Protect the Use of Generative AI with Your Secure Web Gateway

Corey Kiesewetter

One day the seatbelt was invented, and cars – one of the more revolutionary technologies created – benefited greatly from improved safety.

We’re now nearing that point with another innovative darling: generative AI.

Companies that are using generative AI to transform workflows need to put new security measures in place to maintain visibility and control over their sensitive data. And much like the seatbelt, a Secure Web Gateway (SWG) is important for keeping everything inside the enterprise.

What is a Secure Web Gateway (SWG)?

A Secure Web Gateway acts as an inspection point for web traffic, allowing or blocking access to ensure that only safe and compliant data makes it through.

It determines which user groups can access which types of websites, and what types of data are allowed to be used there. In addition to halting the spread of malware and preventing exfiltration of sensitive data through access control, SWG solutions can enforce additional security measures such as coaching users toward safe and productive sites and away from risky ones.

Why Controlling Generative AI Use is Important

Generative AI, while offering myriad benefits, also poses unique challenges. These AI models can be a bit of a black box – what goes in can be impossible to get back out.

To mitigate these risks, organizations need more than just granular access controls; they need highly effective Data Loss Prevention (DLP) controls with in-line enforcement. In-line enforcement happens in real time so sensitive data can be stopped before it gets ingested into the AI data model.

Data Loss Prevention tools are designed to detect and prevent potential data breaches by monitoring and controlling the flow of sensitive information. When integrated with a SWG, DLP tools can provide real-time protection by ensuring that sensitive data does not leave the organization's secure perimeter.

Here’s an example of this in action for ChatGPT Enterprise:

Key Benefits of Using SWG with Generative AI

1. Enhanced Data Security

By incorporating a SWG with robust DLP capabilities, businesses can protect against accidental data exposure. This ensures that sensitive information, such as client details or proprietary data, remains secure.

2. Compliance Management

Many industries are governed by strict regulatory frameworks regarding data protection. A SWG helps maintain compliance by enforcing data protection policies and providing audit trails for regulatory requirements.

3. Controlled Access

SWGs allow organizations to implement granular access controls, ensuring that only authorized users can access specific generative AI tools. This reduces the risk of misuse and ensures that AI tools are used responsibly.

4. Real-time Monitoring

With real-time monitoring capabilities, a SWG can detect and block suspicious activities instantly. This proactive approach minimizes the risk of data breaches and other cyber threats.

5. Improved Productivity

While security is paramount, it's also essential to ensure that it doesn't hinder productivity. A SWG provides a seamless user experience by allowing safe and compliant access to generative AI tools without interrupting workflows.

Securing GenAI With SWG

Take the first step towards securing your generative AI initiatives today. Learn more about how Forcepoint ONE Web Security can safeguard your business and provide peace of mind.

Corey Kiesewetter
Corey Kiesewetter is Forcepoint’s Sr. Product Manager for cloud security products, with a focus on SASE and Zero Trust applications. Corey has been directly helping IT practitioners realize best practices in data-center operations the past decade and holds a degree in Philosophy from the University of Texas.
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