In the battle to inspect encrypted web traffic and ensure small and mid-size business (SMB) networks stay secure, one thing is certain — traditional security strategies aren’t enough to stay ahead of malicious web threats.

As SMBs continue the race to the cloud, the challenge is that many businesses lack the time, resources, or knowledge to protect users accessing cloud services and cloud data. Considering that COVID-19 is causing many to consider permanent remote work for their teams, there is a potential for disaster if security measures don’t keep pace.

Just ask a managed service provider (MSP) or a managed security service provider (MSSP).  The MSP or MSSP may likely tell you that the new clients they start working with have a mix of on-premise security appliances and applications from different vendors and a fair amount of security gaps in their networks. 

For businesses with remote workforces that rely on cloud applications, on-premise and outdated security solutions aren’t going to be as effective for detecting and stopping encrypted web attacks. Yet, even progessive SMBs that have moved to the cloud may not know where to start when it comes to modern cybersecurity.

More than ever before, SMBs need the support of MSPs and MSSPs. They require advanced security strategies that solve for encrypted web threats, protect their traffic, and keep internet services free of compromise and performance disruption.

This is a critical ask. MSPs and MSSPs must find efficient ways to respond with security that is sophisticated but easy to use, without high costs or ongoing maintenance.

In our white paper entitled What’s Hiding in SSL/TLS Traffic?, we look at the limitations of traditional security appliances and how cloud-based security solutions like secure internet gateways offer an effective approach to network security. 

Secure internet gateways for blocking encrypted web attacks

With cybercriminals turning to encrypted web traffic to find strategic ways to launch attacks, visibility across the network is critical. However, it is becoming increasingly difficult to inspect encrypted traffic. 

The reality is that the limitations of traditional, on-premise security appliances make it easier for attackers to access and destabilize security tools and solutions, often without detection. Outdated hardware adds more problems. Legacy security appliances, a long-time solution to cyberattacks, can create latency, impact performance, and require maintenance. 

Using secure internet gateways to protect modern networks is not a new strategy, but it’s a method that is gaining support for its effectiveness and cost efficiency.  Traffic to and from the internet is sent through a secure internet gateway to enforce policies, protect users from malicious web traffic, secure cloud apps, and more.

Research by Enterprise Strategy Group reveals several motivating factors for adopting secure internet gateways, showing that more than one-third of respondents would consider these solutions to mitigate risks and improve security performance. Additionally, 26% of respondents would consider using secure internet gateways to protect remote and branch offices.

Secure internet gateways (SIGs) are proving to be a worthy alternative to traditional, on-premises firewalls. Regarding levels of protection, performance, and management, SIGs are a safer, cheaper, and more effective approach to network security.

Secure internet gateways offer the following advantages:

• Multiple security functionalities in one cloud service: Gain the advantages of cloud-based services with easy scalability and pay-as-you go subscription costs.

• Fast, easy deployment and no truck rolls: Easily install and manage security services without using local on-premises resources.

• Maximum visibility across your data: Use integrated security controls and cloud services to detect and analyze atypical data patterns throughout your security infrastructures.

• Sophisticated threat intelligence: Use advanced data analysis to detect and analyze threats any time one is detected, anywhere in the cloud.

• Complete security coverage: Get the same robust protection from any location.

• Simpler, easier security system: Eliminate the need to purchase, deploy and maintain on-premise appliances.

• Real-time reporting: Benefit from reporting and control functions that are accessible and easy to manage.

Ready to transform your endpoint and network security?

Traditional security solutions can no longer stay ahead of the potential damage of encrypted web attacks. Cloud-based security strategies present better solutions that can provide advanced protection without complexity and high costs.

To help you understand the workforce and cyber landscape factors driving the need for cloud-based, always-on security, please download a complementary copy of our white paper, What’s Hiding in SSL/TLS Traffic?.