Content Filtering System
A Content Filtering System helps protect computer users from accidentally doing something that will harm their computer, leak personal or company information, or violate an acceptable use policy. These systems are usually built into firewalls or installed as software on the desktop. They allow email, web sites, or downloads, but inspect the information to see if it is harmful, offensive, or protected.
Why Everyone Needs Content Filtering Systems
Most people think of blocking adult websites with a content filter. While this can be attractive to many organizations, and required for schools or libraries, there are other key uses that are not as well known. A filter is key when it comes to preventing spyware and popups, or blocking spam. In addition to preventing things from coming in, a content filter can prevent things from going out, like company secrets, credit card or bank information, medical records, or profanity in company emails.
How They Work
There are a number of methods used to filter content. The most basic is you configure exactly which websites, words, or addresses you want to allow or block. For the most part, this is impractical, and is typically used to override some of the more automatic methods available. Web designers can include information on web pages that rate or categorize the website. Some systems rely on the honesty of the web site. Most systems are subscription based. The vendor maintains a huge database of websites, email signatures and addresses, or wording that they group into categories. For an annual fee you can simply choose what categories to block without having to build your own lists. Other systems can also attempt to evaluate the site or email and automatically place it in a category. Usually this is combined with subscription based systems to help with new or uncategorized sites.
Tricks for Insallation
A Content Filtering System can be a bit tricky to install. Either they let too much through that should be blocked, or they block things they should allow. Most will let you set up in a reporting or monitoring only mode until you have it adjusted properly. You can then turn on policy enforcement.
For additional information or support please contact us at 303-482-1242.
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