Forcepoint Secure Web Gateway vs Symantec Proxy comparison

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402 views|321 comparisons
71% willing to recommend
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5,592 views|3,604 comparisons
83% willing to recommend
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76% willing to recommend
Comparison Buyer's Guide
Executive Summary

We performed a comparison between Forcepoint Secure Web Gateway and Symantec Proxy based on real PeerSpot user reviews.

Find out in this report how the two Secure Web Gateways (SWG) solutions compare in terms of features, pricing, service and support, easy of deployment, and ROI.
To learn more, read our detailed Forcepoint Secure Web Gateway vs. Symantec Proxy Report (Updated: March 2024).
767,995 professionals have used our research since 2012.
Featured Review
Quotes From Members
We asked business professionals to review the solutions they use.
Here are some excerpts of what they said:
Pros
"The most valuable features are the antivirus as a whole, the anti-malware, and all of the protection features that scan our enterprise devices.""The solution is stable.""The protection offered by the product is the most valuable feature. It detects vulnerabilities or traps on our users' phones and then prompts them to clean up their devices. Tools we used previously would only discover, which required us to gather information on the backend, so Lookout is a welcome upgrade.""On the outside, the main differentiation is because Lookout ingest. They have ingested basically all of the apps for the last ten years and all the versions of all the apps, and we have that in a corporate database that allows us to do very large-scale machine learning and analysis on that data set. That's not something that any of the competitors really have the capability to do because they don't have access to the data set. A lot of the apps you can no longer get them because that version of the app is five or six years old, and it just doesn't exist anywhere anymore, except within our infrastructure. So, the ability to have that very rich dataset and learn from that dataset is a real differentiator."

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"Real-time analytics.""The policies are category-based, so knowledge of another content URL is not compulsory.""It has protected clients against cyberattacks.""The most valuable feature is the categorization, where you can allow general access to an application but limit specific features.""I have found the web content filtering and malware filter the most valuable.""The tool categorizes the user profiles which is very comfortable.""The most valuable feature is the ability to allow or block sites by category.""Email Sandbox, DLP and Proxy."

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"Global Intelligence Network is the best feature of the product.""The initial setup of Symantec Proxy is easy.""The developer's assistance is valuable, enabling seamless integration which allows for a comprehensive view of categories, even if not certified by the link.""We can address and rectify issues promptly, resulting in consistently positive outcomes.""The solution is scalable.""The most valuable feature is the caching.""What I found most valuable in Symantec Proxy is that it doesn't have any limitations. It also has a simple configuration, with only one window pane, unlike Zscaler, which has multiple window panes. Deploying the agent is also more straightforward in Symantec Proxy.""The tool's most valuable features are content-to-content filtration and SCCM protection."

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Cons
"The stability depends on the service from where you access it. Because sometimes, the place you are in, you have Gateway. You don't have Gateway. The gateway is overutilized. At the end, you need to go through their gateways. And this is the key point here. You have a tracking point. If it's not well orchestrated, and it scales up as you add more to the existing team, you will suffer""We just submitted an enhancement request reflecting the main area we want to see improvement in; the APIs. Currently, we're able to build dashboards, but it's somewhat backward because we use our MDM API to create them. Lookout should provide API to customers so we can query our data and use it in our cloud, and this is the only outstanding area for improvement with the product right now.""Lookout was moving into the SSE space. And so their work on SecureWeb Gateway and SD-WAN is still sort of evolving.""From the analysis that we've done, they do seem to be maybe a step behind in trying to enter the market with a new solution. But when they do pick up, they do come out with some good products."

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"But the deployment could be easier. It might take from one day to three days. Usually, that involves an engineer from the vendor and a working team at the enterprise.""The reporting must be improved.""To access the root of the product for troubleshooting you must have a data engineer. This is the big issue with Forcepoint. The support community is not good.""The Sandbox solution should be integrated with the NIST to handle whatever new vulnerabilities or new sites are identified as potential threats.""A room for improvement in Forcepoint Secure Web Gateway is the support it offers. It's very bad. What I'd like to see in the next release of the product is for it to be less complicated because at the moment Forcepoint Secure Web Gateway is more complicated than other products. Sometimes issues come up that you can't solve without the support team. For example, you should write the root password to fix the issue. In the next release of the product, it would be good if it had an easy-to-use interface. Troubleshooting issues in Forcepoint Secure Web Gateway should be less complicated as well.""There should be more hardware models available and the application control could improve.""The firewall doesn't have any features because some customers are requesting they will install the firewall without licensing. At this time we cannot go further without licensing. Licensing is a must with Forcepoint Web Security firewalls.""The reporting could be improved."

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"The initial setup can be somewhat complex, and deploying the system can take some time.""There are performance issues with all of the proxies.""Improvements in log availability would greatly enhance its overall effectiveness.""One area for improvement in Symantec is the lack of a reporting server or dashboard integration with SIM.""Support response time and case resolution could be improved.""The platform's pricing needs improvement.""The solution is quite complex.""The user interface could be improved, and the price could be lower as well."

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Pricing and Cost Advice
  • "The pricing is fair; it's comparable to our previous solution, and we carried out multiple POCs and POVs (proof of value). The product is worth the money we pay for it."
  • "Lookout is definitely on the lower end when it comes to price point and that seems to be the only differentiator. The technology is in place in this space and it's really about who is coming in at the better price point now."
  • "In terms of feature performance versus cost, they're a good value."
  • "The licensing costs are good. Prisma has much more options and support for security, but it has a higher cost. For example, Lookout costs 2/3rd of Prisma's licensing price."
  • More Lookout Pricing and Cost Advice →

  • "Expensive, but with a good reseller you can get a very good price."
  • "It is a well-priced option."
  • "It is quite expensive."
  • "The pricing on Forcepoint Web Security is fair. Fair pricing at current market rates, if you are comparing with the competition."
  • "The licensing is not expensive."
  • "The price of this product should be reduced to make it more competitive."
  • "Licensing is flexible. License pricing information is based on the customer, their environment, and on the future approach."
  • "The solution is priced a little high compare to similar solutions."
  • More Forcepoint Secure Web Gateway Pricing and Cost Advice →

  • "In terms of cost, it is expensive. Its pricing has been a challenge for us since its acquisition by Broadcom."
  • "It's expensive. Clients often go to other products."
  • "Licensing is based on a subscription."
  • "The price is too expensive compared with that of another solution."
  • "There are no licensing fees required."
  • "There is a license needed to use Symantec Proxy."
  • "Our cost was based on a three-year upfront CapEx contract."
  • "Symantec Proxy has different expiry dates and renewal dates, which is a problem, so Broadcom should improve the licensing renewal process for the solution."
  • More Symantec Proxy Pricing and Cost Advice →

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    Questions from the Community
    Top Answer:The licensing costs are good. Prisma has much more options and support for security, but it has a higher cost. For… more »
    Top Answer:The solution could improve identity integration as well. Zero trust, it's a good start as a zero-trust solution… more »
    Top Answer:The product's user management is an area where my company does not face any challenges.
    Top Answer:Compared to the other products in the market, Forcepoint Secure Web Gateway can be a cost-effective tool. My company… more »
    Top Answer:If there is a category of generative AI or GenAI, it is not a very detailed category, as there are many AI-based sites… more »
    Top Answer:The tool's most valuable features are content-to-content filtration and SCCM protection.
    Top Answer:The solution is very expensive. I rate the pricing a nine out of ten. The price is an issue for our customers… more »
    Top Answer:Symantec Proxy needs to include content management capabilities.
    Comparisons
    Also Known As
    CipherCloud
    Forcepoint SWG, Websense Web Security, Forcepoint TRITON
    Blue Coat Encrypted Traffic Management, ProxySG Appliance
    Learn More
    Overview

    Lookout is a well-established and powerful secure web gateway (SWG) solution that protects more than 200 million users from threats that can result from the penetration of unsecured web traffic into their networks. Lookout is designed to enable organizations to work remotely while maintaining a tight blanket of security over their confidential business data. It provides administrators with security that extends from their endpoints to the cloud service that they are using to run their organization’s network. 

    Users of Lookout are able to proactively detect threats and keep themselves secure from a field of threats that constantly evolves. IT teams can protect their organizations without having to rely on any other security solutions. This singular solution can run on multiple kinds of mobile devices. The privacy of individuals is preserved while keeping compliance rules intact. Additionally, users gain access to a number of tools that enable them to prevent security breaches from taking place.

    Lookout Benefits

    Some of the ways that organizations can benefit by deploying Lookout include:

    • Ease of deployment. Lookout is a solution whose design makes it easy for users to deploy it. It provides users with simple, step-by-step instructions that remove the need for organizations to devote extensive amounts of time to make sure that it is properly set up. Anyone can quickly set up the solution without undergoing technical training. 
    • Built-in support. Users of the Lookout application have access to built-in demos that can teach them how to use various solution features. Instead of spending time trying to figure out the application, users can watch the demo that is most relevant to them and see for themselves how that particular feature is used.
    • Easy-to-use user interface. Lookout’s user interface is laid out in an intuitive way that makes it easy for administrators to navigate. This interface is present in both the mobile and desktop versions of this solution. 
    • Settings customization. Lookout has a built-in settings customization menu. This makes it possible for administrators to easily customize their settings so that they best conform to their needs. 

    Lookout Features

    • Activity monitoring and activity tracking. Lookout’s activity monitoring and activity tracking capabilities enable users to keep a close eye on the activities that are taking place in their networks. IT teams and administrators have the ability to watch their networks for any unusual activity. These features ensure that organizations can keep ahead of any potential threats. They provide the kinds of insights and warnings that make the jobs of those IT teams and administrators much easier and more streamlined. 
    • Encryption. Organizations that employ Lookout can encrypt their networks and keep crucial business data from being read by unauthorized parties. This feature keeps the secrets organizations are trying to keep out of the wrong hands.
    • Anti-virus tools. Lookout provides users with tools to block threats from harming their networks. These tools can successfully block 99.6 percent of threats without raising false alarms. 

    Forcepoint Secure Web Gateway is a secure web gateway (SWG) tool that provides multiple forms of protection against malware, including blocking categories of websites, inline scanning of downloaded files, and zero trust-based advanced threat protection. The solution monitors and controls any interaction with any website, including blocking access to websites based on category and risk score, blocking download of malware, blocking upload of sensitive data to personal file sharing accounts, and detecting shadow IT.

    Forcepoint Secure Web Gateway Features

    Forcepoint Secure Web Gateway has many valuable key features. Some of the most useful ones include:

    • Real-time traffic inspection
    • Protection for off-grid workers
    • Time and content-based access
    • Data leak prevention
    • SCIM provisioning
    • Data-in-motion scanning
    • Connection policies
    • Content policies
    • RBI profiles
    • Discovery dashboard
    • Bypass prevention
    • Unified on-device agent
    • Field Programmable SASE Logic (FPSL)

    Forcepoint Secure Web Gateway Benefits

    There are many benefits to implementing Forcepoint Secure Web Gateway. Some of the biggest advantages the solution offers include:

    • Fast: The solution is high speed with on-device enforcement. Traffic is routed directly to its destination. In addition, you will experience fewer bottlenecks and choke points.
    • Flexible: Forcepoint Secure Web Gateway is designed to automatically scale up or down with traffic needs. It is also flexible because it is hosted on AWS in more than 300 data centers.
    • Advanced DLP capabilities: The solution’s advanced DLP capabilities keep sensitive information from leaking out onto websites to provide consistent protection and simplify management.
    • Streamlined security: Forcepoint Secure Web Gateway is part of Forcepoint ONE, a Security Service Edge (SSE) cloud-native platform that provides secure access to web, cloud, and private apps while connecting users directly to websites so you can skip the data center.
    • Unified administrator console: You can use the solution’s unified administrator console to reduce repetitive and redundant configuration management.

    Reviews from Real Users

    Forcepoint Secure Web Gateway is a solution that stands out when compared to many of its competitors. Some of its major advantages are that it has strong reporting capabilities, good URL filtering, and can retrieve and analyze lost data when necessary.

    Shipra G., Service Delivery Manager at Paramount Computer Systems, says, “The reporting part of it is pretty awesome. With the reporting, you can drill down effectively. It gives us a lot of power to really look into what we are looking for. That is one very crucial feature. In the remote filtering part, the agent that they have on Forcepoint is pretty light. That also is a very, very good feature that we look into and sell.”

    Mohammed S., Security Engineer at Futuretec, writes, "The most valuable feature for me in Forcepoint Secure Web Gateway is URL filtering, though all other features of the product are okay as well."

    Arvind K., Director at Foresight Software Solutions Pvt Ltd., says, “They have well-integrated web security. They have the enterprise DLP included in the cloud as well.”

    An Ict Help Desk Administrator Individual Contributor at a transportation company states, “The most valuable feature of Forcepoint Secure Web Gateway is the ability to retrieve and analyze lost data. It also allows us to detect and prevent the release of all messages and to take appropriate actions in consequence.”

    Symantec Proxy is designed to provide web security, web access control, and secure web gateway functionalities for organizations. It helps protect against web-based threats, enforce web usage policies, and provide secure access to internet resources.

    Symantec Proxy Benefits:

    • Easy to use
    • Comprehensive security features
    • Ability to block malicious websites and applications
    • Efficient management of network traffic
    • Scalable and compatible with various operating systems and devices
    • Highly rated customer support and technical assistance

    Symantec Proxy Features:

    • Web Filtering: Symantec Proxy offers web filtering capabilities to control and manage web access based on predefined categories or custom policies.
      1. Malware Protection: The solution incorporates malware detection and prevention mechanisms to identify and block web-based threats, such as malware, viruses, and phishing attacks. 
      2. URL Filtering: Symantec Proxy uses URL filtering to categorize and assess the reputation of web domains and URLs in real-time. 
      3. SSL/TLS Inspection: The proxy solution supports SSL/TLS decryption and inspection to examine encrypted web traffic for potential threats or policy violations. 
      4. Data Loss Prevention (DLP): Symantec Proxy may include data loss prevention capabilities to prevent the unauthorized exfiltration of sensitive data through web channels. 
      5. User Authentication and Access Control: The solution supports user authentication and access control mechanisms to enforce user-based policies and provide secure internet access.
      6. Reporting and Analytics: Symantec Proxy provides reporting and analytics capabilities to monitor web usage, user activities, security events, and compliance violations.

      Reviews from Real Users

      Below are some reviews and helpful feedback written by Symantec Proxy users. 

      PeerSpot user, Consultant at a financial services firm, says that Symantec Proxy "...enables us to manage bandwidth for users based on their privilege levels. For example, if a user wants to use a certain application or resource, we can provide access based on their privileges."

      PeerSpot user, General Manager & founder at a engineering company, writes that Symantec Proxy has "A complex deployment, no proper user reporting, and a proxy component that works."

      Muhammad Salahuddin, Unit Head - Network and Security Solutions at FPM Solutions, states that Symantec Proxy has "Good URL filtering but is expensive and doesn't have good technical support services."

        Sample Customers
        Adventist Health, Alphawest, Amadori, Anoka County, Compartamos Banco, Davies Turner, EverBank, iGATE, Karlstad Municipality, Lake Michigan Credit Union, Scavolini, Smurfit Kappa, Toyota
        Jefferies
        Top Industries
        VISITORS READING REVIEWS
        Computer Software Company19%
        Financial Services Firm10%
        Manufacturing Company10%
        Government6%
        REVIEWERS
        Computer Software Company26%
        Financial Services Firm15%
        Energy/Utilities Company11%
        Integrator7%
        VISITORS READING REVIEWS
        Computer Software Company17%
        Financial Services Firm13%
        Government9%
        Manufacturing Company6%
        REVIEWERS
        Financial Services Firm42%
        Comms Service Provider17%
        Government8%
        Marketing Services Firm8%
        VISITORS READING REVIEWS
        Computer Software Company16%
        Financial Services Firm14%
        Manufacturing Company11%
        Government7%
        Company Size
        VISITORS READING REVIEWS
        Small Business22%
        Midsize Enterprise16%
        Large Enterprise62%
        REVIEWERS
        Small Business40%
        Midsize Enterprise10%
        Large Enterprise50%
        VISITORS READING REVIEWS
        Small Business22%
        Midsize Enterprise18%
        Large Enterprise59%
        REVIEWERS
        Small Business33%
        Midsize Enterprise11%
        Large Enterprise56%
        VISITORS READING REVIEWS
        Small Business17%
        Midsize Enterprise18%
        Large Enterprise66%
        Buyer's Guide
        Forcepoint Secure Web Gateway vs. Symantec Proxy
        March 2024
        Find out what your peers are saying about Forcepoint Secure Web Gateway vs. Symantec Proxy and other solutions. Updated: March 2024.
        767,995 professionals have used our research since 2012.

        Forcepoint Secure Web Gateway is ranked 6th in Secure Web Gateways (SWG) with 47 reviews while Symantec Proxy is ranked 15th in Secure Web Gateways (SWG) with 18 reviews. Forcepoint Secure Web Gateway is rated 7.8, while Symantec Proxy is rated 7.2. The top reviewer of Forcepoint Secure Web Gateway writes "Simple to set up, reliable, and offers great reporting". On the other hand, the top reviewer of Symantec Proxy writes "A user-friendly solution with good technical support". Forcepoint Secure Web Gateway is most compared with Zscaler Internet Access, Cisco Umbrella, Fortinet FortiProxy, Fortinet FortiGate SWG and Cisco Web Security Appliance, whereas Symantec Proxy is most compared with Skyhigh Security, Netskope Next Gen Secure Web Gateway, McAfee Web Gateway Cloud Service, Zscaler Internet Access and Trend Micro Web Security. See our Forcepoint Secure Web Gateway vs. Symantec Proxy report.

        See our list of best Secure Web Gateways (SWG) vendors.

        We monitor all Secure Web Gateways (SWG) reviews to prevent fraudulent reviews and keep review quality high. We do not post reviews by company employees or direct competitors. We validate each review for authenticity via cross-reference with LinkedIn, and personal follow-up with the reviewer when necessary.