What is a secure web gateway?

Learn about what is a secure web gateway and how it protects users and endpoints by controlling web traffic, blocking unsafe websites, and enforcing secure browsing rules. It helps security teams reduce exposure to phishing, malicious downloads, unauthorized web access, and risky online activity.

Why does web access need security control?

Employees use browsers to access SaaS apps, cloud files, internal tools, and external websites. This creates a direct path for web-based threats. Security teams need control when:

• Users open phishing or malicious websites
• Devices access restricted or risky content
• Remote endpoints browse outside corporate networks
• Browser activity creates compliance or data exposure risks

Basic browser settings cannot enforce consistent protection across every managed device. A secure gateway applies security decisions before risky access turns into an endpoint threat.

How does a secure web gateway work?

A secure web gateway controls how users and devices access the web. It applies security policies before risky websites, downloads, or unauthorized destinations can expose endpoints.

• It checks web requests from users or devices.
• It applies policies based on website category, URL, reputation, or access rules.
• It blocks malicious pages, phishing sites, unsafe downloads, and restricted destinations.
• It helps security teams enforce safer access to approved websites and business applications.
• It reduces investigation effort by limiting exposure at the web access layer.

How does Hexnode support secure web access?

Hexnode supports web access control through policy-based web content filtering and device management settings. Administrators can configure website restrictions on supported platforms, including managed Windows devices and supervised iOS devices. They can also manage Google Chrome extension settings on Windows devices. These controls help organizations enforce browsing rules, restrict access to unapproved websites, and support corporate compliance across supported managed devices.