How DNS Filtering Protects Businesses & Users from Malicious Websites

There are ways to protect users from malicious websites that could introduce an infection to their machine or even worse – the company itself. DNS filtering protects businesses and is one of the most effective ways of limiting exposure to infection.

In an age of online and remote workplaces, users working from outside of the office do not have the same protections as those working within. Why? Because when working in the office, they are most likely receiving threat protections from their company’s firewall. However, once they leave the office to work remote, these protections no longer exist leaving the user vulnerable to online threats and without any knowledge around what to look for.

DNS filtering not only provides a strong line of defense against various online threats but also helps maintain a secure, efficient, and compliant network environment. In this article, we’ll explore what DNS Filtering is, how it works, and the key benefits it offers to businesses and users.

DNS Filtering works by inspecting DNS requests made by users. When a user attempts to visit a website, the DNS request is checked against a list of known threats and policies set by the organization. Here’s how DNS Filtering protects businesses and users from accessing malicious websites:

How DNS Filtering Protects Businesses Against Malicious Websites

1. Blocking Malicious Domains

DNS Filtering uses threat intelligence databases to maintain a list of known malicious domains. This list is continuously updated with information about sites associated with malware, phishing, ransomware, botnets, and other types of cyber threats.

When a user attempts to visit a website, DNS filtering protects businesses by checking whether the domain is on the list of malicious sites. If it is, the user is blocked from accessing the site, preventing exposure to potential threats.

2. Preventing Phishing Attacks

Phishing attacks aim to trick users into revealing sensitive information, such as login credentials or financial details, by redirecting them to fake websites.

DNS Filtering can recognize domains associated with phishing activities and prevent users from accessing these sites, protecting sensitive information and reducing the risk of data breaches.

3. Mitigating Malware and Ransomware Attacks

Malicious websites are often used to distribute malware, including ransomware, Trojans, and spyware. DNS Filtering prevents users from visiting these websites by blocking access at the DNS level.

By stopping users from accessing malware-hosting sites, DNS Filtering helps maintain the integrity of business networks and minimizes the risk of malware infections that can lead to data loss or downtime.

4. Content Filtering and Compliance

DNS Filtering can be used to restrict access to inappropriate, non-business-related, or high-risk websites, such as adult content, illegal downloads, or gambling sites.

This feature is particularly useful for maintaining compliance with industry regulations and company policies, ensuring that users only access approved and secure websites during work hours.

5. Protecting Remote Workers

As remote work becomes more common, protecting users who work outside of a secured office network is critical. DNS Filtering provides an additional layer of security for remote employees, blocking access to malicious sites regardless of their physical location.

By applying DNS Filtering on devices used by remote employees, businesses can maintain consistent security policies, even when employees are working from home, public networks, or other locations.

Benefits of DNS Filtering for Businesses

1. Proactive Threat Prevention

DNS Filtering acts as a proactive security measure, stopping threats at the DNS level before they can reach users’ devices. This reduces the risk of infections, data breaches, and other security incidents that can lead to significant financial and reputational damage.

2. Improved Network Performance

By blocking access to known malicious sites and restricting bandwidth-heavy or non-business-related websites, DNS Filtering helps maintain optimal network performance. It reduces unnecessary traffic and prevents users from accidentally accessing harmful content that could slow down the network.

3. Simplified Compliance and Policy Enforcement

DNS Filtering enables businesses to enforce compliance by ensuring that users can only access approved websites. This is particularly important in industries with strict regulations, such as healthcare, finance, and education, where improper access could result in compliance violations.

4. Enhanced User Awareness

DNS Filtering not only blocks malicious websites but also educates users by displaying block pages that explain why the site was blocked. This reinforces cybersecurity awareness and helps users understand the risks associated with accessing certain websites.

ThrottleNet includes DNS Filtering in all of their Managed Network + Cybersecurity solutions ensuring that no matter where you are working from, you and your organization are protected from online threats. By stopping threats at the DNS level, DNS Filtering prevents phishing, malware distribution, and other online risks before they can impact the network.