What is Web Filtering?

People use the Internet for various activities, such as surfing social media, doing Google searches, etc. In fact, most commercial and personal activities require its use.

While many of these websites are accessible without restrictions, the open nature of the internet also raises the risk of encountering malware and phishing attacks.

This is where the web filtering comes in. It is a security approach that prevents users from accessing the malware sites. Here, in this blog, we will explain what web filtering is.

What is Web Filtering?

Web filtering, also known as content control software or internet filter, is a security technology designed to prevent access to unauthorised or malicious websites. As the name suggests, the software decides which URLs or applications the end user can access.

This is done by either comparing the website’s content against known lists across all genres of content; or by evaluating the page’s content live and blocking it accordingly.

How Does Web Filtering Work?

Web filtering operates by inspecting all web traffic, including website URLs, domain names, and content, against a predefined set of rules and policies. These rules are typically based on categories such as malware, adult content, social media or other classifications determined by the organisation or user.

The web filtering software evaluates each web request and either denies or allows access based on the enforced policies. This process happens seamlessly and in real time, providing a dynamic layer of protection against evolving web-based threats and ensuring adherence to acceptable usage guidelines.

How Do Web Filters Work?

Web filters are a type of “content control software” designed to determine the types of websites users can or cannot visit. They primarily operate through the use of a whitelist or blacklist.

These filters are generally part of cloud access security brokers (CASBs) used to block security threats and prevent access to harmful applications.

Web filters perform analysis that goes beyond just looking at URLs and website content. Advanced web filtering solutions can inspect online communications, file transfers, and application-level activities to identify potential data leaks or policy violations.

Web filters integrate with other security technologies like firewalls and antivirus software to create a multi-layered defence system.

This complete approach ensures that web traffic is thoroughly vetted from various angles, maximising the chances of detecting and mitigating a wide range of cyber threats targeting different attack vectors.

Importance of Web Filtering

The main purpose of web filtering is to do primary filtering of the content. Besides this, there are plenty of web filtering benefits.

• Data Security - One significant benefit of using web filters is data security. Phishing websites often try to steal confidential user data by gaining access, but by employing web filtering software, users can block these websites right away.
• Malware Protection - Another benefit of using web filters is protection against malware. An unauthorised website with malware content can send viruses and malware to the end user's device. By blocking such websites using a web filter, organisations or users can protect their devices from getting affected.
• Regulatory Compliance - Businesses and organisations need to comply with data regulations to protect customers' sensitive data. By using web filters, organisations can block harmful websites, mitigate data breaches, and ensure compliance with data regulations.
• Policy Enforcement - Lastly, web filtering enables businesses to enforce corporate policies regarding web usage. This can prevent inappropriate use of corporate resources, like visiting websites hosting adult content.

Types of Web Filters

Types of Web Filters Based on How They Define Acceptable Content

• Allow Listing - Users can visit specific websites, applications, and devices continued within a list. Here, users have full access to permitted websites, and any unauthorised websites not on the list are blocked.
• Block Listing - Another web filtering type is block listing, which is just the opposite of the allowed listing. In this type, the user won't be able to access the websites that are on the block list. It protects against phishing websites, inappropriate websites, etc.
• Content Filtering - Another type is content filtering, which is decided based on the content to allow and block traffic. It means the web filter first inspects the content of the websites and then decides whether to allow or block the website traffic.

Types of Web Filtering Based on How They Apply Their Rules

• DNS Filtering - DNS, or domain name service, is the phone book of the internet. It translates domain names to IP addresses used by the device to route web traffic. The function of DNS filtering is to monitor requests for DNS lookups and then block or allow traffic based on the policy.
• URL Filtering - A URL is basically the address of the webpage. In URL web filtering, the URL content is inspected and, based on the policy, decides whether to block or allow the access request.

Types of Web Filtering Based on Where the Filter is Applied

• Server Side Filtering - It is a type of web filtering done on the server location, which is either on the cloud or on-premise.
• Client-Side Filtering -This type of web filtering is done on the client device by installing software. The software inspects all the outbound and inbound traffic.

Benefits of Web Filtering

• Improved Security: Web filtering blocks dangerous or high-risk websites as a first line of defence against malware, phishing attacks, and other cyber threats. This reduces risk for organisations and people by preventing diseases and data breaches.
• Data Protection: Web filters prevent data leaks and safeguard critical information by blocking unauthorised or questionable websites. This is critical for companies managing private customer data or IP.
• Regulatory Compliance: Many sectors and organisations must comply with data privacy and security regulations. Web filtering can assist compliance requirements by blocking non-compliant websites and monitoring web usage.
• Increased Productivity: Web filters help workers concentrate and be productive by blocking non-work-related or distracting websites. This can boost productivity and cut personal browsing time.
• Bandwidth Optimisation: Web filtering can optimise network resources and guarantee key business applications have enough bandwidth by blocking traffic-intensive websites and apps.
• Content Control: Web filtering lets businesses restrict access to explicit or unsuitable information. This helps keep workers and students safe and professional online.
• Policy Enforcement: Web filters enable organisations to implement and enforce internet access, ensuring that users comply with established guidelines and rules.
• Parental Controls: In-home or educational settings, web filtering can be used as a parental control mechanism to protect children from accessing any inappropriate online content.
• Flexibility and Customisation: On-premises, cloud-based, and hybrid web filtering solutions enable organisations to customise filtering rules and policies to their requirements and surroundings.

By leveraging these benefits, organisations can enhance their cybersecurity posture, protect their data and users, promote responsible internet usage, and maintain a secure and productive online environment.

Challenges and Limitations of Web Filtering

• Keeping up with the constantly evolving web content and emerging cyber threats is a significant challenge for web filtering solutions. As new websites, applications and attack vectors emerge, the filtering databases and algorithms need to be continuously updated to maintain effective protection.
• Accurate categorisation and classification of websites is crucial to avoid overblocking (blocking legitimate sites) or underblocking (allowing malicious sites through). This process requires sophisticated algorithms and human oversight to ensure that websites are properly categorised based on their content and risk level.
• Maintaining and updating web filtering databases and algorithms is a resource-intensive process that requires dedicated effort and expertise. Web filtering vendors must invest heavily in research, data collection and analysis to keep their solutions effective against the latest threats.
• Web filters may inadvertently block legitimate websites, potentially impacting user productivity and experience. Users may encounter frustration or seek ways to circumvent the filters, undermining the security measures in place.
• Advanced techniques like encryption, proxy servers and virtual private networks (VPNs) can bypass web filters, allowing users to access restricted content or exposing the organisation to threats. Web filtering solutions must employ additional measures to address these bypass methods.
• Consistently enforcing web filtering policies across different devices, locations and network environments can be challenging, especially in large or distributed organisations. Ensuring uniform policy enforcement and user experience requires careful configuration and integration.

Ways to Implement Web Filtering

Web filtering solutions can be deployed in different ways depending on an organisation's requirements and infrastructure.

• One common approach is on-premises deployment, where the web filtering software is installed locally on the company's servers or hardware appliances. This option provides more control and customisation but requires local management and maintenance.
• Cloud-based web filtering solutions are hosted by the vendor and delivered as a service, eliminating the need for local hardware and simplifying deployment and updates.
• Hybrid web filtering, which combines on-premises and cloud-based components. This allows organisations to use the benefits of both models, such as local control and scalability.
• Web filtering can also be integrated into existing security solutions like firewalls, proxies, or secure web gateways, providing a centralised platform for managing web access policies and threat prevention.

Future of Web Filtering

The future of web filtering is poised to evolve with the changing cybersecurity landscape and the emergence of new technologies.

• Machine learning and AI are expected to significantly enhance the intelligence and adaptability of web filters, enabling them to detect and respond more effectively to emerging threats.
• Moving towards Secure Access Service Edge (SASE) architectures and cloud computing will also promote the incorporation of web filtering into cloud-based security solutions.
• As remote work and BYOD trends continue, web filtering will need to adapt to support secure access across multiple devices and platforms while also expanding its scope to cover new threat vectors such as cloud applications and IoT devices.

Conclusion

Website filtering can be an excellent tool for businesses and individuals who worry about internet security. It helps prevent cybersecurity attacks that can cause data loss and other potential risks.

Data security cannot be overlooked in today's world. Therefore, businesses must look for security solutions that go beyond traditional measures.

This is where InstaSafe’s zero-trust security solution is the right choice. We offer a zero-trust security model to businesses that combine web filtering with a wide range of security solutions.

Explore our website to learn more about InstaSafe security solutions.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

• What is the difference between a firewall and a web filter?

Web filters block and prevent the access of certain websites, while firewalls prevent the exposure of network internal resources and systems to external threats. Traditionally, both firewalls and web filters operate at the different layers of the Open System Interconnection (OSI) model.

• Why is IP filtering used?

IP filtering, also known as packet filtering, allows organisations to control which IP addresses or ranges of IP addresses are permitted to access their network resources. This helps in restricting access to authorised users or devices.

Further, it can be used to segment a network into different zones or subnetworks.

By allowing or denying traffic between these zones based on IP addresses, organisations can enhance security and prevent attackers' lateral movement within the network.

• Is URL filtering the same as web filtering?

No, URL filtering is a type of web filtering. It focuses mainly on the granular filtration of URLs, whereas web filtering is a collection of techniques, tools or software used to control user access to websites or content within a given network.