This Blog was Originally Posted to EonVPN Blog
We know that there is all sorts of data available online. Even if a lot of people make beautiful and useful content, some use the Internet for their evil intents as well. Not all the data is for everyone. This is where web filtering joins the show.
In 2023, Statista shared a report about the size of online data from 2010 to 2020. As per this report, the total size of data created, captured, copied, and consumed worldwide during this period reached 64.2 zettabytes. Over the next five years, in 2025, this size is estimated to grow by more than 180 zettabytes.
As Raj Samani, Chief Scientist at McAfee said, “Web filtering is essential for protecting against both internal and external threats, ensuring that the digital workspace remains secure and focused.”
Let’s move on and understand what web filtering is and why it is needed.
What is web filtering?
Web filtering is when data on the internet is filtered before it reaches the end user, also called Internet filtering. It is used for online security of the user. It also protects users of the internet against risks such as malware, viruses, and phishing sites, as well as other risks to cybersecurity. So that the users can access the secure data when they are searching for their school, work or any other reasons.
These web filter solutions have developed over time, moving from simple website-blocking technology to advanced systems that can keep up with the ever-changing world of the Internet.
Different types of web filtering
There are many different types of web filtering. Each one of these types offers a special benefit and helps to decide whether the requested website or material should be allowed or restricted for the end user in its own way.
Here are some popular types:
- URL filtering: This technique prevents users from getting access to certain URLs based on a blacklist compiled list of paths that are not suitable or are risky.
- Keyword or web content filtering: It restricts users from accessing websites that include specific keywords that are deemed offensive or dangerous. If the content of the website contains any prohibited terms such as hate speech, adult content, or such dangerous information, etc, the page is blocked and the user is taken to a warning page.
- Domain name system filtering: By monitoring the DNS of the requested website, DNS filtering determines whether to allow access or not.
- Category filtering: Based on the content of each website, websites are separated into many categories. The web filtering system searches for the website’s category when a user requests access to it and then determines whether or not to grant access. Websites known for spreading malware or engaging in phishing are automatically blocked by policies.
- Reputation-based filtering: Websites are evaluated based on their reputation, which is determined by analyzing factors such as their history, behavior, and user feedback.
- Cloud-based web filtering: Cloud-based web filtering uses a cloud service to provide internet access to its users instead of installing any hardware or software on user’s devices. Cloud-based content filtering method is highly cost-effective and has proven to be more efficient. Individuals or Organizations can use any of the above or a combination of these web filtering tactics depending on their requirements.
What are the benefits of web filtering?
Web filtering is the most important these days as it acts as a funnel to filter out only useful content to the users by removing spammy content. Acting as sieves between users and large amounts of data available on the Internet, web filters make sure that only acceptable and safe content gets through. The Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Agency (CISA) estimates that cybercrimes like data theft and fraud cost businesses over $6 trillion annually, clearly depicting why web filtering is important.
Following are some of the main benefits of web filtering:
Data security
Securing data is crucial to every organization. With the help of web filters, organizations can reduce the risk of loss or breach of data. As per a survey by Statista, 63% of organizations reported that web filtering effectively reduced malware attacks in their networks. By blocking access to harmful websites within the organization’s network, web filtering ensures a more secure browsing environment for everyone using it.
As Clive Humby said:
“Data is the new oil, driving innovation, decision-making, and competitive advantage in today’s digital economy.”
Protection from identity theft
Identity theft is a situation whereby someone uses the personal details of another person in order to conduct unlawful activities. Whenever a web filtering method is used to protect a person’s data on the internet, it reduces the risk and ensures the protection of any sensitive data, such as pictures, videos, passwords, etc.
A study by Javelin Strategy & Research unveiled that identity fraud cost Americans $56 billion in 2020 alone, with 15 million people falling victim to the vice.
Protection from ransomware
Ransomware is a type of malicious software designed to block access to a computer system or its data, mainly by encrypting files, until a ransom is paid. According to statistics cited from Forbes, overall the cost of ransomware attacks in 2024 was more than $20 billion, involving the amounts paid for data loss, ransom, and recovery.
Enhanced user productivity
Web filtering prevents employees from browsing unnecessary sites (like news, shopping, social media, etc.) during work hours, thus enhancing productivity. There are studies that reveal when companies applied web filtering, it helped them gain more productivity of their employees.
Protection against inappropriate content
A big portion of the internet user base includes children and students of different age groups. It is important that they are kept safe from harmful content like hate speech, violent images or adult content and this is only possible by implementing web filtering tools and techniques.
Forbes study reveals that 50% of tweens have been exposed to inappropriate content like hate speech, violence, sexually explicit language, and pornography. That can only be controlled by using web filtering tools.
Bandwidth management
Bandwidth-intensive websites, video streaming large file downloads, etc, clutter the internet pathways causing slower internet speed. Web filtering helps manage and optimize network bandwidth by blocking such material. This ensures that important business applications have sufficient bandwidth and operate efficiently without being delayed by non-essential traffic.
Compliance with guidelines
Many organizations have strict guidelines regarding internet usage and data protection. Web filtering helps them to stick to these rules by blocking access to non-compliant websites and thus securing the inappropriate use of company resources. A research by NetCraft shows that 42% of companies improved their compliance with guidelines related to Internet use with the help of web filtering technologies.
How to bypass web filter with a VPN?
Virtual Private Network (VPN) can be defined as the technology that provides the users with the secure connection through the Internet. People who use VPN to access data on the internet can access the data which is already filtered by the internet or restricted for any kind of research. VPNs hide the users’ IP address and encrypt their online activity to improve privacy, protect conversations and get around geographical limitations.
Sometimes you need access to data that has been restricted for any reason, such as when a website is limited to certain locations. If you need information from that website, you can bypass the content restrictions and access it by using a VPN. VPN creates a separate route for the connection, the web filter on the network cannot track your online activities and so you are allowed to access blocked sites.
VPN is a powerful tool to block web filters and it comes with many pros and cons and should be used responsibly. Therefore, selecting a trustworthy VPN provider is essential that has strong encryption capability, reliable speed and access to global content. This is where you can trust the services of EonVPN. It guarantees strong security and reliability features. With fast access to a wide range of worldwide servers, EonVPN is a preferred choice of many individuals and organizations.
When it comes to getting around site filters, care is the key. Please be aware that doing so would have ethical and legal implications, and therefore it is not recommended.
Conclusion
On a final note, web filtering is an inevitable and powerful tool for cybersecurity. And the best part about it is that it provides different combinations and options that individuals or organizations can use to protect their networks and users. For example, when exploring webpages, content-based, URL and keyword filtering work well together as a filtering combo.
However, filtering policies are something that organizations should carefully consider in order to avoid over-blocking, which can affect user satisfaction. As the internet continues to evolve, web filtering tools and techniques will need to evolve to meet new challenges and threats which makes them an essential part of a complete cybersecurity strategy.
FAQs
What is cybersecurity filtering?
Filtering cyber security is the use of various methods to control and monitor network traffic; this way, it protects users from cyber threats.
How can organizations prevent bypassing web filters?
Users attempt to bypass web filters using proxies or VPNs. However, advanced web filtering solutions can detect and block these breaching methods by monitoring and filtering encrypted traffic (SSL/TLS) or using deep packet inspection (DPI)._
Top comments (0)