Online distractions not only cost chunks of time, diverting attention from work but more worryingly, they can be a route for viruses and malware to enter your business network. Content filters can prevent this by restricting your staff from accessing certain types of online content. You can use content filtering to block access to non-work-related websites including social networking, gaming, dating, auction websites etc. Many organisations block illegal sites and internet dating sites. Facebook, Snapchat and Instagram are the most commonly blocked websites.
Five Key Benefits of Content Filtering are:
Some studies have shown that when businesses have no restrictions, over half employees spend at least 4 hours per week on websites not required for their job. When the number of employees or users in a network is small, keeping a check on each of their internet activity is easy. But, if the number of users in your network is large, then it gets extremely difficult to monitor the online activity of every network user. In that case, users take advantage of the unrestricted environment and often get away with activities that hamper their productivity level. Content filtering blocks and removes all these tempting websites and forces the user to be productive and focus on the tasks allocated.
- Increased Network Protection
Content filtering blocks access to the websites that most likely may distribute malicious software, malicious programs or viruses. Blocking or filtering such websites reduces the chance of a virus attack. It protects your network from hackers attempting to breach security of your network and computers. Content filtering should be a key component of your IT security system, working alongside dedicated anti-malware and antivirus programs.
This one is most useful when it comes to cost reduction. Businesses all over generally have a high-speed internet connection with a guaranteed bandwidth. By applying a content filtering policy that blocks websites & activities such as streaming videos, blocking media players, blocking sites like YouTube, Vimeo and other file sharing services, system administrators can control the bandwidth usage.
Companies can filter information and content that may increase liability because of excessive usage of internet within the organisation. The web filtering program or software restricts employees from downloading copyrighted content like media files, music, videos, offensive materials or protected information that could expose the business to liability in case of lawsuits or other types of legal action. Filtering reduces the risk of these complicated liability issues. Filtering also helps businesses keep a check on bandwidth usage.
Implementing content filtering is a straightforward and low cost strategy which guarantees and dramatically increases productivity of your workforce. It is always easier to spot an employee looking at their mobile phone on Social Media than it is if they are just looking at the desktop monitor.
Contact us today to have a chat about how we can make this work for your business.
RedMosquito provide IT Support and IT Security services to SMEs in Glasgow, Edinburgh and throughout Scotland.
