What is URL Filtering?

URL filtering is a technology that manages internet access and promotes a safe and productive online environment. By blocking access to potentially harmful websites, URL filtering reduces the risk of cyber threats and protects against data breaches and malware infections.

ben kazinik

03.05.2023

8 min read

URL filtering is a specific type of web filtering that businesses use to block or restrict access to specific websites or pages for a variety of reasons, including:

• Increased network security
• Greater productivity for employees
• Improved network performance

URL filtering systems compare the URL of a requested website against a database of web addresses deemed inappropriate or harmful, like those containing adult content, malware, or phishing scams. URL filtering also helps enforce acceptable internet use policies by blocking access to websites in categories like social media, job search, gambling, and streaming during work hours.

What is a URL?

A URL (Uniform Resource Locator), also known as a web address, is a string of characters used to uniquely identify the location of a web page or resource, such as an image, document, or video.

A URL typically consists of several components, including:

• Protocol – the communication protocol that should be used to access the resource, such as Hypertext Transfer Protocol (HTTP), HTTP Secure (HTTPS), File Transfer Protocol (FTP), or others.
• Domain name – the human-readable name of the website or server hosting the resource, such as www.anysite.com. 
• Path – the specific directory or file location on the web server where the resource is located. 
• Fragment identifier – an optional component, typically preceded by a “#” symbol that may be included to signify a section on a single page of a website 

How Does a URL Filter Work?

To restrict access to malicious websites, keep employees safe, and protect sensitive data, IT teams use firewalls, hardware like routers, or specialized software stored locally or in the cloud, to block specific URLs or categories of URLs from loading. 

With paid URL filtering services, vendors usually provide a database of URLs to be allowed or blocked. Most services also allow administrators to customize the rules and categories to meet their specific needs.

When an employee attempts to access a particular website, the filter will start by checking the allow list, which includes all websites needed to perform work-related duties. If the site is acceptable, the individual will gain access. 

If not, the filter will check against non-allow lists, pre-defined URL category lists, and specified keyword or topic lists to determine whether the URL is acceptable. If an employee attempts to visit a restricted website, intentionally or unintentionally, they’ll receive a notification reporting the site has been blocked and the content may be harmful.

URL Filtering vs DNS Filtering

URL filtering and DNS filtering are both used to restrict access to certain websites or online content, but they operate in different ways.

A URL filter inspects the entire requested URL, including the protocol, domain name, and path, and blocks access based on predefined rules or categories. URL filtering is granular and specific, as it targets individual web pages or resources on a website. 

In contrast, DNS filtering blocks access to specific domain names or IP addresses (also according to predefined rules or categories). When a user tries to access a website, their device first sends a DNS request to a DNS server to translate the domain name into an IP address. DNS filtering intercepts this request and either returns a modified IP address or blocks the request. 

Both techniques are effective in restricting access to unwanted or harmful content and are often used in combination for maximum protection.

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How does URL Filtration Help?

Businesses enhance their security posture and improve business operations by preventing exposure to potentially harmful or inappropriate material. URL filtering helps IT teams:

• Control access to inappropriate or offensive content like adult content or gambling sites
• Protect users from inadvertently downloading malware by blocking access to URLs known to contain malicious content
• Enforce an organization’s acceptable internet use policies and prevent employees from wasting time on non-work-related websites
• Improve network performance by reducing bandwidth usage and preventing congestion
• Ensure regulatory compliance required in industries like healthcare and finance by blocking access to websites that may pose a risk to data security

URL filtering is an effective tool for managing internet access and promoting a safe and productive online environment.

Is Having a URL Filter Enough?

While URL filtering is a useful tool, it doesn’t provide comprehensive protection against all types of online threats. Here’s why:

• URL filtering might not detect or block encrypted traffic, such as traffic over HTTPS. 
• It might not detect cyber threats delivered through IP addresses or other methods on its own.
• Cyber threats are constantly evolving, and URL filtering may be unable to keep up with new types of threats or attack methods.

An integrated approach to security combines various tools with user education, so it is more effective than URL filtering on its own. 

Multiple layers of protection can detect a wider range of threats, reduce false positives that stop employees from accessing legitimate content, adapt to constantly evolving threats, and give organizations greater control over their security approach. 

Advantages of URL Filtering

URL filtering offers many advantages for businesses of any size, especially when customized to meet specific needs.

Improves Network Security

With URL filtering, users are less likely to access websites containing malware or other cyber threats. By blocking access to these websites, URL filtering improves network security and reduces the risk of cyber attacks.

Protects Against Phishing

Phishing attacks often come as links in legitimate-looking emails. URL filtering prevents users from falling victim to phishing attacks and protects sensitive information from being stolen, even when users click on suspicious links. 

Lowers Company Liability

URL filtering helps protect against unauthorized use of credentials, compromised networks and leaked or stolen data. Additionally, by blocking access to websites that are unrelated to work or that violate company policies, URL filtering reduces the risk of legal liability related to employee actions or behaviors on the internet.

Helps with Employee Productivity

URL filtering increases productivity and reduces time-wasting activities by blocking access to non-work-related websites, such as social media, online gaming, and other distractions.

Ensures Compliance with Policies and Regulations

Many organizations have policies in place to govern internet use. URL filtering strengthens compliance with these policies and regulations by enforcing restrictions on access.

Helps Company Networks be Less Strained

URL filtering reduces bandwidth usage and prevents network congestion by preventing employees from using streaming services or other heavy-use websites, improving overall network performance.

URL filtering is a valuable tool for managing internet access and promoting a safe and productive online environment. Combined with other security measures, such as user education and awareness, multi-factor authentication, and email filtering, it provides comprehensive protection against phishing attacks, malware, and other potentially harmful content.

Disadvantages of URL Filtering

While very useful, URL filtering comes with limitations. It’s important to consider potential drawbacks when selecting your overall security solution.

Overblocking

URL filtering may block legitimate websites that are not actually harmful. This frustrates users trying to access important information or resources and may decrease productivity.

Underblocking

URL filtering may not be able to detect or block all types of malicious or harmful content, particularly if it is delivered through encrypted traffic or other methods that are difficult to detect.

False sense of security

URL filtering may give users and administrators a false sense of security, leading them to believe they are completely protected against cyber threats. In reality, URL filtering is just one part of a comprehensive security approach, and organizations still need to use other security measures to provide full protection.

Cost

Costs associated with URL filtering vary with the size and complexity of a business and its networks and may include hardware, software licenses, ongoing maintenance, and IT personnel.

Privacy Concerns

URL filtering involves monitoring and analyzing user internet activity, which may raise privacy concerns among users. Organizations need to be transparent about their internet usage policies and communicate clearly with users about the types of activity they are monitoring and why.

Overall, while URL filtering promotes a safe and productive online environment, organizations need to be aware of the potential disadvantages and take steps to mitigate them. By using a balanced approach to internet security that includes URL filtering and other security measures, organizations enhance their security posture and ensure a positive online experience for users.

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Best Practices for URL Filtering

Different organizations have different approaches to implementing a URL filtering solution. However, there are some recommended best practices to keep in mind.

Create Company Policies and Build Threat Awareness

Before implementing URL filtering, organizations should develop a clear internet usage policy that outlines which types of websites and content are allowed or blocked and how the policy will be enforced.

Policies might also include info about email usage, file downloads, and use of third-party software. Businesses should communicate policies clearly to all users and review and update them as needed.

Additionally, employees need to understand internet-related risks, especially for company networks and devices. Training should include examples of potential threats, instruction on avoiding being tricked into giving up credentials, and training to spot potentially harmful URLs in email and internet browsers.

Customize URL Filters

URL filters should be customized according to each company’s needs. To avoid frustration and decreased productivity while keeping networks safe, filtering systems must balance security with allowing users to access the websites and content they need to do their jobs effectively. 

Block URLs in Different Threat Categories

Along with blocking access to specific websites, URL filters can also restrict sites in different known threat categories, such as malware, phishing, and spam. 

Enable Credential Theft Protection

Some URL filtering solutions include credential theft protection, which detects and blocks websites that steal user credentials, like login information and passwords. When enabled, it prevents unauthorized access to sensitive data and protects against identity theft.

Use Selective SSL Decryption

Many websites now use SSL encryption to protect data in transit, making it difficult for URL filtering solutions to analyze and block content. With selective SSL decryption, you can decrypt specific SSL traffic for analysis and filtering without compromising the privacy and security of user data.

Monitor and Analyze Activity

URL filtering should be accompanied by monitoring and analyzing user internet activity to detect potential breaches or policy violations. This information can be used to refine filtering policies and educate users on safe internet practices.

Stay Up-to-date

Cyber threats are constantly evolving, and URL filtering policies must be updated regularly to keep up with new threats and attack methods. Organizations should stay informed about emerging threats and update their filtering policies accordingly.

Set Up a Comprehensive Security Strategy

URL filtering is an important tool in a multi-layered approach to security that includes other measures like antivirus software, firewalls, and user education.

A comprehensive approach to security includes URL filtering and helps organizations provide the best possible protection against cyber threats and a positive online experience for users. With the right approach, URL filtering offers a powerful tool for promoting a safe and secure online environment.