With more employees working online and relying on cloud-based services, protecting your business from harmful websites and online threats has never been more important. One of the most effective ways to prevent employees from accessing dangerous or inappropriate content is through DNS and Content Filtering.

These tools work in the background to block access to harmful websites, malware, and other online risks before they even reach your network, while also giving business owners control over which types of content their employees can access during work hours.

What is DNS and Content Filtering?

DNS (Domain Name System) Filtering prevents users from accessing malicious or unsafe websites by checking each web request against a list of allowed or blocked domains. If a site is deemed harmful, access is denied, protecting your network from malware, phishing attempts, and other online threats.

Content Filtering goes a step further by allowing business owners to restrict access to certain categories of online content. This could include blocking access to social media sites, streaming platforms, gaming websites, or any other non-work-related content that could be distracting or inappropriate during work hours.

Why DNS and Content Filtering is Critical

- Blocking Malicious Sites: Many cyberattacks start with a simple click on a malicious link. DNS filtering prevents access to harmful websites, stopping malware and phishing attacks before they can infect your network.

- Controlling Access to Content: Content filtering gives business owners control over what their employees can access online. Whether you want to block time-wasting sites like social media or streaming services, or prevent access to potentially harmful or inappropriate material, content filtering helps you manage what’s accessible during work hours.

- Improving Productivity: By filtering out non-work-related content, you help employees stay focused on their tasks, minimizing distractions during the workday.

- Preventing Data Leaks: By blocking access to risky sites, you reduce the chances of sensitive company data being accidentally shared or compromised.

How EarneyIT Implements DNS and Content Filtering

At EarneyIT, we include DNS and Content Filtering as part of our comprehensive security strategy. Our filtering tools work in the background, silently blocking access to dangerous websites and filtering inappropriate or unwanted content without disrupting your employees' workflow.

As a business owner, you can decide which categories of websites you want to block. This could range from restricting access to entertainment and social media during work hours to completely blocking sites known for distributing malware. The filtering is fully customizable, so you have complete control over what your employees can and can’t access.

Tailored Content Control

DNS and content filtering aren't just about blocking harmful websites—they give business owners the power to create an online environment that aligns with their company's policies and goals. You can:

- Block Time-Wasting Websites: Prevent access to sites that might distract employees during the day, such as social media, video streaming, or online gaming platforms.

- Limit Access to Inappropriate Content: Ensure that employees don’t accidentally (or intentionally) access inappropriate content that could create a hostile work environment or lead to security risks.

- Allow Exceptions for Specific Employees: Need certain employees to have access to restricted sites? You can set up exceptions for users or teams who require access to specific websites for their job, while still keeping the rest of your network secure.

For these reasons, EarneyIT will be rolling out DNS filtering for all Complete care customers in Q4 of 2024 and Q1 of 2025.