The internet has now become an integral part of our lives. Its use is quite common in almost all sectors of life due to the wealth of information it provides. However, access to all types of information without proper checks and mechanisms can be daunting at times. Using the internet, an individual may get exposed to malicious, offensive, and harmful content that may impact his productivity.

To handle this situation, web content filtering is an effective mechanism as it can block websites with abusive content. In the corporate world, it precludes employees from accessing inappropriate websites during working hours. By blocking certain websites, corporates can ensure that websites with malicious content cannot be accessed through the organization’s network.

Moreover, these mechanisms also stop employees from stealing confidential information or materials. In the same way, the misuse of a company’s resources such as storage and bandwidth can be saved by employing web content filtering approaches.

With it being used in several places, it is necessary for everyone to know how does it work and how can you incorporate in your surroundings.

How Does Content Filtering Work?

This mechanism works on the principle of pattern matching. It works by identifying specific patterns or characteristics within the content of a website, such as keywords, images, or file types. The content filtering solution will then compare these patterns against a set of predefined rules to determine if the site should be blocked or allowed.

For example, a content filtering solution may be configured to block access to websites that contain explicit language, graphic images, or other types of content that may be deemed inappropriate or offensive. Alternatively, it may be configured to allow access to educational or business-related websites while blocking access to social media sites or entertainment-related sites.

Web content filtering can be implemented on an individual device, network, or through a cloud-based service, and it typically operates by examining the URLs, keywords, and patterns of websites being accessed and comparing them against a predefined list of allowed or blocked sites.

How Can MDM Help in Web Content Filtering?

Mobile Device Management (MDM) solution is an effective tool to implement content filtering mechanisms on the mobile devices of employees. The MDM solution is installed on each device and administrators can configure policies to limit or block access to websites or content deemed inappropriate or not aligned with the organization's policies.

The IT admin can block a list of web pages, URLs, and apps using the console of MDM software. Additionally, the Kiosk mode of MDM software limits a mobile device to single or multiple web links. In this way, employees can only perform their own job responsibilities rather than wasting time and the company’s resources.

Applications of Web Content Fiiltering Feature by MDM

The web content filtering feature offered by MDM software can be used in various applications like healthcare, education, etc. to improve productivity. Some of the uses of this functionality are discussed below.

• Healthcare: This sector is an attractive target for cybercriminals as it processes confidential information of patients. Hackers use phishing techniques or malware to steal sensitive data and sell them on the dark web for earning money.

The hospital staff being non-technical access malicious websites containing payloads that can help hackers to access the confidential information of patients. This, in turn, impacts the reputation of healthcare organizations and incurs huge financial losses. In this scenario, blocking malicious websites can help hospitals to deal with these issues.

 

• Enterprises: For business organizations, trade secrets, tender information, and other financials are of extreme importance and they do not want them to be disclosed. By blocking access to potentially harmful websites, MDM software with web content filtering helps to protect employees' devices and the sensitive data they contain from threats such as malware, phishing, and other types of cyberattacks.

In the same way, MDM software with web content filtering can help improve the overall performance and efficiency of the network by reducing the amount of unwanted or unnecessary traffic on the network.

 

• Education: In schools, MDM software is helpful in limiting the activities of students by blocking unnecessary web content. Using the MDM solution, schools’ administration can ensure that students are protected from potentially harmful or inappropriate online content while they are using the internet.

The goal of web content filtering for students is to create a safe and productive online learning environment. Likewise, it can help teachers and administrators monitor student internet usage and ensure that students are staying on task and not wasting time on unrelated activities. Additionally, web content filtering can help schools and universities comply with laws and regulations related to online content, such as the Children's Online Privacy Protection Act (COPPA).

Web Content Filtering is necessary in several places and thus everyone needs to know its value. Moreover, it is no rocket science to follow the procedure because MDM can help you with that easily.