The main difference between Next-Generation Firewall (NGFW) and Secure Web Gateway (SWG) in terms of deployment type lies in their primary focus and functionality.
NGFW (Next-Generation Firewall)
Deployment Focus: NGFWs primarily focus on securing the network infrastructure and the traffic flowing through it. They are designed to protect the network perimeter from various threats, including malware, intrusions, and unauthorized access.
Deployment Type: NGFWs are typically deployed at the network perimeter, often between the internal network and the internet. They inspect and control traffic passing through the firewall based on predefined rules and policies.
Functionality: NGFWs provide features like stateful packet inspection, intrusion detection and prevention, application layer filtering, VPN support, and more. They are well-suited for securing the overall network infrastructure.
SWG (Secure Web Gateway)
Deployment Focus: SWGs are primarily focused on securing web-based traffic and protecting users from web-related threats. They are designed to ensure safe and compliant web access for users.
Deployment Type: SWGs can be deployed in various ways, including as on-premises appliances, cloud-based services, or hybrid solutions. They are typically placed between users and the internet to inspect and filter web traffic.
Functionality: SWGs offer features such as web content filtering, URL filtering, malware detection, SSL/TLS inspection, and user authentication. They are specialized in safeguarding users from web-based threats like phishing, malware, and malicious websites.