What is URL filtering? Key features, benefits, and how it works

Every click on the internet opens a door to potential threats—malware, phishing, or even data breaches. Over 90% of cyberattacks begin with a phishing email. And more than 60% of organizations experience data breaches through compromised web traffic.

What if you could close those doors before they even open?

URL filtering isn’t just another security tool. It’s a critical line of defense in the fight against cyberattacks. It helps companies block malicious sites and protect the network in real-time.

What is URL filtering?

URL filtering blocks access to harmful or inappropriate websites. It acts as a gatekeeper for your network. It checks each website’s URL to decide if access should be granted or blocked. This makes URL filtering essential for defense.

Let’s say an employee tries to visit a phishing site disguised as a legitimate bank. URL filtering will block access and protect sensitive company data. URL filtering enhances security by real-time traffic filtering, reducing risks. This makes it a crucial component for defense.

How does URL filtering work?

When a user tries to access a website, the URL filtering software checks the URL against predefined rules. Access is granted if the site is safe or matches allowed categories; otherwise, it’s blocked. The software uses blacklists (known harmful sites) and whitelists (trusted sites). Some filters also use heuristics and machine learning. How? They evaluate new sites, improving real-time threat detection.

What role does URL filtering play in stopping phishing scams and malicious links?

Malware and phishing attacks often rely on users unknowingly visiting malicious websites. These attacks can compromise sensitive data. URL filtering acts as a critical line of defense in such conditions. It blocks access to harmful websites that may have malware or conduct phishing attacks. This helps organizations stay one step ahead of cybercriminals.

5 Key features of URL filtering

1. Access controls

One of the primary benefits of URL filtering is the ability to control who can access what on your network. Access control policies restrict website access based on user roles or device types. They ensure that only authorized users reach specific sites. This enhances security by limiting exposure. As such, sensitive information is only available to authorized individuals. Also, employees are not distracted by non-work-related content.

2. Data loss prevention

URL filtering prevents data breaches by blocking risky websites. It stops employees from accidentally visiting sites that could leak sensitive data. By controlling access, it reduces the risk of data loss. Blocking file-sharing or suspicious websites keeps sensitive data safe from exposure.

3. Whitelists and blacklists

Whitelists and blacklists control which websites users can access. A whitelist allows only trusted sites. While blacklisted ones block harmful or suspicious websites. This helps enhance security by limiting exposure to dangerous content. It also ensures users visit only safe, relevant websites.

4. GeoIP filtering

GeoIP filtering blocks access to websites based on the user’s location. It reduces the risk of cyber threats from high-risk areas, boosting network security. It also ensures compliance with regional laws. Depending on the content that isn’t allowed in specific areas, it blocks access to it. This is especially helpful for businesses following strict data protection laws.

5. Application control

URL filtering can also control access to applications embedded within websites. An organization might want to block access to certain social media apps or streaming platforms during working hours. Application control allows you to set these restrictions and maintain focus.

Benefits of URL filtering

Want to boost security and productivity in your organization? URL filtering is your answer. It blocks harmful sites and reduces distractions. Not only that, but it also ensures compliance and lets you customize web access for better control.

• Improved security: Blocks malicious websites to reduce the risk of threats.
• Increased productivity: Prevents access to distracting sites during work hours.
• Compliance assurance: Helps meet legal and regulatory requirements.
• Reduced bandwidth usage: Limits access to high-bandwidth sites.
• Granular control: Filters sites by categories, time, or specific URLs.
• Safe browsing: Protects users from harmful sites.
• Customizable policies: Tailors filtering to meet organizational needs.
• Enhanced monitoring: Tracks website access to spot risky activity.

Difference between URL filtering, Web filtering, and DNS filtering

It’s easy to confuse URL filtering with other types of filtering, such as web filtering and DNS filtering. Although they serve a similar purpose, blocking harmful content, they work slightly differently.

• URL filtering: This method blocks access based on the URL (website address). It can block specific pages or content within a site.
• Web filtering: Web filtering blocks website access and prevents harmful elements from loading, offering robust protection beyond simple URL blocking.
• DNS filtering: DNS filtering blocks access to harmful domain names at the DNS level. It stops users from reaching harmful websites before they connect. It’s a broader approach than URL filtering. An Integrated approach to URL filtering using Veltar

You may think URL filtering alone offers substantial protection. It employs an integrated approach to maximizing security. But it is far from the truth. Tools like Scalefusion Veltar offer a complete endpoint security suite and URL filtering features designed to provide a more robust defense.

Why standalone URL filtering is insufficient

Standalone URL filtering might block harmful URLs. But it doesn’t provide the deeper control needed for full protection. It often misses out on contextual factors like user behavior and content categorization. To be truly effective, URL filtering must be part of an integrated solution incorporating other security measures.

1. Category-based filtering

Veltar offers category-based filtering. Websites are categorized as Social Media, Gaming, News, Education, and more. This makes it easier to apply rules based on content type, not individual URLs. It boosts both security and productivity.

2. Customized controls

Customized controls allow you to adjust URL filtering policies to fit your organization’s needs. You can restrict website access at certain times or block specific content types. Veltar gives you the flexibility to fine-tune your settings.

3. Reports and analytics

Veltar goes beyond filtering. It provides detailed reports and analytics to track user activity and the effectiveness of your filtering policies. This is invaluable for auditing and ensuring your policies work as intended.

Conclusion

In an era where cybersecurity is paramount, URL filtering is crucial in ensuring your network remains safe and secure. Blocking access to harmful websites and controlling content based on URLs helps prevent phishing, malware, and data breaches. For organizations looking to take their security to the next level, an integrated approach like Veltar provides the control, flexibility, and real-time insights needed to stay ahead of threats.

Step into a smarter approach to endpoint security.