The objective of a website blocking filter is to prevent network users accessing websites that are either unsafe or contain material that is inappropriate or offensive. In a business environment, filters to block website access are implemented in order to protect networks from malware and ransomware, and to prevent employees engaging in online activities unrelated to their work.
There are many different types of website blocking filter. Some you can download free of charge. Others include hardware filters to block Internet access, software-based solutions and website blocking filters that operate in the cloud. There is quite a wide choice of filters to block website access, but it is easy to narrow down the options to find the best one for your specific circumstances.
Isolating the Best Website Blocking Filter
Most businesses avoid free filters to block website access – or should do. Typically they are easy to disable and bypass, and rarely support cross-platform networks or per-user settings. Hardware-based solutions also can be quickly removed from the list because of their high maintenance overheads. This leaves software-based and cloud-based filters to block website access.
Software-based filters to block website access are more sophisticated. The best software-based website blocking filter manages Internet access across the whole network from a centralized administration portal – eliminating the need for software to be installed on each individual advice. They support cross-platform networks and per-user settings, and are scalable when required.
The same can be said about cloud-based filters to block website access. These are quick and easy to implement, requiring a simple redirection of the DNS server settings. Choosing between software-based filters and cloud-based filters can sometimes depend simple preferences such as whether or not a business wants to host its website blocking filter within its own infrastructure.
The Issue of Filters to Block Website Access and Latency
There is one further possible determining factor that can help businesses to choose between a software-based website blocking filter and a cloud-based website blocking filter – latency. Latency – the delay before a transfer of data begins following an instruction for its transfer – can occur during periods of peak network activity when software-based filters perform the SSL inspection process.
The SSL inspection process decrypts the content of encrypted websites so it can be scanned for viruses, and re-encrypts the content to ensure the integrity of the communication between the “secure” website and the network user. As more than half the world´s most visited web pages are encrypted, the SSL inspection process is essential for network security. However, it can cause problems.
The SSL inspection process places a significant drain on network resources. It can slow Internet speeds and affect the availability of some web-based applications such as email. Cloud-based filters do not have this problem, as the SSL inspection process is performed on the service provider´s servers, and it is not a problem for networks with adequate resources to cope with the demand. However, it is something that businesses need to be aware of when selecting a website blocking filter.
Filters to Block Website Access from SpamTitan
SpamTitan is part of a group of companies that has been developing online security products since 1999. Our range of filters to block website access is WebTitan. WebTitan products providing multi-mechanism defenses against malware, ransomware and phishing, and flexible policy creation tools to control network user website access. The range of WebTitan products has a choice of deployment options:
WebTitan Cloud
As the name indicates, WebTitan Cloud is a cloud-based website blocking filter that filters websites and their content in our IL5-certified data center. WebTitan Cloud is compatible with all types of operating systems, includes a comprehensive reporting suite to help network administrators identify gaps in their online security, and is the ideal low-maintenance solution for busy IT departments.
WebTitan Cloud for WiFi
WebTitan Cloud for WiFi is an appropriate website blocking filter for businesses providing WiFi service to the public or operating a BYOD policy. WebTitan Cloud for WiFi protects all types of wireless networks – and the devices that connect to them – whether the wireless service is transmitted from a single WiFi router or a nationwide network of WiFi hotspots.
To find out more about WebTitan filters to block website access, and to request a free trial of the solution most suitable for your requirements, you are invited to contact us. Our team of Sales Technicians will be happy to answer your questions about mitigating the threat from malware, ransomware and phishing, and controlling network user website access.
