Internet Content Filtering for WiFi Hotspots

A web content filter for guest WiFi is a mechanism through which organizations can protect their WiFi routers and their guests´ devices from online threats. Since it was first discovered that malicious software (“malware”) can travel through WiFi networks as quickly as the common cold can travel through a densely populated area, Internet content filtering for WiFi hotspots has been acknowledged as the most effective way to protect wireless networks from online threats. Content filters for Wi-Fi can also be configured to create a safer browsing environment for guests by blocking access to inappropriate content, and ensure every guest can access the Internet by limiting excessive bandwidth use as required.

WiFi hotspot filters do not guarantee a 100% secure environment, and user vigilance is still required. However, Internet content filtering for WiFi hotspots mitigates the risk from online threats by preventing access to websites that are known to harbor malware and those that disguise their true identity behind a proxy server.

In addition to making the online experience as safe as possible, WiFi hotspot filters also have commercial benefits for organizations operating a wireless network. Internet content filtering for WiFi hotspots can be used to enhance productivity in the workplace and to gain an insight into customer browsing activities.

Furthermore, Internet content filtering for WiFi hotspots is easy to implement, inexpensive to run and versatile. WiFi hotspot filters have a low maintenance overhead and can be applied to a nationwide network of wireless hotspots with no limit on the number of devices - or type of devices - connected to them. 

How WiFi Hotspot Filters Work

WiFi hotspot filters typically use three mechanisms to protect wireless networks and the devices connected to them - blacklists, category filters and keyword filters. Blacklists are usually supplied and updated by the filtering service vendor. These contain lists of websites with vulnerabilities that have been exploited by hackers to install malware.

Category filters block access to websites within preset and customizable categories. The preset categories can include anything from pornography to online shopping, and whereas the websites that fall within each category is determined by the filtering service vendor, it is the decision of each organization which categories they want to enforce and who to.

Keyword filters enable organizations to fine-tune their WiFi hotspot filters. Keywords can be used to block access to webpages containing certain words, specific web applications or file types most commonly associated with malware downloads. Keyword filters are assigned by each individual organization, but a filtering service vendor will be able to provide advice on what keywords will mitigate each risk.

WiFi hotspot filters work by comparing a request to visit a website against its blacklists, category filters and keyword filters. Requests can be made by either clicking on a link or typing in a URL. Access to the requested website is allowed or denied depending on the parameters that have been set up within the filter. If the request is denied, the user making the request will see an explanation informing them why.

The Benefits of Internet Content Filtering for WiFi Hotspots

There are multiple benefits of Internet content filtering for WiFi hotspots. By blocking access to websites disguising their true identity, WiFi hotspot filters thwart most phishing campaigns. They can prevent surveillance software from being downloaded - the type of malware that records usernames and passwords - and ransomware that encrypts a user´s device until a ransom is paid for the encryption key.

In businesses that provide a wireless Internet service for their employees, access to non-work related websites can be blocked during working hours - enhancing productivity, avoiding potential HR issues and creating a user-friendly working environment. In regulated industries, Internet content filtering for WiFi hotspots can also help comply with legislation such as HIPAA and CIPA.

Bandwidth issues can be eliminated with WiFi hotspot filters by setting a bandwidth limit for each user; and a comprehensive suite of reporting tools allows system administrators to identify new threats to their network security and attempts to circumnavigate the filtering parameters contrary to any acceptable use policies in place. The same reports can help organizations in the retail industry with their marketing efforts by revealing the browsing preferences of their customers.

Possibly the biggest commercial benefit for a retail organization is the safe and secure online environment it provides for its customers. While its competitors may not think anything of exposing customers to inappropriate material via its public unfiltered wireless network, organizations that implement Internet content filtering for WiFi hotspots - such as McDonalds and Starbucks - are showing their customers they care.

Introducing TitanHQ´s WiFi Hotspot Filters

TitanHQ´s WiFi hotspot filters - WebTitan Cloud for WiFi - are industry-leading solutions that can help mitigate the risk from online threats for your organization, your employees and your customers. Developed with compatibility, flexibility and scalability in mind, WebTitan Cloud for WiFi protects devices using any operating system in any location with imperceptible latency.

Being 100% cloud-based, WebTitan Cloud for WiFi can be implemented within minutes. All it takes is a redirection of the organization´s DNS to begin Internet content filtering for WiFi hotspots. There is no hardware to purchase or software to download. Furthermore - for larger organizations with a nationwide network of WiFi hotspots - TitanHQ´s WiFi hotspot filters support an unlimited number of devices in multiple locations.

Other features of WebTitan Cloud for WiFi include:

• Supports every operating system on every type of mobile device.
• Multi-lingual filtering to resist cyberattacks from overseas.
• Supports SSL inspection for secure, encrypted websites.
• No bandwidth limits beyond that provided by your ISP.
• Works with static and dynamic IP addresses.
• Highly granular controls include filtering by time.
• Web-based portal to implement category and keyword filters.
• Range of subscription options to suit every budget.
• Back end APIs for integration with LDAP, NetIQ and Active Directory.
• Available in while label format for MSPs and resellers.

Try Our Internet Content Filtering for WiFi Hotspots

Speak with TitanHQ about Internet content filtering for WiFi hotspots today and we will invite you to test WebTitan Cloud for WiFi free. Simply call the number most local to you from the selection at the foot of the page, and one of our friendly sales technicians will explain how our free trial works and what you need to do to take advantage of it.

Please note that there is no commitment or payment required from you in order to start your free trial of Internet content filtering for WiFi hotspots. Our free trial offer is intended to give you and your organization the opportunity to assess our WiFi hotspot filters in your own environment in order to see how they mitigate the risk from online threats, enhance workplace productivity, eliminate bandwidth issues, help compliance with industry legislation and show your customers that you care.