The best way I have heard to describe the Domain Name System (DNS) is that is like the phone book it keeps track of every domain and as you may or may not know every web address has its own Domain name and stops duplicate names being used for websites. A DNS Filter is our caller ID only allowing certain categories of content to be accessible. When you type in a domain address or search a domain the filtering process begins between the IP address and the page being displayed. This filtering process categorizes the site into a variety of groupings that include news and media, social networking, malicious, illegal content, and much more.
Depending on how your business operates you may want to have to have specific sites blocked not only because they impede productivity but also it can be a gateway for bad actors to gain access to your network and allows bad actors to gain access to company information. Once you set your companies category filters you can create a customize pop up with your company’s logo and a message on why you have blocked this site.
DNS Filtering is not just about employee access to sites, it is also important for cybersecurity it will prevent sites from being accessed that contain malicious sites that can run phishing and malware and cryptojacking attacks. A lot of people will compromise sites and are finding new ways to plant new malware, like the new Snailload Attack that can be found when watching and downloading videos. Even previously safe sites can become compromised and an advanced DNS Solution with advanced AI is beneficial as it will scan the webpage for any malicious or hidden content.
The other benefit to DNS filtering is it is super easy to implement, it does not require additional hardware and can be used on guest and corporate networks. You can also generate user logs to see what sites are being accessed and what sites were blocked. Implementing DNS Filtering allows your business to be CIPA compliant, it requires implementation of a technology protection measure to block access to visual depictions that are harmful.
The layered security approach is still the best way to keep your business secure you want to make sure you have a firewall in place as well and a DNS Filter. This will add an extra layer of protection and reporting which is really important for your tech team to monitor security and create and update Incident Response Plans.