Content Filtering

Internet Threats

The Internet has been a revolution in information dissemination and free speech. With simple access to the Internet, any user can post any material they desire for an audience of over a billion people. The vast quantity of information made available instantly has revolutionised the way business is conducted.

At the same time that the Internet is bringing increases in productivity to the business world, the unregulated nature of the Internet has also introduced new and poorly understood threats to the business. These threats include:

Security Threats. Viruses, spyware and other malicious code can enter your network through an uncontrolled Internet connection. Web-based email, applets, downloads, instant messaging, and peer to peer networks, all serve little to no business function, yet remain the highest threat to the company's information security.
Legal Threats. Inappropriate content accessed by one employee can lead to claims of harassment and unsafe workplaces from other employees. Australian companies have been found liable for failing to stop offensive material being displayed or accessible in the workplace. Furthermore, distribution of copyrighted using corporate infrastructure can expose the company to claims of contributory copyright infringement.
Productivity Threats. . With the vast amounts of information on the Internet, it is not difficult for an employee to divert some of their working day to use the faster Internet access at work for personal interest. While most companies accept reasonable usage as unavoidable, just 20 minutes of recreational surfing a day can cost a company with 500 employees over $8,000 per week (at $50/hour/employee).
Network Threats. A single employee can render your network unable to deliver its business functionality by inadvertently installing malicious software. Network activity that does not fulfil business purposes such as file downloads can divert computing resources from delivering the quality of service that the business is paying a premium for.

Web Filtering Overview

Web filtering solutions assist in managing employee Internet access. By restricting access to business approved Internet resources, security threats, legal liability, threats to productivity and network abuse is substantially reduced.

An effective Internet filtering solution requires several features to ensure that it can maintain security in all environments and with all emerging threats.

Proactive Protection

Internet technology is constantly evolving and bringing new threats unforseen by those designing the technology. An effective Internet filtering solution must be flexible to adjust to new threats and backed by the research of the manufacturer.

Giving you control

An Internet filtering solution must be able to implement a solution that meets the business requirements. The business must be able to implement the solution to allow specific employees to access only the websites permitted, when they're permitted.

Keeping you informed

An effective Internet filtering solution must give the organisation the information required to make Web filtering decisions that will best protect and serve the business.

Allowing you to be efficient

No one has time to waste, especially administrators who typically have a broad range of responsibilities. An effective Web Filter, must be simple to manage, ideally integrating with other authentication systems.

Filtering that fits your needs

An effective Internet filtering solution should suit your Internet access environment. This may mean integration into existing web proxies, and support for a wide range of platforms.

To learn more about a custom designed Internet filter for your organisation, please contact your representative at Content Security.