Symantec Secure Web Gateway Reviews

Name: Symantec Secure Web Gateway
Brand: Broadcom
Rating: 3.3 (11 reviews)

3.3 out of 5

11 reviews
57% willing to recommend

What is Symantec Secure Web Gateway?

Symantec Secure Web Gateway is a comprehensive web security solution that provides advanced protection against web-based threats. It offers real-time threat detection and prevention, content filtering, and data loss prevention capabilities to safeguard organizations from web-based attacks. With its advanced threat intelligence and machine learning capabilities, it can detect and block even the most sophisticated web-based threats, including malware, phishing, and ransomware attacks. The solution also provides granular control over web access, allowing organizations to enforce web usage policies and prevent access to malicious or inappropriate websites. It offers flexible deployment options, including on-premises, cloud, and hybrid deployments, to meet the unique needs of different organizations. Additionally, it integrates seamlessly with other Symantec security solutions, such as Symantec Endpoint Protection and Symantec Data Loss Prevention, to provide a comprehensive security posture. Symantec Secure Web Gateway is designed to provide a seamless user experience, with minimal impact on web browsing performance. It offers a range of reporting and analytics capabilities, allowing organizations to gain insights into web usage patterns and identify potential security risks. With its comprehensive web security capabilities, Symantec Secure Web Gateway is an essential component of any organization's security infrastructure.

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Symantec Secure Web Gateway is the #30 ranked solution in top Web Security Gateways. PeerSpot users give Symantec Secure Web Gateway an average rating of 6.6 out of 10. Symantec Secure Web Gateway is most commonly compared to Cisco Umbrella: Symantec Secure Web Gateway vs Cisco Umbrella. Symantec Secure Web Gateway is popular among the large enterprise segment, accounting for 64% of users researching this solution on PeerSpot. The top industry researching this solution are professionals from a financial services firm, accounting for 18% of all views.

Buyer's Guide

Symantec Secure Web Gateway

January 2025

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Featured reviews

Malik Khan

Sr.Technical Consultant at Meta Infotech

We use Symantec Secure Web Gateway to apply URL policies for cloud security, data protection, and SSL The product is easy to deploy. It has a faster implementation process compared to other products. The platform’s data center is not capable of managing most of the traffic. We have been using…

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Mohamed Elgindy

Pre-Sales Consultant | Cyber Security at Beta Information Technology

The reports could be better. For example, the report is installed on the VMware Virtual Appliance. It must support other things like HighBar RE, et cetera. The cost has risen and it is more expensive than it used to be. There is not any reporting on the central appliance. If a new developer can add basic reporting, and real-time monitoring, it would be ideal. There is no real-time monitor. It'll be a great enhancement if Symantec can add a real-time monitor to the appliance. Other competitors have a real-time monitor on them.

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Donald Baldwin

Principal Enterprise Architect at Aurenav Sweden AB

One of the problems with using Symantec is that it's widely known and the people who are making malware have designed to circumvent it. You have to keep that in mind. The other thing that I find is a weakness is that it doesn't give you a statement so you don't have an ability to really test something to see if something's suspicious because if it is, it might have a payload that could disable Symantec and get through it. I'm always more concerned about that. This is one of the reasons we separate it from our Comodo. It needs to be easier to set up rules for what sites it should allow or not allow us in certain areas of our computer for programs. It would also be nice really nice to have it give you better information about what it's finding. A lot of the alerts we get are very difficult to understand what it's actually telling you. It's too generic.

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Symantec Secure Web Gateway mindshare

As of February 2025, the mindshare of Symantec Secure Web Gateway in the Secure Web Gateways (SWG) category stands at 0.9%, down from 1.1% compared to the previous year, according to calculations based on PeerSpot user engagement data.

Secure Web Gateways (SWG)

PeerAnalyst reports

Type	Title	Date
Category	Secure Web Gateways (SWG)	Feb 2, 2025	Download
Product	Reviews, tips, and advice from real users	Feb 2, 2025	Download
Comparison	Symantec Secure Web Gateway vs Cisco Umbrella	Feb 2, 2025	Download
Comparison	Symantec Secure Web Gateway vs Zscaler Internet Access	Feb 2, 2025	Download
Comparison	Symantec Secure Web Gateway vs Prisma Access by Palo Alto Networks	Feb 2, 2025	Download

Title	Rating	Mindshare	Recommending
Cisco Umbrella	4.4	18.6%	97%	111 interviews Add to research
Zscaler Internet Access	4.1	15.9%	98%	52 interviews Add to research

Valuable Features

Symantec Secure Web Gateway is praised for its ease-of-use across platforms, user-friendly GUI, and cloud-based reporting that enhances visibility across locations. Key features include endpoint security, ICAP capability, URL filtering, website blocking, and SSL interception. Users appreciate its ease of management, straightforward deployment, and distinctive threat handling. Some experience inconsistency in user interfaces and licensing since Broadcom's acquisition, yet overall usability, security appliance features, and caching functionalities are highly valued.

"I find the product to be very straightforward."
"Typically, Symantec is more or less like any other platform that performs proxy functions."
"It has a faster implementation process compared to other products."

Room for Improvement

Symantec Secure Web Gateway requires improvements in multiple areas. Its technical support is considered inadequate. Users find its deployment process challenging and report difficulties in setting up rules and understanding alerts. The platform lacks advanced firewall functionality and real-time monitoring. The interface is not user-friendly, and firewall capabilities are limited. There are integration issues with cloud solutions, and the reporting functionality is outdated. Additionally, malware countermeasures and the data center's traffic management capacity need enhancement.

"I find that the technical support is mediocre, at least for the Middle East. I frequently face challenges when contacting OpenStack through the distribution channel."
"AI-driven security could be helpful, yet how effective it will be remains unclear."
"The platform’s data center is not capable of managing most of the traffic."

Pricing

Symantec Secure Web Gateway pricing and licensing is seen as expensive, with additional charges for advanced features. Many customers are considering alternatives due to high costs under the new pricing model. However, it is regarded as less expensive than Zscaler and comparable to peers. Discounts are available when negotiating deals, providing some flexibility. Overall, enterprises find the pricing structure challenging but potentially manageable with negotiation tactics.

"Symantec Secure Web Gateway is less expensive than one of its competitors."
"There is an additional charge for advanced security features."
"Pricing and licensing is stunted and licensing is expensive. We have many customers who are now thinking about other solutions due to the cost."

Popular Use Cases

Organizations primarily use Symantec Secure Web Gateway for endpoint security and URL filtering. It functions as a web-based cloud proxy similar to Symantec Blue Coat on-prem proxy yet eliminates infrastructure management. It is deployed for blocking website access, SSL interception, and applying URL policies for cloud security. Users appreciate its straightforward interface for monitoring traffic and allowing or blocking URLs. Managers are often exempt from restrictions, and settings can be configured to deny or permit access without authentication.

Service and Support

Symantec Secure Web Gateway’s customer service is often critiqued for lengthy and indirect processes through suppliers. Users express mixed experiences, with some reporting delays and extensive question sessions. While some appreciate friendly interactions, others find the support mediocre, particularly in specific regions. The necessity of passing through multiple support levels and channels often adds to frustration, though severe cases seem prioritized. Many rely on partners, indicating indirect communication with Symantec.

Deployment

Initial setup experiences with Symantec Secure Web Gateway vary. Some describe it as straightforward and quick, highlighting its plug-and-play capability and ease of use with cloud access. Others mention a more extended process, taking months with multiple personnel involved. Generally, those with IT expertise report uncomplicated deployment, though issues like licensed recycling can arise. Maintenance may require significant technical staff. Installation is often managed in-house and depends on specific IT and data requirements.

Scalability

Symantec Secure Web Gateway exhibits mixed scalability opinions. Some report no issues, noting sufficient infrastructure and scalability, while others find it lacking, particularly in cloud capabilities. Administrative ease and straightforwardness could improve, with ratings varying between satisfactory and needing enhancements. Licensing accommodates substantial user volumes, yet feedback highlights varied experiences depending on user numbers and administrative expertise. There is consensus that Symantec can scale, but opinions diverge on its effectiveness in maintaining seamless scalability.

Stability

Symantec Secure Web Gateway's stability is mixed. Some users experience no issues and note it as reliable, while others report frequent bugs and a need for adjustments. Hosted on AWS, it benefits from good availability, but some encounter problems like unexpected logouts. Many describe it as stable, but experiences vary. Stability ratings tend to be moderate, indicating both satisfied and frustrated users.

These insights are based on the in-depth reviews provided by peers to help you make a better buying decision.

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