What is web content filtering? Web content filtering is a group of techniques and tools used to screen and block access to inappropriate or unsafe web content. Content filtering solutions monitor and restrict access to problematic content. These solutions not only filter inappropriate content but also prevent access to malicious sites that can insert malware into an organization’s network.
Content filtering is usually delivered through firewalls. Organizations, colleges, and schools use this technology to prevent employees from visiting malicious websites or students from accessing adult content. With the popularity of remote work and learning, more home users are installing content filtering solutions to protect children from age-inappropriate content. Companies with remote workforces often use content-filtering to help protect their distributed networks.
Most firewall providers offer web content filters as a built-in feature, delivered as hardware or software solutions. Content filters work by enhancing cybersecurity and implementing security policies about the use of the corporate network.
Web content filters apply predetermined rules to identify harmful websites users may seek access to. The filter usually sits in the firewall, between the public internet and the corporate network. The content filter identifies objects within images or keywords and groups them into the categories it should prevent access to, such as adult, gaming, gambling, streaming, and so on. When the filter finds a match from a website that is seeking access, it blocks the access.
The use of malicious sites is one of the most popular attack techniques used by bad actors. A malicious site is a website or webpage containing malware and mimicking a legitimate site.. Attackers use phishing to deceive employees to log in to fake websites so they can access login credentials or get them to automatically download malware into the organization’s net. Once attackers gain access to the network, they can move laterally and find privileged information, data, and resources.
Web content filtering provides multiple benefits both for individuals and organizations alike. These include:
A web filter firewall is a software solution that controls the packets sent and received by your computer or system. It filters compromising and inappropriate content according to the rules set by system administrators.
While typically firewalls and web filters operate at different layers, many firewalls include a web filtering package. This enhances the functionality of the firewall. Usually, firewalls operate at layers 3 and 4 of the network, filtering packets based on IP addresses and transmission control protocol (TCP). Web filters usually operate at layer 7 (the application layer), thus enabling the identification of specific URLs and compromising content.
Web filters restrict internet access by comparing the website you want to access to a predefined blacklist and whitelist. If a URL is on the blacklist, access to it is automatically blocked. Thus, a web filter gives you more granular access than a firewall.
What should you look for when looking for the right web content filter? Here are some of the key features you should look for:
The right mix of features can change according to the requirements of your organization. For instance, if your company runs most of the workloads on-premises, you should consider an inline firewall to control traffic while using an endpoint web filter to control what websites the staff can access.
