Solution Overviews » Security » Internet Filter
Internet Filter
1. Overview
Internet filters can block inappropriate websites including pornography, illegal file sharing and security threats. While filtering is a form of censorship and it can block acceptable websites at times, it has some clear benefits:
Benefits
- Increase Security
Blocking websites that may pose a security threat can help prevent virus and spyware infection; and the headache that comes with it.
- Increase Productivity
Blocking games, video sharing websites can boost productivity.
Considerations
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Hardware, Software or Domain Name System (DNS) Filters:
- Hardware
A piece of hardware, sometimes called an "appliance", is added to your network called to perform filtering.
- Software
Software is installed on a computer or network server.
- DNS (Domain Name System)
Internet traffic usually passes through the domain name server of your Internet Service Provider (ISP). It is possible to change your DNS to route all Internet communications to a service that will do the filtering.
- Hardware
- Suite vs. Individual Software Applications
Many security applications come bundled with a vast array of security utilities that may include Internet filtering. You will need to evaluate your current applications to decide whether it makes sense to implement a security suite or add an individual solution for an Internet filter.
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Network vs. PC-based
Internet filter software can be installed on each computer but there are options at the network level to help ensure that threats don't have the chance to reach computers. Internet filters installed on each computer can protect laptops that are frequently connecting outside a business network.
Features
- Configuration
Block categories of websites or input specific websites to block.
- Reporting
Track user website requests.
- Blocking Override
Allow authorized users to override a blocked website or submit a request to unblock access to a website.
Implementation Options
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1. In-House - Internet Filter Solution |
2. Internet Filter Service |
|---|---|
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An Internet filter can be facilitated by a network box or on each computers. Use a network-based solution when you want to provide constant filtering for all users and central administration. Use a PC-based software for laptops or when you don't have a network. |
An Internet filter can be facilitated by an Internet service provider or DNS redirection |
2. Next Steps
| 1. In-House - Internet Filter | 2. Internet Filter Service | |
|---|---|---|
Find Local Tech SpecialistsSearch TechShortcut's tech profiles for specialists in your area |
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Find More InformationUse Research Helper to find related web articles |
"Internet Filter" "Web Filter" | |
Examples of Products and ServicesThese are not endorsements, simply some product or service names we encountered in our research to get you started finding your best fit. |
Hardware-based: Software-based: |
DNS-based:
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Outside Information
- Federal Trade Commission: OnGuard Online
Provides practical tips from the federal government and the technology industry to help you be on guard against Internet fraud, secure your computer, and protect your personal information.
- Wikipedia.org: Content-Control Software
- Wikipedia.org: List of Content-Control Software
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