Why You Need Web Content Filtering Software

There are a many different reasons for you to configure web content filtering software within your network in order to stop the, certain, attempts of cybercriminals to infiltrate your systems in order to steal valuable data or try to get you to hand over a portion of your hard-earned profits – here we have broken it down into three main reasons:

  1. Enforcement of Acceptable Use Policies: If your organization has created acceptable use policies (AUPs) to stop the abuse of Internet access rights by staff members then the content filtering software can be configured to prevent anyone from doing something that contravenes it. This will save precious time for your Human Resources department that can be spent elsewhere.
  2. Strengthening Cybersecurity Efforts: Website content filtering is crucial in order to prevent the viewing of content that is linked with cyberattacks and spam. You must have a content solution to prevent malware installations via compromised sites. The loading of website associated with phishing attacks can also be prevented.
  3. Stopping Bandwidth Wastage: As every minute of work is important, is desirable to have an Internet service in place that does not experience poor load speeds due to other members of staff using bandwidth heavy services. Using a filter to restrict access to sites that impact bandwidth including streaming platforms, web applications, gaming portals and P2P file sharing software you can see to it that you Internet is always running at an optimal speed.

A web content filtering service may also allow restrictions to be placed on Internet activity at certain times of the day. This allows organizations to take a more relaxed attitude to certain online activities at times when bandwidth availability isn’t an issue.

Important Features of a Web Content Filtering Service:

  • Scalability: Pick a web filtering service that suits your company’s specific needs and one that can grow as your company grows.You do not want to be in a position where you eventually outgrow your service and need to go through the research and procurement process once again. Some filtering solutions have bandwidth restrictions, limited TCP connections or different levels of subscription depending on the number of users registered. You need to avoid this potential issue.
  • Compatibility: Make a list of all your existing hardware and ask the sales team for each content filter solution if their software can be used with this. A good way to avoid any issues is to identify a software-based filtering solution that has little or no hardware requirements and is easy to integrate.
  • Configurability: Integration with Active Directory, LDAP, and Novell eDirectory will make it much easier to configure the filter for separate users while implementing AUPs should be straightforward and not time consuming.
  • Granularity: Easy to amend by user control are important as there will all be varying levels of permissions required in order to complete various tasks in any company. If there are category and keyword-based web content filtering options then you will have the highest degree of flexibility. Possible.
  • Usability: Seek for a web content filtering service that is easy to set up and use for any staff member, not just those in the IT department.