How to Filter Internet Content in Your Business
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There are many different types of Internet content filtering solutions available on the market, so the purpose of explaining how to filter Internet content is to give organizations an insight into how Internet content filters work. This should provide organizations with the information they need to make an informed decision about which solution is most suitable.
Internet content filters are essential tools for organizations concerned about their cybersecurity. They can prevent Internet users from visiting webpages that harbor malware and computer viruses, help thwart email phishing campaigns and, when used as an Internet access control solution, block access to productivity-draining online activities in the workplace.
Most Internet content filters have a three-tier mechanism to block access to unsafe, inappropriate and productivity-draining websites. When an Internet user makes a request to visit a website - either by typing in its URL or by clicking on a link - the filter checks the request against its parameters to determine whether the request should be allowed or denied.
Between them, these three tiers provide an adequate level of filtering to suit most organizations´ requirements. The settings can be applied by user-group for increased flexibility, and applied by time if - for example - an organization wants to restrict personal use of the Internet during working hours, but is happy to relax the controls during lunch breaks and after work.
The term “architectures” refers to the different types of ways in which it is possible to filter Internet content. There are basically four different architectures - client-based, server-based, gateway-based and cloud-based.
Client-based Internet content filters can be hardware or software filters that are installed on individual devices. They are popular because of their low initial costs, but have a high maintenance overhead in as much as each filter has to be configured, updated and managed separately.
Server-based Internet content filters control access to the Internet for everybody receiving their web service through the same server. Although easier to manage than individual devices, they require hardware purchases and on premise installation of the software.
Gateway-based Internet content filters are software applications that are installed behind an organization´s firewall. Generally enterprise grade tools, these solutions are favored by larger organizations looking to avoid significant hardware costs.
Cloud-based Internet content filters use neither hardware nor software. Cloud-based solutions filter Internet content via an on-site service that can be accessed with a simple adjustment of the organization´s DNS. These solutions are universally compatible and infinitely scalable, so suitable for all sizes of organization.
Since 1999, TitanHQ has been developing online security solutions for organizations all over the world. Our suite of Internet content filtering solutions has been developed to make deployment and administration as straightforward and cost-effective as possible. We have found the following gateway-based and cloud-based solutions suitable for the majority of our clients:
WebTitan Cloud is a low-maintenance solution to filter Internet content that can be implemented within minutes without having to download software.
WebTitan Cloud for WiFi provides a high level of protection Wi-Fi networks and the devices that connect to them with imperceptible latency.
Each of our solutions have highly granular controls for setting filtering parameters. There are no restrictions on the amount of bandwidth used or the number of users connected to the filter, and APIs are available to integrate the filtering solutions with existing backend management tools. Each solution also has a range of customizable reporting options to assist the enforcement of acceptable use policies.
Our trial offer includes a fully-enabled WebTitan filter, full technical support, and all the help you could need from our customer support team. There are no contracts to sign, no credit card required, and no obligation to continue with the service once the trial period has ended.
To discuss which might be the most suitable solution for your free trial, contact our team of sales technicians. Our team will offer advice about which product within the WebTitan range would be applicable in your circumstances, and walk you through the registration process to start your free trial. Within minutes you could be experiencing how to filter Internet content to help protect your users from malware and other web-borne threats.
