Why DNS Web Filtering is Essential for SMB Security
Geraldine Hunt
SMBs Can Stay Secure with DNS Web Filtering
DNS web filtering remains one of the most effective and affordable ways to protect small and medium-sized businesses from today’s most dangerous cyber threats. The shift to hybrid and remote work extends to the use of technology. According to recent research:
- 60%+ of employees admit to using company-issued devices for online shopping or social media.
- Over 20% have visited inappropriate or adult websites on work devices.
Meanwhile, over 60% of data breaches now target SMBs. If your organization relies on the internet for operations, customer engagement, or growth, you're a potential target. No business is too small to attract the attention of today’s cybercriminals.
Did You Know?
businesses experienced DNS attack
malware & spyware domains categorised a day
predefined categories by default
of websites tested by Google for malware were infected
What is DNS Web Filtering?
DNS stands for Domain Name System. It serves as the Internet's address book. When you type in a web address like www.example.com, your device uses DNS to translate that name into an IP address, allowing it to connect to the correct server.
DNS web filtering utilizes this process to block access to websites known to be malicious or inappropriate. By interrupting DNS requests before a page loads, businesses can prevent users from reaching dangerous sites. DNS filtering is proactive, stopping cyber threats before they hit the network.
Key Features of DNS Filtering
- Category-based filtering: Block sites by content category (e.g., gambling, adult, social media).
- Blocklist/allowlist controls: Customize which domains are always blocked or allowed.
- Real-time threat detection: Stay protected against emerging threats with up-to-date domain databases.
- Reporting and Insights: Access detailed logs and usage reports for auditing and optimization purposes.
Common Threats: DNS Filtering Helps Prevent
Phishing and Credential Theft
Phishing remains the primary attack vector for SMBs. Over 90% of successful cyberattacks begin with a phishing email. Modern phishing websites are compelling, often mimicking login pages for Microsoft 365, Google Workspace, or banking institutions. When employees enter credentials, attackers gain instant access.
With DNS filtering, access to these fake sites is blocked in real-time, even if an employee clicks the link.
Malware and Drive-By Downloads
Malicious downloads often begin with a simple visit to a website. DNS filtering blocks domains that host malware payloads, preventing infected downloads.
Ransomware
Ransomware attacks encrypt your data and demand payment for recovery. These attacks often start with a link to a compromised site or require communication with a command-and-control (C2) server. DNS filtering disrupts the ransomware lifecycle by blocking the domain before the connection is made.
Social Engineering Sites
Fake customer support pages and fraudulent banking portals are designed to trick users into divulging sensitive information. DNS filtering prevents access to these dangerous domains.
Why DNS Web Filtering Is Crucial for SMBs
Many cybercriminals prefer to target small businesses because they have fewer IT resources and outdated or non-existent security systems. Employee security awareness is also typically lower at SMBs than at large enterprises. The rise of ransomware-as-a-service (RaaS) and automated phishing kits has made it easier than ever for attackers to scale operations, targeting thousands of SMBs at once.
DNS web filtering minimises this threat in several ways.
Protecting Valuable Data
Small businesses hold sensitive customer data, including personally identifiable information (PII), financial records, and login credentials. A single breach can erode customer trust and incur legal and regulatory penalties.
Mitigating BYOD Risks
In addition to employees misusing company-issued technology, the opposite is also now becoming increasingly common. Many SMBs operate bring-your-own-device (BYOD) policies to reduce costs, meaning employees use their devices on company networks. However, the threats remain the same. DNS filtering enforces policies at the network level, protecting all connected devices.
Managing Employee Web Use
Web filtering helps enforce acceptable use policies, blocking access to inappropriate content. Most cybersecurity incidents are caused by human error. An employee visiting a compromised site can bring down your entire network. DNS filtering serves as a safeguard by preventing these clicks from turning into compromises.
Reducing IT Workload
DNS filtering reduces the number of incidents that require manual intervention. Fewer malware infections mean fewer hours spent cleaning up compromised devices, allowing staff to focus on other tasks.
Choosing the Right DNS Web Filtering Solution
Not all DNS web filtering solutions are created equal. Selecting the right tool can mean the difference between a secure digital environment and one that remains vulnerable to constant threats. The best DNS filtering solutions integrate seamlessly into your operations, scale with your business, and provide meaningful insight into user behavior and risk.
Here are the key factors SMBs should consider when evaluating DNS web filtering solutions:
Ease of Deployment and Use
SMBs typically don’t have the luxury of dedicated IT teams or long deployment windows. That’s why it’s crucial to select a cloud-native, easy-to-deploy solution. Look for:
- Agentless deployment options that don’t require software installation on every device.
- Intuitive user interfaces with minimal training requirements.
- Compatibility with your existing DNS infrastructure or routers for seamless implementation.
- Quick onboarding, with pre-configured policies or templates that can be customized based on your business needs.
Granular Policy Control
One-size-fits-all filtering doesn’t work in the modern workplace. Your marketing team might need access to social media, while your finance department doesn’t. The best DNS filters offer granular control that allows you to:
- Create policies by user, department, group, or IP range.
- Apply time-based access rules (e.g., blocking personal browsing during work hours).
- Customize category blocking (e.g., gambling, adult content, file sharing).
- Allowlist and blocklist specific domains for complete control.
Real-Time Threat Intelligence
New phishing domains, malware distribution points, and C2 servers pop up constantly. Your DNS filtering solution must be powered by real-time, continuously updated threat intelligence feeds. Features to look for include:
- Integration with global threat databases and cybersecurity research teams.
- Frequent updates to block emerging threats.
- AI and machine learning-powered threat detection for zero-day domain threats.
- Ability to recognize and block lookalike domains used in phishing (e.g., micros0ft.com instead of microsoft.com).
Advanced Reporting and Alerts
Visibility is critical in cybersecurity. You need to know who’s visiting what, when, and whether any risky activity has occurred. The right DNS filtering solution should provide:
- Real-time dashboards showing blocked requests, categories, and user behavior.
- Exportable reports for compliance and auditing purposes.
- Alerts and notifications when suspicious or policy-violating activity is detected.
- Executive-level summaries for leadership and IT teams.
Integration with Existing Security Stack
Your DNS filtering tool should not operate in isolation. It should complement and integrate with the other tools in your cybersecurity stack, such as:
- Email security platforms (to coordinate phishing and URL protection).
- Endpoint detection and response (EDR) software.
- Firewall and SIEM solutions for unified threat monitoring.
- Identity and access management (IAM) platforms for role-based policy enforcement.
Scalability and Multi-Site Support
As your business grows, your web filtering solution should scale with you. Key scalability features include:
- Multi-location support (ideal for franchises or businesses with branch offices).
- Remote user protection, including roaming or home-based employees.
- Licensing flexibility to accommodate fluctuations in user count.
- MSP capabilities if you’re managing multiple customer networks or business units.
Support, Compliance, and Uptime Guarantees
Lastly, don't overlook the importance of customer support and regulatory compliance. These “non-technical” factors often play a significant role in long-term satisfaction with your DNS filtering platform:
- Does the vendor offer 24/7 support or dedicated account managers?
- Can they help with policy setup and fine-tuning?
- Do they offer compliance-ready solutions (e.g., for GDPR, HIPAA, CCPA)?
- Is there a documented uptime SLA (Service Level Agreement)?
WebTitan: DNS Filtering Designed for SMBs
This cloud-based web filtering solution provides comprehensive protection from online threats, including viruses, malware, ransomware, and phishing, and offers complete content filtering. WebTitan is a low-maintenance solution that can be set up in five minutes to stop users from accessing inappropriate online content.
A Simple, Scalable, and Powerful Solution to Stop Threats Before They Reach Your Network
Our DNS filtering platform offers advanced protection through an easy-to-deploy, cloud-based solution, ideal for SMBs, schools, and distributed teams.
Key Features:
- Cloud-Based Deployment: No hardware required. Quick to set up and manage remotely from any location.
- Real-Time Threat Protection: Blocks over 60,000 newly identified malware and spyware domains every day.
- Content Filtering: Automatically blocks access to 53+ categories of unsafe or inappropriate content.
- Granular Policy Controls: Apply rules by user, group, or device for maximum flexibility and control.
- Compliance Support: Helps you meet key data protection regulations, including GDPR and HIPAA.
- Intelligent Threat Classification: Powered by an AI-driven engine combined with human QA, offering market-leading accuracy and coverage across 99% of the ActiveWeb.
- Custom Categories & Block Pages: Create your content categories and customize the block page experience to match your brand or policy messaging.
- Executive-Level Reporting: Dashboards provide actionable insights for IT and business decision-makers.
- Roaming Agent: Extends protection to remote users, including off-network employees and students using school-issued devices.
Protect Your Business Today
Don’t leave your SMB vulnerable to phishing emails or ransomware attacks. In a rapidly evolving threat landscape, the cost of inaction can be catastrophic. DNS web filtering is one of the most cost-effective and proactive defences you can implement today.
WebTitan DNS Filtering provides a smart, scalable solution trusted by thousands of SMBs and MSPs globally. Book a demo or free trial to learn more.
Geraldine Hunt
- EMAIL PROTECTION
- SMB
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