Website Content Filtering Solutions

Website Domain Name System (DNS) and content filtering solutions are essential tools for businesses concerned about cybersecurity. Content filtering solutions screens and blocks access to questionable, undesirable or dangerous websites, making it valuable for businesses from a security and legal perspective.

Content filters can block access to:

• Social networking sites
• Spam sites containing malware or viruses
• Hate sites and violent content
• Pornographic websites

Content filtering is crucial for preventing viruses and malware from infiltrating your network. Malware can be installed simply by visiting a compromised website, through emails, or by downloading executable files. While junk mail folders reduce some spam risks, fraudulent emails can still bypass these defenses and reach your inbox. Clicking a link, downloading a file, or even replying to such emails can result in malware installation. This is why content filters are vital—they help block access to malicious content and protect your network.

How Content Filtering Works

Content filters typically operate between content sources and users. When users attempt to access web pages, social media accounts, or emails, the information must pass through a filter before access is allowed. These filters employ various techniques to determine which data to permit and which to block.

Content filtering involves screening and restricting access to websites, particularly those that may compromise security or violate internal content policies.

10 of the most common types of cyber attacks :

1. Malware
2. Denial-of-Service Attacks
3. Phishing 
4. Spoofing 
5. Identity-Based Attacks
6. Code Injection Attacks
7. Supply Chain Attacks
8. Social Engineering Attacks
9. Insider Threats
10. AI-Powered Attacks

Content filters control employee access to websites, emails, or mobile communications. Most organizations implement some form of filtering, though the types and extent of filtering can vary widely, with many options available.

Who Uses Content Filters?

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.”

Why You Need a DNS Filter to Protect Your System?

WebTitan adds a crucial layer of cyber protection, especially when enterprises need it most. The advanced security offered by DNS filtering enables a granular web filter that scales alongside a business as its technology needs evolve. In today's cybersecurity landscape, policymaking alone isn't sufficient.

Businesses must actively manage their technology by leveraging the data it generates.  DNS Filtering empowers businesses by providing easy-to-use data sets, putting control directly into the hands of those who need it most.

"Content filters are similar to parental controls, but they take things a step further."

Evaluating DNS Filters

There 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.

Minimal Latency

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.

Content Filtering Solutions in Multiple Languages

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.

Integration with Your Directory

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.

Updates Automatically

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.

Reliable Customer Support

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.

White Labeling

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.

"74 percent of organizations had malware spread between employees."

DNS Filter Architecture

There 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.

Client-Based DNS Filters

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.

Server-Based Content Filtering Solutions

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.

Gateway-Based Website Filtering Solutions

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 Website Content Filtering Solutions

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 Content Filtering Solutions

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:

• Malware Blocking
• Content Filtering
• URL Classification
• Corporate Usage Policies
• Flexible Filtering Policies
• URL, Domain & Path Coverage
• Advanced Reporting
• Customer Support
• Real-Time Updates
• Phishing Prevention
• Business Email Compromise Protection

Content filtering safeguards your systems and blocks access to any website you need to restrict. Blocking access to websites that host malware, phishing scams, or other cyber threats helps protect the organization's network and data from potential attacks. Regarding productivity, restricting access to non-work-related sites, such as social media or streaming services, can help employees stay focused and improve productivity during work hours. Content filtering can also help prevent legal issues; if a user or minor accesses illegal or unauthorized content, it can expose an organization to legal risks. Blocking such sites helps avoid potential legal problems.

Our team is ready to answer any content and web filtering questions and help you get started today!