.

SSE delivers a unified framework of cloud native security services, including SWG, CASB, and ZTNA, to protect users, data, and apps across any location.
Learn more about SSE

SASE combines networking and security, integrating SD-WAN with SSE to deliver seamless, policy-driven connectivity and protection for users and resources anywhere.
Learn more about SASE

FAQ

While SWG and CASB have unique functions, using both ensures comprehensive protection across web traffic and cloud services. SWG defends against web-based threats, while CASB secures cloud environments. Integrated solutions within a secure access service edge (SASE) framework can streamline security, minimize gaps, and enhance performance.

SWG protects against web-based threats such as malware, phishing, and risky websites, while CASB secures cloud services against unauthorized access, data breaches, and data leaks. Both monitor data usage, enforce access control, and prevent exploitation of sensitive information. Unified SASE solutions combine these capabilities for greater threat protection.

SWG enforces security policies by filtering and analyzing web traffic at the network level, detecting threats like malicious websites or downloads. CASB applies policies in the cloud, monitoring user access and protecting data stored in SaaS applications. SASE frameworks integrate both approaches, delivering consistent policy enforcement across all environments.

SWG and CASB can work seamlessly within a secure access service edge (SASE) architecture to provide end-to-end security. Integration enhances visibility across web traffic and cloud services, enabling unified enforcement of security policies. This collaboration minimizes gaps, reduces complexity, and protects against advanced threats targeting both web and cloud environments.

SWG and CASB can be deployed as on-premises appliances, cloud-based solutions, or part of an integrated SASE offering. Cloud native options deliver scalability and simplified management, while hybrid models can balance performance and compliance needs. Today, organizations are increasingly adopting SASE platforms, which unify SWG and CASB for streamlined security and optimized performance.