Forcepoint SWG 2024 Review & Best Alternatives

Forcepoint SWG is an on-device Secure Web Gateway (SWG) solution that protects data and people remotely or on-site. It scans, discovers, and quarantines threats before they get into the network.

Overall, the Forcepoint SWG solution does a fantastic job protecting users from known or unknown web-borne threats and data leaks. Forcepoint SWG is an excellent solution if you are looking for content filtering. Still, you might have to look elsewhere if you want something more, perhaps a more rounded SASE solution or more intelligence. In this post, we provide a Forcepoint SWG review with pros and cons and eight of its best alternatives.

Here is our list of the best Forcepoint SWG Alternatives:

Perimeter 81 SWG – EDITOR'S CHOICE A cloud-native platform that provides excellent web access control, monitoring, and reporting. Register for the free demo.
Zscaler Internet Access Zscaler is a leader in Zero Trust Exchange. Zscaler Internet Access provides the Zscaler Web Security, a fantastic alternative to Forcepoint SWG.
Netskope Next-Gen Secure Web Gateway is a company known for its SASE solutions. It combines CASB, ZTNA, and SWG into a single platform.
Fortinet Secure Web Gateway An SWG solution that can be deployed as hardware or VM. Fortinet Secure Web Gateway secures users and data on-premises and remotely.
Barracuda SWG A solution that provides enterprise-class protection from known and unknown web-borne threats. It is empowered by threat intelligence. Free Evaluation available!
McAfee Web Gateway (now Skyhigh Security SWG) A cloud-native web security solution that protects users (and data) from known, unknown threats and data leaks.
AT&T Secure Web Gateway A security solution powered by Palo Alto Networks. It protects remote and local users directly from the internet.
WebTitan Cloud A great alternative to Forcepoint SWG if you are looking for top-class content URL filtering at a better price. Free trial available!

Forcepoint SWG Review

Forcepoint SWG comes as an element from Forcepoint ONE— an all-in-one cloud-native platform that strengthens the security of on-site or remote users. Forcepoint ONE is the get-go for customers wanting to adopt the Security Service Edge (SSE) model. This model integrates gateways like Secure Web Gateway (SWG), Cloud Access Security Broker (CASB), and Zero Trust Network Access (ZTNA). It also integrates services like Remote Browser Isolation (RBI), Content Disarm and Reconstruction (CDR), Integrated Advanced Threat Protection (ATP), AntiVirus (AV), and Data Loss Prevention (DLP).

Forcepoint Key Features:

Enforce AUP: Controls user access based on various criteria such as user group, device, location, and URL category.
Prevent Data Loss: Scans and blocks sensitive data transfers to unauthorized sites to prevent data loss.
Malware Protection: Blocks web-borne malware using advanced threat protection and zero-trust principles.
Real-Time Cloud App Identification: Detects and controls both managed and unmanaged cloud apps.
Sensitive Data Protection: Protects users' PII from corporate decryption and inspection to comply with regulations.
Unified Management Console: Provides a single console to manage access and control file transfers.

Why do we recommend it?

Forcepoint SWG is recommended for its robust security features that enforce AUP, prevent data loss, and block malware effectively. Its ability to manage both managed and unmanaged devices through a unified console enhances its appeal for comprehensive security management.

How does Forcepoint SWG work?

The distributed architecture of Forcepoint ONE allows Forcepoint SWG to enforce security policies locally on each device (regardless of its location). This approach helps the user device’s traffic go directly between the user and the website without needing to backhaul it to a local firewall. As long as there is an internet connection, devices on the network can go without an on-premises security appliance, a VPN, or a cloud proxy.

Forcepoint SWG uses an agent installed on each “managed” device to allow a great degree of remote control. With this agent, remote admins could do anything from controlling website access to even wiping the company’s sensitive data from the managed device. The Forcepoint agent also helps to inspect and decrypt traffic locally on each device.

When it comes to protecting unmanaged devices and users, Forcepoint SWG (with the help of Forcepoint ZTNA) can protect private web apps from unmanaged “agentless” BYOD users.

Who is it recommended for?

This solution is ideal for organizations needing strong web security and data loss prevention, particularly those with complex environments involving both managed and unmanaged devices. It's also suitable for businesses requiring real-time control over cloud app usage.

Forcepoint SWG pros and cons

Forcepoint SWG generally gets a high rating. Review sites give it four out of five or eight out of ten stars. So, customers, by and large, are happy using the product when they need to protect users from web-based threats and apply/enforce corporate AUPs.

Below is a list of a few well-known Forcepoint SWG pros and cons.

Pros:

User-Friendly GUI: Straightforward and easy-to-use graphical interface.
Performance and Scalability: Offers outstanding performance and scalability.
Effective Filtering: Excels in web URL and content filtering.
Easy Device Management: The ONE agent simplifies device management.
Optimal Scanning: Provides effective anti-malware scanning and filtering.
Cloud Sandboxing: Eliminates the need for localized servers with cloud sandboxing.

Cons:

Technical Support: Some customers are dissatisfied with the 24/7 technical support quality.
Deployment Complexity: Initial deployment can be time-consuming and requires expertise.
Pricing Transparency: The company does not disclose prices or offer a free trial.
Documentation and Tutorials: Lacks comprehensive supporting documentation and tutorials.
Filter Management: Inability to temporarily disable the filter on client devices for troubleshooting.

How to start with Forcepoint SWG?

Unfortunately, Forcepoint SWG does not offer a free trial to get your hands on the product before buying it. They do offer a free custom demo, so you can see the product in action. In addition, the company does not disclose the price for the product, so you’ll have to first talk to a Forcepoint sales representative. They will send you a price quote for your specific needs.

The Best Forcepoint SWG Alternatives

Our methodology for selecting the best Forcepoint SWG Alternatives:

We've broken down our analysis for you based on these key criteria:

Comprehensive Threat Protection: Ensuring the solutions offer robust protection against various web-borne threats, including malware, phishing, and zero-day vulnerabilities.
Cloud Integration: Evaluating how well the solutions integrate with cloud environments and support remote or hybrid workforces.
Ease of Management: Assessing the ease of deployment, management, and the quality of reporting tools for administrators.
Advanced Security Features: Looking for features such as real-time threat intelligence, sandboxing, and data loss prevention.
Scalability and Flexibility: Considering the deployment options available, such as hardware, virtual machines, and SaaS, to ensure the solution can scale with organizational needs.

1. Perimeter 81 SWG – EDITOR'S CHOICE

Perimeter 81 is a cloud-native security solutions provider and leader in Zero Trust Network Access (ZTNA) and Secure Access Service Edge (SASE). The Perimeter 81 Secure Web Gateway comes as part of the SASE solution but can also be obtained as a standalone platform.

Key Features:

Zero Trust Network Access: Ensures secure access by verifying every user and device.
Contextual Web Access Rules: Allows admins to create detailed web access rules for individuals or groups.
Cloud-native: Scalable and easy to deploy without on-premises infrastructure.
Comprehensive Monitoring: Provides extensive monitoring and reporting capabilities.
Integrated SASE Solution: Can be part of the complete SASE offering or used as a standalone platform.

Why do we recommend it?

Perimeter 81 SWG stands out for its robust security features, ease of deployment, and flexibility. It offers detailed web access control and monitoring capabilities, making it a top choice for organizations looking to enhance their web security.

Who is it recommended for?

This solution is ideal for organizations of all sizes needing advanced web security and control. It is particularly beneficial for businesses adopting Zero Trust and SASE frameworks, looking for a scalable, cloud-native solution.

Pros:

Advanced Web Access Control: Provides detailed, contextual rules for web access.
Scalable and Easy to Deploy: Cloud-native solution eliminates the need for on-premises infrastructure.
Comprehensive Monitoring and Reporting: Offers extensive monitoring capabilities for enhanced security.
Flexible Integration: Can be used as part of a complete SASE solution or standalone.

Cons:

Cost: Pricing starts at $8/user/month, which can add up for larger organizations.
Learning Curve: May require some time for admins to fully utilize all features.

How to start with Perimeter 81 SWG? Being a SASE provider, Perimeter 81 provides Perimeter 81 SWG as an add-on on all plans; these include Essentials, Premium, Premium Plus, and Enterprise. The price starts at $8/user/month for the Essential plan. You can register for access to the free demo.

EDITOR'S CHOICE

Perimeter 81 SWG is our #1 Choice! It can provide outstanding web access control, monitoring, and reporting capabilities. It allows admins to create contextual web access (user or group) rules that can be applied directly to individuals or roles. These rules can determine the permitted, blocked, or warned-against sites.

Download: Access FREE Demo!

Official Site: https://www.perimeter81.com/lp/swg

OS: Cloud-based

2. Zscaler Internet Access

Zscaler offers one of the best zero-trust services on the market with its cloud-native Zero Trust Exchange (ZTE) platform. The company has been labeled as the 2022 SSE Leader and 2020 Secure Web Gateway leader, both by Gartner.

Key Features:

Zero Trust Exchange Platform: Provides a robust, cloud-native zero-trust security framework.
Comprehensive Web Security: Offers URL filtering, authentication control, DNS control, and malware scans.
Sandboxing: Enhances security by isolating potential threats in a controlled environment.
CASB Integration: Seamlessly integrates with Cloud Access Security Broker for enhanced data protection.
Cloud Firewall: Delivers advanced firewall capabilities directly from the cloud.
DLP: Implements Data Loss Prevention to safeguard sensitive information.

Why do we recommend it?

We recommend Zscaler Internet Access for its comprehensive security suite and cloud-native zero-trust architecture, making it a leading choice for businesses needing robust online protection.

The Zscaler ZTE offers a cloud-native service, Zscaler Internet Access (ZIA), which includes the Zscaler Web Security— a great alternative to Forcepoint SWG. This service includes essential capabilities like URL filtering, authentication control, DNS control, malware scans, sandboxing, integration with CASB, cloud firewall, DLP, and more.

Who is it recommended for?

Zscaler Internet Access is ideal for enterprises looking to enforce stringent security measures across distributed networks without compromising on performance or flexibility.

Pros:

Comprehensive Security: Offers a wide range of security features, including malware scanning and URL filtering.
Cloud-Native Architecture: Provides scalability and flexibility with its cloud-based platform.
CASB Integration: Enhances security by integrating with Cloud Access Security Brokers.
Sandboxing: Improves threat detection and prevention by isolating suspicious activities.

Cons:

Pricing Transparency: Lack of publicly available pricing information may be inconvenient for potential customers.
No Free Trial: The absence of a free trial may hinder initial testing and evaluation of the service.
Requesting Quotes: Having to request quotes can slow down the purchasing process.
Limited Plan Information: Detailed information on plan features and differences isn't readily available online.

How to start with Zscaler Internet Access? You can obtain Zscaler Internet Access via the Business, Transformation, or ELA plans. Unfortunately, the prices are not listed on the site, so you’ll have to request a quote. In addition, there is no free trial; you can only get a customized demo.

3. Netskope Next-Gen Secure Web Gateway

Netskope is another fantastic Forcepoint SWG alternative if you want to extend to full SASE. The company is a leader in SASE architecture; it combines CASB, SWG, and ZTNA. Gartner awarded the Netskope platform a 2022 “leader” for SSE and a “visionary” for its Secure Web Gateway.

Key Features:

SASE Integration: Combines CASB, SWG, and ZTNA into a cohesive security architecture.
Data-Centric Security: Focuses on protecting data across cloud applications, services, and infrastructure.
Endpoint Protection: Secures both managed and unmanaged devices, including BYOD.
URL Filtering: Prevents access to malicious and inappropriate websites.
Malware Prevention: Detects and blocks malware threats from the web.
App and Service Control: Monitors and controls the use of applications and services to prevent data leakage.

Why do we recommend it?

We recommend Netskope Next-Gen Secure Web Gateway for its strong integration within the SASE framework and its robust, data-centric approach to web security.

Netskope Next-gen Secure Web Gateway comes as a component from the Netskope SASE solution. It provides a cloud-native data-centric security platform designed to protect data and users against web-borne threats such as those found on cloud applications, services, and infrastructure. This SWG protects managed and unmanaged (BYOD) endpoints and prevents malware, filters URLs, controls app and service usage, and more.

Who is it recommended for?

Netskope Next-Gen Secure Web Gateway is perfect for organizations seeking comprehensive protection for both managed and unmanaged devices, particularly those using extensive cloud applications and services.

Pros:

SASE Leadership: Recognized for its excellence in SASE architecture, integrating multiple security solutions effectively.
Data Protection Focus: Provides advanced data-centric security measures.
Device Security: Secures both managed and unmanaged endpoints, including personal devices.
Comprehensive Threat Protection: Includes malware prevention and URL filtering.

Cons:

Pricing Transparency: Pricing details are not available online and must be requested.
No Free Trial: The lack of a free trial limits the opportunity for hands-on evaluation.
Demo Requirement: Prospective customers need to request a demo to explore the service.

How to start with Netskope Next-Gen Secure Web Gateway? The price is not disclosed on Netskope’s site, so you’ll have to request the price. In addition, there is no free trial available, but you can request a demo.

4. Fortinet Secure Web Gateway

Fortinet provides a robust Secure Web Gateway solution to protect data and users from known and unknown threats. Fortinet’s cloud-delivered SWG integrates fully with other Fortinet products and services. For instance, you can secure remote users with FortiSASE, protect network edges with FortiProxy, or provide real-time threat intelligence (via AI) using FortiGuard Security Services.

Key Features:

Integration with Fortinet Products: Seamlessly integrates with FortiSASE, FortiProxy, and FortiGuard Security Services.
Comprehensive Threat Protection: Offers protection against known and unknown web-borne threats including malware and zero-day exploits.
Wide Security Capabilities: Provides web URL filtering, antivirus, anti-malware, DNS security, CASB, SSL traffic inspection, and DLP.
Real-Time Threat Intelligence: Utilizes AI-powered FortiGuard Security Services for up-to-date threat intelligence.
Flexible Deployment: Available in various form factors, including hardware and virtual machines.

Why do we recommend it?

We recommend Fortinet Secure Web Gateway for its seamless integration with the Fortinet ecosystem and its robust protection against a wide array of web-borne threats.

Fortinet SWG is a fantastic alternative to Forcepoint, as it also provides enterprise-class end-to-end protection against web-borne threats such as Malware or zero-day. The Fortinet SWG solution offers a wide range of security capabilities to protect users (and data) on-premises and remotely. These capabilities range from web URL filtering, Anti-Virus, Anti-Malware, DNS security, CASB, SSL traffic inspection, and DLP (Data Loss Prevention)

Who is it recommended for?

Fortinet Secure Web Gateway is ideal for enterprises seeking comprehensive security solutions that integrate well with existing Fortinet infrastructure, offering both on-premises and remote protection.

Pros:

Seamless Integration: Works well with other Fortinet products, enhancing overall security.
Comprehensive Protection: Provides extensive threat protection capabilities, including antivirus and anti-malware.
Real-Time Intelligence: Uses AI for real-time threat detection and intelligence.
Flexible Deployment Options: Available as hardware or virtual machines to suit different needs.

Cons:

Pricing Information: Pricing details are not disclosed online and require contacting a sales expert.
Demo Requirement: A demo request is necessary to explore the product's features and capabilities.
No Free Trial: The absence of a free trial limits initial hands-on testing.

How to start with Fortinet SWG? Fortinet’s SWG comes in different form factors, ranging from hardware to VM. To familiarize yourself with Fortinet SWG, you’ll need to request a Fortinet Secure Web Gateway Demo. If you are interested in purchasing the product, contact a Fortinet sales expert and request a quote.

5. Barracuda SWG

Barracuda provides a wide range of network and data security solutions, including Zero Trust Access, SASE, SD-WAN, and Web security & filtering. The former includes the popular Barracuda’s Secure Web Gateway.

Key Features:

Comprehensive Web Security: Provides enterprise-class content filtering and protection from web-borne threats.
Threat Intelligence: Utilizes advanced threat intelligence to enhance protection.
Granular Policy Control: Allows administrators to create and enforce detailed policies for web access.
Management and Reporting: Offers robust tools for management and detailed reporting.
Flexible Deployment: Available as an appliance, virtual machine, or SaaS.

Why do we recommend it?

We recommend Barracuda SWG for its robust content filtering, advanced threat intelligence, and flexible deployment options, making it a versatile choice for enterprise security needs.

Barracuda’s Secure Web Gateway is a fantastic Forcepoint SWG alternative simply because it provides enterprise-class protection (content filtering) from web-borne threats. In addition, Barracuda empowers that protection using threat intelligence.

Barracuda SWG also provides fantastic management and reporting. It allows admins to create and enforce granular policies and control web (sites, services, or apps) access.

Who is it recommended for?

Barracuda SWG is perfect for organizations that need comprehensive web security with detailed policy control and flexible deployment options to suit various environments.

Pros:

Advanced Threat Intelligence: Enhances web security through up-to-date threat intelligence.
Granular Control: Allows for detailed and customizable web access policies.
Flexible Deployment: Can be deployed as an appliance, virtual machine, or SaaS.
Management and Reporting: Provides comprehensive tools for effective management and reporting.

Cons:

Limited Free Evaluation: Free evaluation is available but only for a limited time.
Policy Complexity: Granular policy control may require more time to configure and manage effectively.
Price Information: Specific pricing details are not readily available online.

How to start with Barracuda SWG? Barracuda SWG is offered via appliance, VM, or SaaS. Fortunately, you can get your hands on the Barracuda Web Security Gateway product using a free evaluation for a limited time.

6. McAfee Web Gateway (Now Skyhigh Security SWG)

Skyhigh Security (former McAfee Enterprise + FireEye) is a complete cloud-based SSE (Security Service Edge) platform made up of services like CASB, ZTNA, DLP, RBI, CNAPP, and the popular Secure Web Gateway (SWG).

Key Features:

Cloud-Native Security: Offers comprehensive web security in a cloud-native environment.
Real-Time Threat Protection: Uses machine learning and sandboxing to provide immediate protection against threats.
Global Threat Intelligence: Backed by powerful global threat intelligence for enhanced security.
Complete Web Access Control: Provides full visibility and control over web access to prevent data leaks.
Advanced Intelligence: Delivers protection from known and zero-day threats with advanced security features.

Why do we recommend it?

We recommend Skyhigh Security SWG for its robust, cloud-native security features and advanced threat intelligence, making it a strong choice for comprehensive web protection.

The Skyhigh Security SWG is a cloud-native web security solution that provides complete visibility and control of web access. The solution allows user protection from known threats, zero-day, and data leaks.

The Skyhigh Security SWG is an excellent alternative to Forcepoint SWG if you are looking for more advanced intelligence. It provides real-time protection from threats using ML and sandboxing; Plus, the protection is backed up by a powerful Global Threat Intelligence.

Who is it recommended for?

Skyhigh Security SWG is ideal for organizations seeking advanced, cloud-based web security with real-time threat protection and comprehensive control over web access.

Pros:

Cloud-Native Solution: Provides scalable and flexible web security from the cloud.
Advanced Threat Protection: Utilizes machine learning and sandboxing for real-time defense.
Global Intelligence: Enhances security with powerful global threat intelligence.
Comprehensive Control: Offers detailed visibility and control over web access to prevent data leaks.

Cons:

Pricing Information: Pricing details are not available online and require contacting a sales expert.
Demo Requirement: A demo request is necessary to explore the product's features and capabilities.
Configuration Complexity: Advanced features may require more time and expertise to configure properly.

How to start with Skyhigh Security SWG? You can begin with Skyhigh Security SWG by requesting a free demo. The price for Skyhigh Security SWG is not listed on the official site, so you’ll have to contact a Skyhigh Security sales expert.

7. AT&T Secure Web Gateway

AT&T Secure Web Gateway (powered by Palo Alto networks) is a cloud-delivered platform that protects users and devices at any location (hybrid or cloud). The solution can safeguard remote users connecting directly to the Internet without connecting to the headquarters ‘no backhaul traffic.' It constantly filters and inspects user traffic to control access to malicious sites or non-compliant content.

Key Features:

Cloud-Delivered Platform: Provides security for users and devices at any location, whether hybrid or cloud.
Traffic Inspection: Constantly filters and inspects user traffic to block malicious sites and non-compliant content.
Zero-Day Protection: Safeguards against known threats, zero-day vulnerabilities, and botnets.
Centralized Dashboard: Offers centralized visibility and control over all user and device activity.
No Backhaul Traffic: Allows remote users to connect directly to the Internet without routing through headquarters.

Why do we recommend it?

We recommend AT&T Secure Web Gateway for its robust protection across distributed environments and centralized management features, making it ideal for large, dynamic organizations.

AT&T Secure Web Gateway is a fantastic security solution for distributed environments. It can protect users (regardless of location) from known threats, zero-day (unknown), and botnets; directly also protecting organizations from data loss and theft. Additionally, admins can centralize all user and device activity (visibility and control) into a single dashboard.

Who is it recommended for?

AT&T Secure Web Gateway is perfect for organizations with remote or hybrid workforces that need comprehensive security and centralized management of user and device activities.

Pros:

Distributed Environment Protection: Effectively secures users regardless of their location.
Traffic Control: Filters and inspects traffic to prevent access to malicious sites.
Zero-Day and Botnet Defense: Provides strong protection against advanced threats.
Centralized Management: Centralizes visibility and control into a single, easy-to-use dashboard.

Cons:

Pricing Information: Pricing details require contacting a sales representative.
No Free Trial: Lack of a demo or free trial limits initial evaluation options.
Complex Setup: Advanced features may require significant setup and management efforts.

How to start with AT&T Secure Web Gateway? Get the pricing by contacting an AT&T sales representative. No demo or free trial.

8. WebTitan Cloud

WebTitan Cloud is a cloud-based web content filtering and malware protection solution. With WebTitan Cloud, admins can create and deploy access control policies, safeguard their network from Malware, viruses, and phishing, and improve employees’ productivity.

Key Features:

Cloud-Based Filtering: Offers web content filtering and malware protection from the cloud.
URL Filtering: Provides real-time categorization of over 500 million websites and six billion web pages.
Malware Protection: Safeguards networks from malware, viruses, and phishing attacks.
Access Control Policies: Allows admins to create and deploy detailed access control policies.
Reporting Engine: Features comprehensive reporting tools, including behavior-based, allowed/blocked, and trends reports.

Why do we recommend it?

We recommend WebTitan Cloud for its accurate and extensive URL filtering capabilities and comprehensive reporting engine, offering a robust solution for web content control and security.

WebTitan Cloud is a fantastic Forcepoint SWG alternative if you are looking for similar URL filtering capabilities at a more efficient price. WebTitanCloud’s URL filtering has excellent accuracy and coverage. It allows real-time categorization of more than 500 million websites and six billion web pages. In addition, WebTitan Cloud provides an outstanding reporting engine with behavior-based reports, allowed/blocked reports, trends reports, and more.

Who is it recommended for?

WebTitan Cloud is ideal for organizations seeking efficient, cloud-based web content filtering and malware protection, especially those looking for detailed reporting and access control features.

Pros:

Accurate URL Filtering: Provides excellent accuracy and coverage in URL filtering.
Comprehensive Reporting: Offers detailed and varied reports for better insights and management.
Real-Time Categorization: Ensures up-to-date categorization of websites and web pages.
Easy Access Control: Simplifies the creation and deployment of access control policies.

Cons:

Limited Free Trial: Only offers a 14-day free trial, which may not be sufficient for thorough evaluation.
Initial Configuration: Setting up detailed policies and reporting might require significant time and effort.
Price Information: Detailed pricing is not readily available online.

How to start with WebTitan Cloud? Sign-up to start a free 14-day WebTitan trial, or you can also schedule a free demo with a WebTitan expert so you can learn more about the product.