Best Practices For Using Symantec Web Security Service For Maximum Protection
Symantec Web Security Service provides a cloud-delivered secure web gateway that protects users and data from cyber threats. Symantec has been a trusted name in the cybersecurity industry for many years, and this service is no exception. Here are some best practices for using Symantec Web Security Service for maximum protection.
1. Enable HTTPS Inspection
HTTPS inspection allows the Symantec Web Security Service to see the encrypted traffic inside SSL/TLS sessions. This enables the service to detect and block threats that would otherwise be hidden in encrypted traffic. Enabling HTTPS inspection is a critical step in maximizing the protection provided by Symantec Web Security Service.
2. Configure Policies Based on User and Group
To increase the effectiveness of Symantec Web Security Service, it is recommended to configure policies based on user and group. This enables the service to apply different policies to different user groups, which can be based on department, role, or other criteria. By doing this, you can fine-tune the level of protection provided to different segments of your organization.
3. Use the Cloud Service for Mobile Users
Symantec Web Security Service provides a cloud service that can be used by mobile users. This ensures that users are protected even when they are not on your corporate network. This is especially important for organizations with a mobile workforce or that have employees who work remotely.
4. Configure the Service to Block Malicious Content
Symantec Web Security Service can be configured to block websites and files that are known to be malicious. This ensures that malware is not able to enter your network through web traffic. Regular updates to the Malware Protection service ensure that the service is up-to-date with the latest threats.
5. Use the Advanced Threat Protection Service
The Symantec Web Security Service offers an Advanced Threat Protection service that provides additional protection against advanced threats. This includes sandboxing, which allows suspicious files to be detonated in a contained environment to determine if they are malicious. This service is recommended for organizations that are concerned about advanced threats.
6. Configure the Service to Block Access to Unapproved Cloud Applications
Many users utilize cloud-based applications for file-sharing, collaboration, and other purposes. However, not all of these applications may be approved by your organization. Symantec Web Security Service can be configured to block access to unapproved cloud applications, ensuring that sensitive information does not leave your network through these channels.
7. Use the Reporting Features to Monitor Usage and Threats
The Symantec Web Security Service provides robust reporting features that enable you to monitor usage and threat activity. Use these features to track usage patterns, detect potential threats, and analyze security incidents. This information can be used to refine policies and increase the effectiveness of the service.
8. Implement Multi-Factor Authentication
Implementing multi-factor authentication can help to prevent unauthorized access to the Symantec Web Security Service. This ensures that only authorized users are able to modify policies and settings for the service. Multi-factor authentication can help to increase the security of your organization and prevent unauthorized changes to the service.
9. Regularly Review and Update Policies
Regularly reviewing and updating policies is critical to ensuring the effectiveness of the Symantec Web Security Service. By regularly reviewing policies, you can ensure that they align with the needs of your organization and industry best practices. Updating policies can help to address new threats and refine the level of protection provided.
10. Provide Ongoing Training for Users
Providing ongoing training for users is critical to ensuring that the Symantec Web Security Service is used effectively. Train users on how to identify and report potential threats, how to use the service effectively, and how to avoid common security pitfalls. Ongoing training can help to increase the effectiveness of the service and reduce the risk of security incidents.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q. What is Symantec Web Security Service?
A. Symantec Web Security Service is a cloud-delivered secure web gateway that provides protection from cyber threats.
Q. What is HTTPS Inspection?
A. HTTPS inspection allows the Symantec Web Security Service to see the encrypted traffic inside SSL/TLS sessions.
Q. What is Advanced Threat Protection?
A. Advanced Threat Protection is a service provided by Symantec Web Security Service that provides additional protection against advanced threats.
Q. What types of cloud applications can Symantec Web Security Service block?
A. Symantec Web Security Service can be configured to block access to unapproved cloud applications, which includes file-sharing, collaboration, and other types of applications.
Q. How can I monitor usage and threat activity with Symantec Web Security Service?
A. Symantec Web Security Service provides robust reporting features that enable you to monitor usage and threat activity.
Q. Why is multi-factor authentication important?
A. Multi-factor authentication can help to prevent unauthorized access to the Symantec Web Security Service.
Q. How often should policies be reviewed and updated?
A. Policies should be reviewed and updated regularly to ensure their effectiveness.
Q. How can ongoing training for users increase the effectiveness of Symantec Web Security Service?
A. Ongoing training can help to increase awareness of potential security threats and reduce the risk of security incidents.
Conclusion
The Symantec Web Security Service is a valuable tool for protecting your organization from cyber threats. By following these best practices, you can maximize the effectiveness of the service and ensure your organization remains secure. Remember to regularly review policies, train users, and keep up-to-date with the latest threats to ensure the best protection possible.
