Best Free Web Filtering Software for Business in 2023

The internet is filled with malicious sites, links, and inappropriate content. For the data security and privacy of the enterprise network, it is necessary to monitor and restrict the activity of devices to avoid hacking attacks or data thefts. Not only that, limiting data searches will restrict data usage, and the enterprise network can work better with less bandwidth and have better speed.

The most popular and effective web filtering tool is endpoint software portals, which give customization and options and better web filtering by looking up restricted domains, keywords, categories, or URLs. Read on to find the best web filtering software here!

What Is Web Filtering?

Types of web filtering

Keyword filtering: This type of filtering consists of blocking specific keywords or keyphrases from being browsed or accessed on the internet. The tool or software detects the search query's intent in keyword filtering. It is mainly applied for blocking access to adult content and illegitimate sites disguised as legitimate content.

Category filtering: Category-based web filtering blocks access to sites belonging to specific categories. Enterprises can use this type of web filtering to restrict access to social media or porn sites.

DNS filtering: The DNS of domain web filtering gives better customization and bucks access to specific domains. All enterprise traffic is channeled through these filters, where the authorized server will check and filter the blocked domains.

URL filter: URL filters block or filter the whole website URLs. URL filters with domain filters provide deeper restrictions, giving the enterprise authority to block websites, even individual web pages, from a site and let the other page access the users.

Technologies of web filtering

Browser based filters: Browser-based web filters are the easiest and most common way to restrict content and sites on the internet. There are browser extensions, add-on links, or applications to block access to specific sites.

Inline web filters: Inline web filters are hardware or software tools, or applications installed at the enterprise network's gateway. All the internet traffic flows through these gateways and is filtered according to the set parameters.

Endpoint web filtering software: An endpoint computer software tool will install and upgrade each device's policies through a central server, which can be altered through that, too. These can be run through automated MDM platforms to control and monitor all devices simultaneously.

Search engine web filtering: This, again, is a simple and easy way to filter the search results. It includes some settings on the search engine and filter applications that block or remove specific search results from showing on the devices.

Firewall-embedded web filters: Another simple yet hardcore way of filtering web results and activity is embedding the web filtering software or appliances in the firewall setting. Now, all the traffic is directed through specific protocols and IPs, and any threats threaten the network. These filters won't recognize any URL or domains, just the links or sites that it detects to be malicious.

Why Is Internet Filtering Critical for Businesses?

So now a question must be popping into your mind: all this effort and hassle for what? Why internet filtering is so crucial for enterprises. Here is the answer to this why:

Protect against cyber attacks

Phishing attacks and malicious links are abundantly available on the internet, and with a network with no filter, you will risk your whole system and data to these cyber attacks. Web filtering for business ensures a safer work environment and protects your enterprise network from cyber threats.

Better security and training

Through web filtering software and policies, an enterprise can educate its employees about how to detect malicious links and sites and how they can hear the network. Also, this will create a much more secure network and well-aware teams.

Block content

If an educational institute, a health center, or any form doesn't want its employees or users to read some content or to search for sites, they can easily block access through web filters.

Minimizing distractions boosts productivity

With restricted access to entertainment sites, social media platforms, or any other pornographic content, enterprises can ensure that their workers are focused on only work and not wasting their time elsewhere. As a result, there is better focus and productivity at work.

Better network bandwidth

With video streaming or high bandwidth using websites out of access, your network will have greater bandwidth and speed up essential downloads.

To comply with regulations

Privacy and security policies by authorities require enterprises to implement web filtering for data security and to comply with other regulations, such as underage access to adult content or violence or viewing politically banned articles, etc.

How to Pick the Best Enterprise Web Filtering Software?

There are many web filtering software for business, so choosing the best-suited one can take time and effort. Consider the following points while picking up the best enterprise web filtering software:

1 Evaluate Your Business Needs

First, you need to know what type of filtering your enterprise needs and what will work for your organization. Whether you need a device-based software tool or a cloud-based centralized control server or if you require customized getting from different devices, a general restriction will work for every device.

2 Identify Key Features

After you have cleared out your business needs, check the software package's features. What kind of filtering technology will it implement, what will be available customizations and other interface features, etc..

3 Consider security

The level of security and filtering software is essential while making a choice. The more secure and high level of filtering malicious content a software does, the more worthy it will be.

4 Evaluate Filtering Accuracy

Run a test check of different URLs or domains through the tool to check whether it's accurate in blocking a site for content or the hacker or these blocked sites can bypass the filters.

5 Ease of Use and Management

In addition to fantastic features and stringent security, another part vital for selection is the user-friendly interface and more straightforward navigation on the dashboard. This will enable the admin to utilize the device features better and implement efficient filtering.

Best Web Filtering Software for Businesses - AirDroid Business

Regarding optimum web filtering software for businesses, AirDroid Business tops the list with its incredible filtering technology and control options. It is a cloud-based MDM software tool that controls activity on each device without stalling the internet speed or connection. The Kiosk mode and configuring Google Play Store settings can both help with filtering websites for employees to ensure the safest browsing and surfing on the internet.

Way 1：From MDM Kiosk Browser Setting

Once you have completed these steps, the AirDroid Business will help you enforce the website filter, preventing users from accessing other websites.

Way 1：From Google Play Store Setting

Once you finished setting, configured web filtering settings will now be in effect on the selected devices. Now you are able to block websites on the device’s Chrome with AirDroid Business successfully.

Different Scenarios to Use Web Filtering Software for Businesses

The use of web filtering software varies from industry to industry. Have a look at some scenarios as follows:

1. Financial Services

A financial service officer can use web filters to restrict their employer from contacting and sharing financial status, predictions, or quotations to unauthorized persons or competitors.

2. Healthcare

The healthcare officer can use web filters to prevent sensitive and highly confidential health information from getting leaked on the Internet or attacked by malware.

3. Education

In libraries or schools, the admin can use web filtering to prevent the students from accessing violent, sexual, or age-inappropriate content.

4. Manufacturing & Industrial

To keep all workers attentive and efficient, a manufacturing manager can use web filtering to block any distracting sites and content to prevent time wastage.

5. Transportation & Logistics

Mobile apps and GPS tracking are crucial in the transportation and logistics industry. With web filtering software, the manager or IT team can enhance the accuracy and speed of communication, restrict any malware to lag the apps, and give better directions and navigation for the logistics and transport teams.

The Bottom Line

Web filtering software operated through a cloud server gives you safety and is very convenient and flexible. A cloud-based software tool such as AirDroid Business can be scaled as per needs and gives you ultimate authority and control over managing the web filtering on any device and altering it whenever needed.