Demystifying Internet Content Filtering for Businesses, Schools, and Libraries

Why it's needed, how it works, and solutions from SonicWALL ® CONTENTS Importance of content filtering – For businesses – For schools and libraries 2 How content filtering works – Site blocking versus content monitoring – Solution architectures 4 SonicWALL content filtering solutions – SonicWALL Content Filtering Service – SonicWALL Content Security Manager 2100 Content Filter – Features and benefits 6 Conclusion 11 2 Abstract Businesses, schools, and libraries with Internet connections need the ability to control access to objectionable or inappropriate content and network threats. Without that control, these organizations risk productivity loss, security breaches, erosion of available bandwidth, and legal liability. The stakes are even higher for schools and libraries, which stand to lose federal funding if they do not provide the content filtering mandated by the Children's Internet Protection Act (CIPA) of 2000. When selecting a filtering solution, businesses and schools need to be aware of the different approaches to filtering and their deployment methods. Depending on the level of filtering required, they can choose broadly between a site blocking and content monitoring approach. Both approaches can be deployed through client software, standalone or integrated filtering solutions—each deployment method varies in terms of effectiveness, cost, and manageability. This white paper makes the business case for content filtering, explains solution options, and describes how SonicWALL solutions enable optimum protection and productivity for businesses, schools, and libraries of all sizes. As Internet use grows in business, so do the risks of uncontrolled access. When workers inadvertently or deliberately access sites containing inappropriate, illegal, or dangerous content, organizations lose productivity, expose themselves to legal liability, and in some cases experience degraded network performance. There are also a growing number of security risks from Trojans and worms that can be introduced into the network causing serious damage. An effective filtering solution can help solve these problems by blocking access to inappropriate Web sites or those that can detract from employee productivity. Improving employee productivity Restricting Web access to inappropriate sites helps companies prevent excessive non-productive Web surfing and preserves network bandwidth. According to a survey by SonicWALL and its partner Cerberian, employees report: 1 ƒ 16% have knowingly surfed pornography sites at work at least once ƒ 40% have seen co-workers surf pornography sites ƒ 32% have seen co-workers surf gambling sites ƒ 91% have seen people shopping online ƒ 85% have seen co-workers surf sports-related pages ƒ 55% spend more …