Everything you need to know about website content filtering solutions
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Website Domain Name System (DNS) or content filtering solutions are an important tool for a business that has cybersecurity concerns. Content filtering software is used to screen and exclude access to sites that are questionable or undesirable, and it is used by both businesses and homeowners. These are often part of firewall security, and content filtering solutions can be hardware or software.
Some of the things that a home or business may choose to exclude using content filters include:
Content filtering is important because it can keep viruses from installing on computers, keeping your network safe. Malware can get installed on a computer by simply visiting a website that has it running in the background, through emails, and even through executable files.
While the junk mail folder can help mitigate some of the spam risks, there are still some fraudulent emails that manage to slip through the cracks and make it to your inbox; if you click a link, download a file, or even reply to the email, you could end up installing malware.
That is why content filters are so important; they can help block access to this kind of malicious content.
WebTitan is a Content Filtering Solution that protects businesses, employees & customers from malicious content. It's the best Web Content Filtering solution for small business to enterprises.
Book Free DemoThe way that content filtering solutions work is by establishing rules for the kinds of sites that the computer or network can visit. It uses keywords and other common things between sites to group content into different categories. These can include social media, sports, gambling, adult content, and even streaming.
The content filter then takes the different categories and blocks computers on the network from accessing them. Content filters are similar to parental controls, but they take things a step farther and join your antivirus protection to keep your system safer.
A content filter can be part of the computer’s hardware, it can be software that is installed on the system, or it can filter your internet through a cloud.
While some of content filtering overlaps with antivirus and firewall protections, it goes much further beyond standard antivirus software by blocking sites that you simply do not want people to access.
This can help boost productivity for a business since it keeps its employees off of distracting sites, and it keeps you from having your system slowed down by an employee accidentally downloading a trojan.
Content filtering solutions are also used by schools to keep students from visiting certain sites as part of the Children’s Internet Protection Act (CIPA). CIPA requires schools and libraries to keep children from accessing “obscene or harmful content over the Internet.”
WebTitan is a Content Filtering Solution that protects businesses, employees & customers from malicious content. It's the best Web Content Filtering solution for small business to enterprises.
Book Free DemoIn 2021, 74 percent of organizations had malware spread between employees; this is up 13 percent from 2020. Part of the reason that viruses are spreading and increasing is because of the COVID-19 pandemic.
With so many people working from home, their machines may be more vulnerable to attacks than they previously were. Plus, phishing has become much more sophisticated in recent years since people have started seeing patterns in hacking attempts and emails.
Ransomware is also on the rise, with 61 percent of organizations last year experiencing a ransomware attack that disrupted some of their business operations. With this many different threats out there that can destroy your system, it is crucial that you have a filter that protects you.
Typosquatting is also a highly common tactic that can get people. For example, if you are trying to visit PayPal, but you accidentally type in “PayPsl” instead and do not notice it, you might end up at a typosquatting site instead.
These sites are designed to look exactly the same as the original site you intended to visit, all with the intent of stealing your information.
If you do not have a reliable content filtering solution to keep you from visiting that site, you might be unknowingly handing over your PayPal login to a hacker.
WebTitan is a Content Filtering Solution that protects businesses, employees & customers from malicious content. It's the best Web Content Filtering solution for small business to enterprises.
Book Free DemoThere are many different content filtering solutions available these days for you to choose from, which is why knowing how to evaluate them to find the best one for you. Let’s take a look at some of the important criteria to consider.
When someone requests to visit a website, the content filter will quickly check your blacklist, categories, and keywords before allowing access to the site based on the filters you have designed. You need a DNS filter that takes an imperceptible amount of time to perform these checks.
Internet threats do not limit themselves to a single language, and even if your employees do not speak multiple languages, Google will translate many websites from the language they originated in to your default language. It is a good idea to find a content filtering solution that will filter sites in multiple languages to give you an extra layer of protection against threats.
Many businesses use directory services like NetIQ and Active Directory. If your business uses these types of services, choose a content filtering solution that will integrate with the directory and allow you to apply your filters based on departments or user groups.
A content filter that updates automatically can save your IT crew a lot of time, and it ensures that your system stays protected from the latest threats.
No matter how good the DNS filter you choose is, there will inevitably come a time when you need to call technical or customer support to get help. You need a filter that has support available at all times so that you can get help right when you need it. It is important to note that some DNS filters will charge extra for support.
If you offer services for other businesses and want to offer website filtering to your clients, look for a DNS filter that has white label options. White labeling means that you can use your logo with the service and use it to help strengthen your brand’s image.
WebTitan is a Content Filtering Solution that protects businesses, employees & customers from malicious content. It's the best Web Content Filtering solution for small business to enterprises.
Book Free DemoThere are four major types of architecture for a website content filter, each with its own pros and cons. The way that each of these is set up is slightly different and will greatly determine what type of content filtering solution you select.
The client-based DNS filters are installed on every individual device. This often has a lower price, which makes it great for a small business with only a few employees or for a home network. The filtering needs to be managed and updated separately on each individual device, and the controls can be easier to get around if someone really wants to.
For a larger organization or school, server-based content filtering solutions are ideal. This is because the software is operated through the server so that you do not need to try to install everything on every individual device. The one drawback with the server-based filter is that it often requires you to purchase hardware and install everything on-site.
The gateway-based filters are a step up from the server-based solution and are ideal for an enterprise. The gateway-based content filters can be installed on your existing hardware, so long as the software is compatible. If you do not want to purchase additional hardware to install your filters, this is a great choice, and it can often provide some of the best content filtering.
Cloud-based DNS filters are a good alternative to gateway-based filters. They do not require you to buy hardware or integrate software into your existing system; instead, everything is based in the cloud, and you simply point the DNS at your existing servers. It does everything through the cloud.
WebTitan’s DNS Filter is the top of the line option for homes, businesses, or schools in need of content filtering solutions. Some of the key features include:
It will keep your systems protected and prevent users from accessing any other sites that you need to block. Our team is available to answer any questions you have about our DNS Filter and get you started today!
WebTitan is a Content Filtering Solution that protects businesses, employees & customers from malicious content. It's the best Web Content Filtering solution for small business to enterprises.
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