As companies based in many different locations around the world seek to bolster their cybersecurity measures the effectiveness of content filtering for Internet use has become more and more evident.
As a solution, content filtering can be implemented to prevent any member of staff loading websites that have are hosting malware, ransomware, spyware or adware from being inadvertently downloaded. This is very important as hackers continue to refine their campaigns in order to steal protected data, encrypt your database and steal hard-earned money. No matter how big or small your business is, addressing the cost of a successful hacking campaign can be seriously debilitating and impact the future of your business.
Content Filtering can prevent accessing categories of website that are often linked with the initiation of cyber attacks including gambling, pornography and unsafe file downloading web pages. It can also increase productivity in your group as access to well known online services that are linked with time wasting can be turned off including social media, gaming and online shopping. Network performance can be enhanced by limiting access to bandwidth-draining websites like peer to peer file sharing sites, platforms for sharing videos, streaming sites and many others.
If you have regulatory requirements content filtering is a great tool to ensure that this is fulfilled. For example, there is a legal obligation in the United States to comply with the provisions of the Children’s Internet Protection Act (CIPA). In order to achieve this the use of content filtering solution can stop obscene images and other potentially harmful content being loaded in schools and libraries.
What Can Content Filtering Achieve?
The majority of content filters for the Internet included blacklists that block access to groups of web pages recognized as regular hosts of malware and ransomware. This is just one of many features that you can avail of, depending on the solution that you choose to invest in. Some Of the other optional features typically include:
- Securing Wi-Fi hotspots: Implementing a content allows complete management of content viewed using Wi-Fi hotspots. Any attempt to bypass security restrictions will be prevented and malware will be identified and removed.
- Content Filtering options: You can implement content filtering using either, or both, category-based website filtering or keyword content filtering. The former is quick to set up and apply as you are choosing to control access to already established groups of websites while the latter give more refined control as you are removing access based on the presence of banned keywords on a specific page.
- Tools for MSPs: You can add branding using white label solutions meaning that the tool can be placed on a private cloud or within an MSPs network.
- Time Control: You can allow access to certain groups of websites at different times of the day. This means that staff can see some of the restricted access at different times of day.
- Automated Reports: These will be shared with relevant network managers so they can review what aspects of usage need to be reviewed. This frees up time for network managers to focus on elsewhere.
- Securing Attacks from Phishing Websites: Not allowing access to recognized phishing web pages by using Internet filtering software with SURBL filters climinates depending on staff spotting phishing emails.