Future-proof your secure internet access with the new generation of web security devices

We are excited to announce the launch of Web Security Gateway (WSG) 2.0 on our SecureEdge site devices. The WSG 2.0 capabilities introduce major new features and benefits to our customers.

Web-based attacks are responsible for some of the most destructive and costly cybercrimes. This threat vector provides attackers with a range of options, including drive-by downloads, phishing sites and public-facing zero-day exploits. They can steal credentials and data, infiltrate networks and disrupt entire systems because of a gap in web security. Furthermore, the world wide web is full of inappropriate images and hate speech, along with many other types of content that create an unsafe or unproductive computing environment.  

Our existing Barracuda Web Security Gateway devices protect your network from threat actors and harmful content. It serves as the first line of defense against web-based threats by inspecting all inbound and outbound web traffic, blocking access to malicious sites and filtering out harmful content.

The new generation of web security devices provides even stronger protection with their integration into Barracuda SecureEdge. This provides advanced security at scale, cloud-based sandboxing, full visibility into encrypted traffic, and full transparency into user-to-app connections. SecureEdge site devices are easy to deploy and use and can be managed through a cloud-based interface that can be securely accessed from anywhere with an internet connection.

Encryption and SSL/HTTPS

The nature of web traffic has transformed dramatically over the last decade. According to the Google Transparency Report, only 44% of internet traffic was encrypted in 2015. Today nearly all web traffic is encrypted end-to-end, which on the surface enhances privacy and security.  

This massive increase in encryption also provides an opening for attackers. Threat actors often use encrypted channels and valid web certificates to hide malicious payloads. Barracuda WSG 2.0 can inspect these encrypted streams and customers can be assured that encrypted traffic is scrutinized for potentially dangerous content.

With Barracuda Advanced Threat Protection (ATP) and deep SSL/TLS inspection, the new generation of web security devices are built to handle the demands of even the most advanced web-based threats. SecureEdge site devices are augmented by the Barracuda ATP cloud for threat detection and deliver uncompromising, state-of-the-art security, exceptional scalability, and flexible deployment options.

Modern web applications

Another significant change in the last decade is the widespread and rapid adoption of Software-as-a-Service (SaaS) and other web-based applications. Companies have moved from on-premises software environments to hybrid or cloud-based ecosystems. Traditional web security solutions designed for a world of static IP addresses and on-premises firewalls struggle to protect employees who are working with cloud services while out of the office.

As part of Barracuda SecureEdge, the full protection level of WSG 2.0 is seamlessly integrated into our Secure Access Service Edge (SASE) framework. This provides customers with the ability to merge web security with other critical functions like Zero Trust Network Access (ZTNA), endpoint protection, firewall as a service (FWaaS), and Secure SD-WAN. IT teams and security consultants can securely access and manage this solution through our intuitive cloud-based platform.

Integration with Barracuda Managed XDR

The integration of the new generation of web security devices and Barracuda Managed XDR leverages Security Orchestration, Automation and Response (SOAR) capabilities to enhance automated threat response (ATR) workflows, particularly in blocking malicious IPs. When the gateway detects suspicious activity—such as malicious certificate requests or anomalous traffic patterns—it feeds this data to the XDR platform, which correlates it with endpoint, network and cloud telemetry to identify coordinated attacks. This enables SOAR playbooks to initiate ATR actions like isolating systems and updating firewall rules.

Safe and productive computing environment

The new web security devices play a critical role in creating a safe computing environment for students in schools. With the increasing use of online activities in the classroom, students are exposed to a vast array of potential risks. Regulations like the United States Children’s Internet Protection Act (CIPA) require schools to maintain a secure and supportive computing environment. Barracuda WSG 2.0 protects students from harmful content, cyberbullying and online predators by filtering inappropriate websites and monitoring internet activity.

In the workplace, secure web gateways help maintain employee productivity and reduce the risks of cyberattacks and data breaches, even when the traffic is encrypted. WSG 2.0 blocks access to malicious websites and prevents the downloading of malware from compromised websites and malvertising schemes. IT teams can limit access to non-productive sites and provide access to secure sites at a platform-wide or granular level. This helps ensure that staff can work securely from any location, supporting both organizational productivity and data security.

Deployment

We take pride in delivering solutions that are easy to buy, deploy and use. Barracuda WSG 2.0 in SecureEdge can be deployed through a zero-touch process that ensures devices automatically retrieve licenses and centrally managed configurations as soon as they’re connected. This allows companies to have devices sent directly to the appropriate location without the need for a technician at the site. This means faster time-to-protection and simplified day-to-day management experience.

30-day enhanced reporting

 IT teams and department leaders often require detailed information about how users are spending their time online. Barracuda WSG 2.0 allows administrators to automate dozens of different reports on Internet activity. Administrators can use these reports to view a user’s web browsing activity by domains and content categories, time spent online and/or by bandwidth consumption.

This enhanced reporting in WSG 2.0 provides the necessary visibility for effective monitoring, policy enforcement and risk management. IT administrators need this data to identify security threats, investigate incidents and optimize policies to ensure regulatory compliance and company standards. Non-IT leaders may use this information to monitor the enforcement of acceptable user policies and maintain a safe and productive workplace.

Improved performance and future-proof security

Integration with SecureEdge allows web filtering customers with site devices to benefit from improved security performance at a lower price point. Barracuda ATP, which is normally offered through its own subscription, is automatically included in Energize Updates. The integrated cloud-based reporting service provides detailed insights into web activity without impacting performance by using appliance resources. This gives you actionable insights so you can make the most of your web security. 

The advanced web security devices give our customers the flexibility to choose between a cloud-delivered service through Barracuda SecureEdge, and an on-premises appliance, ensuring that they have the protection they need regardless of their specific use cases or compliance requirements. To allow our customers a smooth and planned transition, the current Barracuda WSG service subscriptions can be extended as long as needed.

For our customers to benefit from this major technology update as quickly as possible, selected WSG models that are deployed most often will be converted to corresponding SecureEdge site devices upon scheduled IR refresh, in case an RMA is needed or upon customer request. This affects WSG 310 and WSG 410 models that will be replaced by SecureEdge T100 and SecureEdge T200 appliances respectively.  Customers will receive a much faster appliance with better security out-of-the box. In the case of HA deployments, both appliances will be replaced. Barracuda technical support is trained in migrating existing web-filter configuration to the new SecureEdge site devices with a migration tool for quick deployment.

Give it a try

WSG 2.0 with Barracuda SecureEdge is designed to make security simple at every step. Companies can quickly roll out comprehensive security, maintain uninterrupted connectivity and scale protection across all locations and devices-without complexity or hidden costs. No other advanced web security solution is so easy to buy, deploy and use.

Level up your existing solution to the faster, more cost-effective and future-proof next generation of web security solutions provided with Barracuda SecureEdge. Visit our website here or contact your Barracuda account representative today.