DNS filters are essential tools for corporate cybersecurity, as they protect networks from increasingly frequent attacks such as malware, phishing, and ransomware, preventing data breaches and operational disruptions.

Blocking dangerous websites and those unrelated to work not only reduces risks but also enhances employee productivity by eliminating distractions and unauthorized access. Additionally, DNS filters help ensure compliance with data protection regulations, preventing penalties and costs associated with cybersecurity incidents.

This system offers a proactive, easy-to-implement solution that is crucial for operational continuity and the protection of corporate resources. According to the 2023 IDC Global DNS Threat Report, 90% of companies have experienced at least one DNS attack.

What DNS filters are and how they work

Before delving into the benefits of DNS filtering and why it is essential for your company's cybersecurity, it's important to understand what DNS is and how it works.

The Domain Name System (DNS) is often likened to an "internet phonebook" because it translates website names (e.g., www.google.com) into IP addresses (e.g., 192.168.1.1) that computers use to communicate. DNS filters are advanced technology that manages these DNS requests by blocking access to potentially harmful sites, such as those containing malware, phishing attempts, or inappropriate content. Essentially, DNS filters act as a barrier to protect users while browsing the internet.

DNS filters work by intercepting DNS requests made by devices connected to the network. Here is how they operate:

• DNS request analysis: when a user tries to access a website, the DNS filter analyzes the request and checks if the requested domain is on a blacklist or if, on the contrary, it is not present.
• Blocking dangerous sites: if the site is on the blacklist, access is immediately blocked. Conversely, if the site is on the list of accessible sites or is not classified as dangerous, access is allowed.
• Reporting: in case of blocking, the user displays a message explaining why the site was blocked.

This technology helps prevent many of the most common cyber threats before they even reach the end user.

Features to block sites and protect data

One of the most useful features is the ability to block browsing based on specific categories, such as social media, online games, adult content, or streaming platforms, thus reducing the risk of distraction or exposure to potentially harmful content.

In addition to this, DNS filters allow sites to be blocked based on their reputation: domains considered dangerous or compromised can be automatically excluded, protecting users from malware, phishing, and other cyber threats.

One particularly interesting aspect is the ability to block access to strategic services such as cloud storage (e.g., Google Drive, Dropbox, OneDrive) and webmail platforms (such as Gmail, Yahoo Mail, or Outlook). These tools, while useful, can pose a significant risk in terms of sensitive data leakage or privacy breaches. In corporate or institutional environments, this configuration is crucial to prevent unauthorized transmission of confidential information or critical data outside the network.

Through the implementation of these measures, companies can limit uncontrolled access to external resources, thus ensuring greater security of data and intellectual property. In addition, DNS filters offer granular control that can be tailored to the specific needs of each organization, enabling effective management of access to digital resources and increasing overall network security.

The benefits of DNS filters

DNS filters offer numerous benefits for businesses, making them an indispensable tool for managing the network securely and efficiently. Here are the main benefits:

• Protection against malware: one of the main benefits of DNS filters is their ability to block access to dangerous websites, such as those containing malware, phishing or ransomware, while protecting corporate devices and data.  
• Increased employee productivity: each employee spends on average more than 7 hours per week on social networks during working hours according to Teamstage's reposting. Preventing access to non-work-related websites, such as social, gaming or streaming sites, will prevent distractions for employees by increasing their productivity. In addition, according to a survey conducted by HP, about 70 percent of workers use work devices for personal activities exposing the company to no small amount of risk.  
• Cost reduction: preventing possible cyber attacks and possible business interruptions means avoiding high costs related to repairs and data loss.
• Regulatory compliance: help companies comply with cybersecurity and data protection laws, avoiding fines or penalties.  .  
• Protection of personal data: an additional benefit of DNS Filtering is the ability to protect users' privacy. When we surf online, our personal data can be collected by malicious websites or advertising trackers. DNS filtering can prevent these activities by blocking tracking scripts and preventing connection to unsafe websites.

With these benefits, DNS filters not only protect the enterprise from various risks, but also help create a more orderly, secure, and productive work environment.

In essence, the increasing complexity and frequency of cyber attacks require companies to take a proactive approach to security. DNS filters provide an effective, easy-to-implement and highly versatile solution to prevent threats, protect corporate data and improve employee productivity.

With the ability to block dangerous sites, restrict access to irrelevant content, and ensure regulatory compliance, DNS filters are not only an investment in security, but an essential strategy for business continuity and protection of corporate assets.

Device Control: an additional defense to protect data

In addition to DNS filters, another essential measure to ensure corporate security is Device Control, a technology that allows you to manage and restrict the use of external devices, such as USB sticks, portable hard drives, and other storage media.

Device control is critical to prevent two main risks:

1. Subtraction of sensitive data: USB flash drives, often used to transfer files, provide an easy but dangerous avenue for theft of confidential information or intellectual property. By limiting or completely blocking the use of these devices, companies can dramatically reduce the risk of data leakage.
2. Malware infections: USB flash drives are also a common vector for malware, ransomware, and viruses. Simply connecting an infected device to a corporate computer can compromise the entire network. Device Control allows you to automatically prevent access to unauthorized devices, preventing these threats.

With a Device Control system, custom rules can be configured that allow the use of verified devices or block storage media altogether, providing an additional layer of security to protect corporate data.

The integration of Device Control and DNS filters represents a multi-layered approach to security that is essential for dealing with growing cyber threats.