Contents

Introduction

Prerequisites

Requirements

Components Used

Vmware ESXi

Download the Image

Installing SWA Setup

Related Information

Introduction

This document describes the steps required to install the Secure Web Appliance (SWA) on Vmware ESXi.

Prerequisites

Requirements

Cisco recommends that you have knowledge of these topics:

- SWA administration.

- Fundamental networking principles.

- Vmware ESXi administration.

Cisco recommends that you have:

- VmWare ESXi Installed.

- Administrative Access to the Vmware ESXi.

- Valid Cisco Account to Download the SWA Image file.

Components Used

This document is not restricted to specific software and hardware versions.

The information in this document was created from the devices in a specific lab environment. All of the devices used in this document started with a cleared (default) configuration. If your network is live, ensure that you understand the potential impact of any command.

Vmware ESXi

VMware ESXi is a high-performance, enterprise-class hypervisor developed by VMware that allows for the efficient creation and management of virtual machines directly on physical hardware. As a bare-metal hypervisor, ESXi operates without the need for an underlying operating system, resulting in streamlined performance and enhanced resource utilization. This makes it an ideal platform for hosting various types of virtualized applications and services, providing a stable and secure environment for enterprise IT infrastructure.

This article guides you through the step-by-step process of installing Cisco Web Security Appliance (WSA) on VMware ESXi. Cisco WSA is a comprehensive web security solution designed to protect organizations from a wide range of internet-based threats by monitoring and controlling web traffic. The detailed guide covers everything from the initial setup of the ESXi environment to the configuration of Cisco WSA, ensuring that your network is safeguarded with advanced web security capabilities. Whether you are new to virtualization or an experienced IT professional, this guide provides the necessary steps to successfully deploy Cisco WSA on ESXi.

Download the Image

To download the desired and latest SWA Images, use these steps:

Step 1. Navigate to https://software.cisco.com/.

Step 2. Log in with your Cisco Account.

Step 3. Choose Access Downloads.

Image - Cisco Software Central

Step 4. Search for "Secure Web Appliance Virtual".

Image- Search for Secure Web Appliance Virtual

Step 5. Choose AsyncOS for WSA.

Image - Choose AsyncOS for WSA

Step 6. Choose your desired version.

Step 7. Download the Virtual SWA Image file associated with the model you would like to install.

Image - Download the Image file

Installing SWA Setup

Use these steps to install the SWA on ESXi:

Step 1. Log in to the ESXi management console.

Step 2. Select "Virtual Machines" from the left menu.

Step 3. Choose Create / new Register VM.

Image - Create VM

Step 4. Choose Deploy a virtual machine from on OVF or OVA file and click Next.

Image - Choose Deploy a VM from OVA file

Step 5. Choose a Name for your virtual machine.

Step 6. Upload the .VMDK and .OVF files extracted from the Cisco Software Download portal package and click Next.

Image -Upload the OVF and VMDK Files to ESXi

Step 7. Select the Datastore you would like to host the new virtual machine files, then click Next.

Image - Select the Datastore

Step 8. Select the desired Virtual Switch for each Virtual Network Interface Card.

Step 9. Select Thick Disk Provisioning (is recommended for better performance), then click Next.

Image - Select the Virtual Switch and Provisioning Type

Step 10. Review the configuration, then click Finish.

Step 11. Wait for the tasks to finish. Review the progress from the Recent Tasks pane.

Image - Deployment Status

Tip: To setup the SWA kindly visit: Configure Secure Web Appliance Initial Setup

Related Information

- User Guide for AsyncOS 15.2 for Cisco Secure Web Appliance

- Cisco Secure Email and Web Virtual Appliance Installation Guide

- Configure Secure Web Appliance Initial Setup

- Configure Custom URL Categories in Secure Web Appliance - Cisco

- Use Secure Web Appliance Best Practices

- Configure Firewall for Secure Web Appliance

- Configure Decryption Certificate in Secure Web Appliance

- Configure and Troubleshoot SNMP in SWA

- Configure SCP Push Logs in Secure Web Appliance with Microsoft Server

- Enable Specific YouTube Channel/Video and Block Rest of YouTube in SWA

- Understand HTTPS Accesslog Format in Secure Web Appliance

- Access Secure Web Appliance Logs

- Bypass Authentication in Secure Web Appliance

- Block Traffic in Secure Web Appliance

- Bypass Microsoft Updates Traffic in Secure Web Appliance