Why Content Filtering is Necessary for Your Business

The Internet might be a great resource for today's businesses, but it can also waste a lot of time and expose your organization to more risks than you’d think. As a business owner, it is your responsibility to take action against these threats and do what must be done to protect your organization from them. One of the best ways you can do this is by implementing a content filter for your network traffic.

What is a content filter, what does it do, and what issues can it solve for your company?

What is a Content Filter?

A content filter is a solution that allows your business to block specific content on company workstations. The type of content blocked generally falls into three categories: harmful, inappropriate, and/or time-wasting. Content filters block these websites from loading and can also stop files from executing. These content filters are generally used to reinforce network security and company policies pertaining to workstation usage.

Why Is It Necessary?

The Internet is filled with distractions like social media and streaming services, so it goes without saying that employees might be tempted to check them out during the workday. To stop this, you can block access to them on an “as needed” basis. Some content simply should not be viewed during the workday in general (you know, those websites), and not only are they inappropriate, they are often security risks. It’s safe to say that there is a legitimate reason to block these types of websites in the workplace.

Since you can implement content filters on a case-by-case basis, you still allow your well-behaved and productive employees to use certain sites when needed, whereas the opposite is also true; you can use a content filter to keep those who have problems concentrating focused on the task at hand.

Get Started Today

A content filter is one of the many tools that all businesses can benefit from, allowing companies to shore up weaknesses and keep their employees from wasting too much time while going about their daily tasks. Even if your employees don’t like this solution, it’s to protect them, their jobs, and your business, so you should not feel bad about implementing one. Macro Systems can help you implement and deploy a comprehensive security solution called a Unified Threat Management tool, or UTM. One of the big features of a UTM is content filtering, so it’s a great way to get the most powerful security solutions all in one place.

To learn more about what we can do for your business, reach out to us at 703-359-9211.