Does Web Protect replace my next-generation firewall?

It depends on which next‑generation firewall features you rely on. SC//Connect Web Protect provides many of the core capabilities organizations expect from a next‑generation firewall, including cloud‑based policy control, application and URL filtering, and simplified management across all sites. For environments that require deeper inspection and advanced threat protection, SC//Connect Network Protect can be added to deliver enterprise‑grade security as part of a layered SASE architecture.

Does Network Protect include the same web-filtering functionality as Web Protect?

No, Web Protect and Network Protect provide different layers of security that work together. Web Protect delivers cloud-based URL and application filtering, allowing organizations to control access to websites and enforce policies across all sites. Network Protect adds an advanced layer of security using deep content inspection to enhance traffic protection and strengthen overall network security. For a complete Firewall-as-a-Service experience, Web Protect and Network Protect are designed to be used together as a layered SASE solution.

Does Web Protect support co-managed and fully managed IT environments?

Yes, Web Protect is an extension of the SC//Connect cloud-managed SD-WAN which includes centralized management through the Cloud Orchestrator. Role-based access gives business IT teams the flexibility to enjoy Web Protect as part of a fully managed service, or they choose to retain whatever level of visibility and control fits their needs.

What is the difference between Web Protect and Network Protect?

Web Protect and Network Protect are complementary security layers within the SC//Connect platform. Web Protect focuses on cloud-based policy control, including URL and application filtering, along with centralized firewall management across all sites—helping organizations enforce access policies with simplicity and consistency. Network Protect adds an advanced layer of security using deep content inspection to strengthen traffic protection and enhance overall network security. Together, they deliver a layered SASE solution that combines centralized control with deeper inspection for improved security.

Do I need to be an SC//Connect SD-WAN customer to buy Web Protect?

Yes. For new SC//Connect™ Business or SC//Connect™ Enterprise customers, you can simply add Web Protect. Web Protect can be added either during the initial SD-WAN purchase or as an upgrade to your existing SD-WAN. For existing customers, a firmware upgrade may be required. Check with your SD-WAN solution provider or contact us for details.

Can I still use SC//Connect SD-WAN to breakout traffic at the edge with Web Protect?

Yes, local internet breakout can be enabled for selected applications. Using application‑aware policies, known SaaS traffic can be routed directly to the internet from the edge to reduce costs and maximize available bandwidth. However, this traffic bypasses the SD‑WAN tunnel and Web Protect security layer, which may reduce overall security for those applications. Unknown or unmanaged traffic continues to be routed through the SD‑WAN cloud, where Web Protect can inspect, filter, and enforce security policies.

SC//Connect™ Web Protect

Firewall-as-a-Service with cloud-based URL and web filtering

Web Protect adds a centralized policy control layer to SC//Connect™ secure SD-WAN solutions, combining cloud‑based URL and application filtering with multi‑site firewall orchestration through the cloud orchestrator. This enhancement adds an extra layer of network security with centralized policy control that saves time, reduces complexity, and improves consistency across SD-WAN sites.

Simplicity and performance in one solution

Web Protect adds a powerful security layer to the SC//Connect platform that delivers URL and application filtering to block malicious or inappropriate destinations. Additionally, Web Protect includes centralized firewall policy control through the cloud orchestrator, empowering you to author, version, and push firewall policies across multiple SD-WAN sites from one place. The result: greater network security control, consistent enforcement, fewer repetitive change tickets, and meaningful time savings for lean IT and MSP teams—all without reducing performance.

Secure Perimeter

Our base level of SD-WAN protection creates a private network using private IP addressing to reduce network exposure, along with encrypted connectivity and edge firewall controls to block unauthorized traffic.

Cloud-Based URL Filtering

Web Protect adds cloud-based web filtering that instantly blocks access to any malicious, unauthorized or unknown websites.

Firewall Orchestration

Web protect includes intuitive, centralized orchestration that simplifies firewall policy management across multiple SD-WAN sites.

Overcoming the limitations of branch office firewalls

Organizations have historically relied on branch office firewalls for URL filtering, but they can be expensive to set up and maintain. Due to the cost of firewalls and the complexity of configuration and firmware updates, the vast majority of SME networks are exposed to web‑based security threats.

SC//Connect SD-WAN provides a base layer of network security with private IP addressing to reduce exposure, supported by encryption and a stateful firewall at the edge to block unauthorized access. Web Protect adds a centralized, cloud‑based policy control layer with URL and application filtering, ensuring consistent enforcement across all sites without ongoing maintenance.

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Explore Web Protect: Simplicity, Security and Performance

How to buy Web Protect

Web Protect works as an extension of SC//Connect SD-WAN products. It’s sold as a simple add-on subscription for any new or existing SC//Connect Business or SC//Connect Enterprise customers. An upgrade may be required for existing customers to ensure they are running a Web Protect compatible version of our SD-WAN software.

As with all SC//Connect products, Web Protect is sold exclusively through our global network of certified SD-WAN solution providers. Contact us today to find an SD-WAN provider near you.

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