Internet filtering or “content filtering” solutions and services manage access to certain emails, web pages, or mobile communications, with the aim of blocking or restricting those that are considered illegal, risky, inappropriate, offensive, or simply against your company’s policy. Most solutions or services of this type (cloud/on-premises) combine filtering at the DNS, URL, IP, keyword, and file type levels.

How do internet filtering solutions and services work?

Content filters generally act as intermediaries between content generators and web or device users. For an individual user, internet filtering solutions can protect children from exposure to age-inappropriate material, making them extremely useful in schools. In a company setting, they prevent employees from accessing inappropriate materials, “stealing” copyrighted content, clogging the network with large media files, or even accessing social media or streaming services during work hours.

Organizations use these solutions or services as part of their firewall infrastructure, in the form of software or hardware. In short, they create rules for devices regarding the content they can provide to users. Filters can use keywords to block pages, but they can also block websites based on a specific category. Additionally, filters can operate by identifying content patterns (such as text strings or specific objects that appear in images). If these patterns match content that has been marked for restriction, the internet filtering program will block it before it reaches the user.

Email and Mobile Device Filtering

84% of organizations were targeted by at least one phishing attempt in 2022. Email filters address this issue by relying on a set of protocols assigned to each user within an organization. These protocols are responsible for identifying spam or potentially harmful messages. These filters are particularly “alert” to incorrect IP addresses, poor domain reputation, mass emails, suspicious language (emails containing words like “free,” “Viagra,” and “refinance” can trigger a spam filter), or links within the email body. Spam filters can also flag URLs, especially if they are shortened or redirected. Additionally, they scan files for malware and quickly block global lists of websites known for spam or phishing content.

There is also content filtering solutions specifically designed for mobile devices. On March 15, 2024, the National Cybersecurity Directorate (DNSC) reported numerous fraud attempts on its Facebook page using the visual identity of the company Emag. These scams were spread through SMS and delivered malicious links to users. Mobile Device Management (MDM) solutions include standard web filtering functionalities, along with tools for filtering SMS messages.

Main security benefits of internet filtering

  • Protection against phishing and malware attacks

According to an analysis by Expert Insights, 81% of organizations worldwide have experienced an increase in email phishing attacks since March 2020. Additionally, Statista analysts estimate that the global cost of cybercrime will exceed $20 trillion by 2026. Consequently, phishing and malware attacks are becoming an increasingly costly threat.

Internet filtering services/solutions protect against such attacks, where employees might be tricked into accessing fake websites or downloading malware. If cybercriminals spoof a website’s name to deceive users into interacting with it, web content filters can identify phishing sites based on their URL or content and prevent visits to these websites.

Internet filtering solutions and services are part of DNS (Domain Name System) security measures. DNS filtering intercepts DNS queries and determines whether a domain is authorized or blocked based on predefined rules/policies. DNS filtering is so effective that it can stop malware transmitted over the internet before it reaches the network.

  • Protection against exploit kits

Exploit kits are pieces of code that exploit security vulnerabilities found in an organization’s software and hardware. Cyber attackers collect these fragments, compile them (into a kit), and use them to install malware or ransomware. They can be used to extract confidential data and can target multiple security vulnerabilities simultaneously. The Angler exploit kit, discovered in 2013, is one of the most dangerous. Cisco research showed that a single such kit targeted approximately 90,000 victims per day and caused $30 million in damages annually. Internet filtering solutions will identify the exploit kit and block access before it triggers a program download.

Beyond security benefits, using an internet filtering solution enhances employee productivity by limiting access to irrelevant websites and restricting access to various online distractions. It also simplifies the enforcement of organizational internet usage policies. Additionally, it provides online protection for children and vulnerable groups while helping to optimize network bandwidth usage. How? By blocking or restricting access to bandwidth-heavy websites (such as video streaming and large file downloads).

Internet filtering as a service through M247

Internet filtering solutions are available as software, hardware, or as a service, as provided by M247, for example. M247‘s internet filtering service operates on a subscription basis (fixed rate), making costs predictable and easier to integrate into the organization’s budget. Additionally, setup is extremely simple and does not require major changes to existing infrastructure. Companies can choose between a fully managed option by the provider or a co-managed one, with customization available to fit each user’s needs, content type, and location. M247 also offers a web interface that can be used to configure filtering rules based on the specifics of any company. Lastly, M247 provides access to a comprehensive security platform, allowing you to benefit from numerous other effective cybersecurity services.

For more information about the internet filtering service option through M247, please contact us at sales@m247.ro

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