Blue Coat ProxySG

Basic Information

Broadcom Blue Coat ProxySG is a secure web gateway solution designed for web security and WAN optimization. It functions as a foundational element of enterprise security architectures, providing comprehensive protection against web-based threats and enhancing application performance.

• Model: ProxySG is available in various hardware appliance models (e.g., SG 300-5, S200, S400, S500, SG 9000 series), virtual appliances (e.g., VA-100, SG-VA), and cloud services.
• Version: The operating system is SGOS, a custom, object-based OS. The latest stable long-term release is SGOS 7.4 LTR.
• Release Date: SGOS 7.4 LTR was generally available on July 8, 2023. Specific hardware models have varied release dates.
• Minimum Requirements: For virtual appliances (VA-100), minimum requirements include a single core CPU, 4 GB of RAM, and 200 GB of disk space. Hardware appliance requirements vary significantly by model.
• Supported Operating Systems: The appliance runs on its proprietary SGOS. Virtual deployments are supported on VMware ESX or ESXi environments.
• Latest Stable Version: SGOS 7.4 LTR.
• End of Support Date: The End of Life (EOL) announcement date for SGOS 7.3 is December 31, 2024. Customers typically have two years from this date to upgrade to SGOS 7.4 LTR. Hardware EOL dates are model-specific; for instance, the SG510 has no support after its EOL date, while limited extended support may be available for models like the SG810, SG900, and SG9000.
• End of Life Date: EOL dates are specific to hardware models and software versions. SGOS 7.3 EOL announcement is December 31, 2024.
• Auto-update Expiration Date: Not explicitly specified, but tied to the end of support and end of life cycles for software versions.
• License Type: Licensing is typically subscription-based for features like SSL-encrypted traffic visibility and for virtual appliance user increments. Hardware appliances can be licensed with either the Proxy or MACH5 edition of SGOS.
• Deployment Model: Deployable as a physical hardware appliance, a virtual machine (VM), or a cloud service. Deployment modes include explicit proxy, transparent proxy (in-path, WCCP redirection, virtually inline), and one-arm proxy.

Technical Requirements

Technical specifications vary widely across the ProxySG product line, designed to meet diverse enterprise needs from small remote offices to carrier-grade deployments.

• RAM: Ranges from 2 GB for entry-level models (e.g., SG 300-5) to 64 GB for high-end appliances (e.g., SG 9000). Virtual appliances (VA-100) require at least 4 GB.
• Processor: Virtual appliances require at least a single core CPU. Hardware appliances utilize multi-core, multi-processor architectures, often Intel processors with AES-NI for accelerated encryption.
• Storage: Entry-level hardware models may include a single 250 GB HDD. Mid-range models feature multiple 1 TB HDDs, while high-end models can have up to 15 1 TB disk drives. Virtual appliances require 200 GB of disk space. Some models (S200/S400/S500) feature hot-swappable SAS drives.
• Display: Not applicable; management is typically performed via a web-based console.
• Ports: Connectivity options include 10/100/1000 Mbps Ethernet ports and 1 Gb and 10 Gb copper or fiber interfaces, depending on the model. Dedicated management ports are also available.
• Operating System: SGOS, a proprietary operating system optimized for web object processing.

Analysis of Technical Requirements

The ProxySG series offers a scalable range of hardware and virtual solutions, allowing organizations to select configurations that align with their specific user counts and performance demands. The architecture is designed for high performance and reliability, with multi-core processors and optimized SGOS. Virtual appliance options provide flexibility for integration into existing virtualized infrastructures.

Support & Compatibility

Broadcom (formerly Symantec/Blue Coat) provides comprehensive support for ProxySG products, including clear lifecycle policies and resources for administrators.

• Latest Version: SGOS 7.4 LTR, released July 8, 2023.
• OS Support: The appliance runs on its proprietary SGOS. Virtual appliances are compatible with VMware ESX/ESXi environments.
• End of Support Date: SGOS 7.3 EOL announcement is December 31, 2024, with a recommended upgrade path to SGOS 7.4 LTR within two years. Hardware EOL dates are model-specific, with some older models having limited or no support after their EOL.
• Localization: Documentation and management interfaces are primarily in English. Specific localization options are not broadly detailed.
• Available Drivers: As a self-contained appliance, external drivers are generally not applicable or required for its core functionality.

Analysis of Overall Support & Compatibility Status

Broadcom maintains a structured support lifecycle for ProxySG software and hardware, emphasizing upgrades to newer long-term releases to ensure continued security and functionality. The availability of administrator certification programs (BCCPA, BCCPP) underscores a commitment to enabling proficient management and operation of the systems. Compatibility with virtual environments like VMware provides deployment flexibility.

Security Status

Broadcom Blue Coat ProxySG offers a robust suite of security features to protect web communications and data.

• Security Features: Includes user authentication, web filtering, data loss prevention (DLP), deep inspection firewall capabilities, and malware protection. It leverages WebPulse Collaborative Defense for real-time threat intelligence and "negative-day defense" to prevent zero-day exploits. The SSL Proxy and optional Encrypted Tap feature provide visibility into SSL-encrypted traffic for inspection and analysis. Advanced features include client certificate support, user and group-based SSL interception, and a web application firewall for reverse proxy deployments.
• Known Vulnerabilities: Historically, ProxySG has been subject to various vulnerabilities, including those related to bundled OpenSSL versions (e.g., CVE-2016-9097, CVE-2023-48795). Other reported issues include improper user authorization, open redirect vulnerabilities, and cross-site scripting (XSS). Broadcom regularly releases updates to address these.
• Blacklist Status: The appliance itself does not have a "blacklist status" in the traditional sense, but it utilizes the Global Intelligence Network to block known malicious sites and content.
• Certifications: Certain ProxySG models, such as the S400, are FIPS 140-2 Level 2 validated. SSL Visibility Appliances also achieve FIPS 140-2 Level 2 certification.
• Encryption Support: Comprehensive SSL Proxy functionality allows for decryption and inspection of SSL/TLS traffic. It supports various ciphers and includes hardware-assisted encryption and decryption for performance.
• Authentication Methods: Supports a wide range of authentication methods, including Integrated Windows Authentication (IWA) (Direct or via BCAAA), LDAP, RADIUS, SAML, NTLM, and Kerberos, often providing single sign-on (SSO) capabilities.
• General Recommendations: Regular updates to the latest SGOS versions are crucial for mitigating known vulnerabilities. Implementing strong authentication policies and leveraging SSL interception are recommended to enhance overall security posture.

Analysis on the Overall Security Rating

The ProxySG offers a high level of web security through its extensive feature set, including advanced threat intelligence, zero-day protection, and deep inspection of encrypted traffic. While vulnerabilities have emerged over time, Broadcom provides patches and updates. The availability of FIPS certifications and robust authentication options further solidifies its security standing, making it a strong choice for enterprise web security.

Performance & Benchmarks

Broadcom Blue Coat ProxySG is engineered for high performance and efficiency, balancing comprehensive security with optimal application delivery.

• Benchmark Scores: Early performance tests (2004) demonstrated that ProxySG 400 and 800 models significantly outperformed Microsoft ISA Server, handling a higher percentage of requests under heavy load (up to 99.7% vs. 12-25% for ISA Server).
• Real-world Performance Metrics: Users report improved internet access performance and reduced bandwidth consumption after deployment. The S200, S400, and S500 series provide scalable throughput, with some models offering up to 1 Gbps for high availability. Features like content caching, traffic optimization, and advanced bandwidth management (including streaming media splitting) contribute to enhanced application performance.
• Power Consumption: Power supplies are rated for efficiency, with S200 models using Power80 Silver, S400 Power80 Gold, and S500 Power80 Platinum. Newer hardware designs are noted for being smaller, lighter, and producing lower noise levels, indicating improved energy efficiency and a lower Total Cost of Ownership (TCO).
• Carbon Footprint: While specific carbon footprint metrics are not detailed, the focus on power efficiency and reduced hardware footprint suggests a lower environmental impact compared to less optimized solutions.
• Comparison with Similar Assets: ProxySG is recognized as a leading Secure Web Gateway solution, chosen by a significant portion of Fortune 500 companies. It is distinguished by its ability to deliver both comprehensive web security and WAN optimization without compromising performance, a common trade-off in other solutions.

Analysis of the Overall Performance Status

The ProxySG consistently delivers strong performance, excelling in web security, content caching, and WAN optimization. Its architecture, including SGOS and multi-core hardware, is optimized for efficient web object processing and high throughput. Performance innovations lead to reduced hardware, rack space, and power requirements, contributing to a favorable TCO. While older feedback suggested some slowness in real-time threat management updates, the overall performance for its core functions remains a significant strength.

User Reviews & Feedback

User feedback highlights the ProxySG's effectiveness in its primary roles, alongside some areas for potential improvement.

• Strengths: Users frequently praise its ease of deployment and management, particularly for its core functions like URL filtering, instant messaging control, streaming control, and bandwidth management. It is noted for improving internet access performance and reducing bandwidth usage. The robust capabilities, including user authentication, web filtering, data loss prevention, SSL visibility, and content caching, are highly valued. Its secure and stable design means it rarely requires extensive patching or attention.
• Weaknesses: Some older feedback indicated a perceived slowness in updating for real-time threat management. Users have also expressed desires for features like inbuilt queuing for Quality of Service and improved automation capabilities, particularly concerning IP address assignment. There has been some sentiment that while marketed as an "all-in-one" solution, its most effective services might be more focused than the broad marketing suggests.
• Recommended Use Cases: The ProxySG is highly recommended as a secure web gateway, for web filtering, proxy services, application delivery acceleration, and WAN optimization. It is suitable for organizations of all sizes, from small remote offices to large enterprises, seeking to protect against web-based threats and manage encrypted traffic.

Summary

Broadcom Blue Coat ProxySG is a mature and robust secure web gateway solution, widely adopted in enterprise environments for its comprehensive web security and WAN optimization capabilities. It is available as scalable hardware appliances, flexible virtual machines, and cloud services, catering to diverse deployment needs. The proprietary SGOS, with its latest 7.4 LTR version, forms the core of its operation, offering a custom-built, object-based operating system.

Key strengths include its powerful security features such as WebPulse Collaborative Defense for real-time threat intelligence, "negative-day defense" against zero-day exploits, and extensive SSL Proxy functionality for inspecting encrypted traffic. It supports a wide array of authentication methods, including IWA, LDAP, and SAML, facilitating integration into existing identity management systems. Performance benchmarks and user feedback consistently highlight its efficiency in improving internet access, reducing bandwidth, and accelerating application delivery, often outperforming competitors in core proxy functions.

However, like any complex security product, ProxySG has faced known vulnerabilities, particularly concerning its bundled OpenSSL components. This necessitates diligent patching and adherence to Broadcom's end-of-life and support policies for both software and hardware. Some users have also noted areas for improvement in advanced QoS features and automation.

Overall, ProxySG remains a strong contender for enterprises prioritizing web security, traffic management, and application performance. Its continuous development, certifications like FIPS 140-2, and established support ecosystem make it a reliable choice, provided organizations maintain up-to-date software and configurations.

Note: The information provided is based on publicly available data and may vary depending on specific device configurations. For up-to-date information, please consult official manufacturer resources.