URL filtering has become an indispensable layer of cyberdefense as threats originating from the web continue to proliferate. By controlling employee access to malicious and unapproved websites, organizations can significantly reduce their risk of cyberattacks.
This article will explore the growing dangers posed by the web, provide background on how URL filtering works, and detail four key benefits URL filtering provides for security and productivity.
The Web: A Risky Gateway for Attacks
The web has become the prime vector for cyberattacks as well as a sinkhole of employee productivity. Consider these statistics:
- 80% of IT security breaches originate on the web, a SANS Institute survey found.
- 91% of malware is delivered via the web, per Symantec’s 2021 Internet Security Threat Report.
- 57% of enterprise breaches started with a phishing attack, according to Verizon’s 2020 Data Breach Investigations Report.
- Employees spend on average 2 hours per day using the internet for non-work purposes, based on an analysis by Metova.
These dangers underscore the need for web controls like URL filtering to manage risk.
How Does URL Filtering Work?
URL filtering acts as a checkpoint for web traffic by blocking access to prohibited sites and content categories while allowing approved business use. There are two main deployment options:
Secure Web Gateway Appliances
On-premise secure web gateways physically sit between users and the internet to filter traffic. Appliances can integrate with Active Directory for user-based policies and reporting.
Cloud-Based URL Filtering
These services allow organizations to redirect web traffic to the cloud for filtering. Cloud services offer fast deployment but can add latency.
In both cases, the URL filter checks web addresses against an always-updated database of millions of sites and blocks malicious or unauthorized pages.
Benefit #1: Protection From Web Threats
URL filtering primarily helps security by preventing connections to known malicious sites:
Phishing – 91% of phishing attacks occur via email, but 9% also happen via the web, per a Cofense study. URL filtering blocks access to phishing pages that lure users to submit credentials or payment data.
Malware – The vast majority of malware is hosted on otherwise innocuous websites versus malicious sites. URL filtering stops connections to compromised sites distributing malware.
Ransomware – Unsuspecting users can trigger ransomware installation just by visiting websites with malicious ads. URL filtering thwarts drive-by ransomware attacks.
Fraud – URL filters block sites promoting illegal activities like illicit pharmaceutical sales, gambling and financial scams. This protects employees and the company’s reputation.
URL filtering combined with antivirus, firewalls and patching provides multilayered protection from web threats.
Benefit #2: Limiting Unproductive Web Use
Excessive web use during working hours contributes to lost productivity. Metova found that employees spend an average of 2 hours per day on non-work browsing. Common time wasters include:
- Social media – Facebook, Twitter, Instagram
- Sports – ESPN, fantasy sports, sports news
- Entertainment – YouTube, TikTok, streaming sites
- Shopping – Amazon, eBay, Target
- Gaming – Game sites, app stores
URL filtering allows IT to curb time spent on sites unrelated to an employee’s role. For example, an engineer has no need to access Twitter during work hours. Blocking unproductive sites helps keep employees focused.
Benefit #3: Enforcing Acceptable Use Policies
Organizations need to restrict web access to satisfy compliance requirements and enforce acceptable use:
- HIPAA – Requires healthcare firms to allow only necessary websites to protect patient privacy.
- FINRA – Financial services firms must archive and supervise employee communications.
- CIPA – Schools and libraries must filter sexually explicit and other obscene content.
Whitelisting with URL filtering ensures users can only access sites approved by policy. For example, blocking personal email and social media for customer service reps talking to clients.
Benefit #4: Managing Network Bandwidth
Video, music and software downloads can congest networks and slow critical apps. Common bandwidth hogs include:
- Video streaming – Netflix, Hulu, Amazon Prime
- Social media – Facebook, Instagram
- Audio streaming – Spotify, Pandora
- Large downloads – OS & software updates
URL filtering allows IT teams to curb recreational traffic and optimize bandwidth for business needs. For example, blocking YouTube could recover 20% or more of total bandwidth.
Conclusion: A Necessary Layer of Defense
URL filtering provides protection against web-based attacks and productivity pitfalls—benefits that will only grow in importance as more business moves online. Paired with other precautions like patching, training and backups, URL filtering is a fundamental component of cyber resilience.
According to Gartner, 70% of enterprises will adopt URL filtering delivered via a secure web gateway by 2023, compared to 40% that have implemented it today. As threats proliferate, organizations must take steps—like URL filtering—to manage cyber risk, safeguard data and focus employee efforts.