Small businesses face all kinds of threats, such as underfunding, competition from large-scale competitors, and trouble finding workers. Yet, many of these same businesses don’t concern themselves with cybersecurity out of an excessive belief that they won’t come under attack. Yet, small businesses often represent the majority of customers for cybersecurity firms.
Even if you don’t have a full-fledged cybersecurity plan, you can still deploy some basic cybersecurity measures, such as security training and DNS filtering. Asking yourself, “What is DNS filtering, and does my business need it?” Keep reading for a quick guide to DNS filtering, its benefits, and whether your business needs it.
What Is DNS Filtering?
The domain name system works a little like a Rolodex or phonebook for websites, but it keeps track of website addresses instead of phone numbers. There are lots of websites out there that are known threats because of malicious downloads, phishing scams, or simply content you don’t want on your network. DNS filtering essentially prevents devices on your network from accessing those websites or even specific pages on a site.
How Does DNS Filtering Work?
In most cases, you work with a DNS filtering service or get it as an add-on through IT managed services companies. The DNS filter basically maintains a list of URLs or IP addresses. When users on your network try to open websites, the requests get routed through an off-site server.
If the website or webpage in question is on the list, the off-site server won’t let the content load on your network. Instead, the user gets a blocked website notice. Not every IT service provider offers DNS filtering, so should inquire about it when you first touch base with one.
Benefits of DNS Filtering?
One of the key benefits of DNS filtering is that it prevents your employees from visiting sites known to carry viruses or other malware. That helps keep your network working efficiently. You can also implement blocks on known time-waster sites, such as social media platforms, which can boost productivity.
Does My Business Need It?
While almost every business needs some IT services, do you need a DNS filter in place? It depends on your business.
Let’s say you run a one-person business. Odds are good that you aren’t visiting sketchy websites on your work computer, so you can probably take a pass.
If you have employees, though, you can never tell where they might go on the Internet. A DNS filter makes sense in that circumstance.
DNS Filtering and You
With the what is DNS filtering question out of the way, you must consider whether DNS filtering is a good investment for your business. If you don’t have meaningful cybersecurity measures in place, it’s a step you can take to improve that situation.
After all, data breaches and compromised networks get expensive in a hurry.
If you run a one-person operation and employ good security measures, you’re in less danger. Even so, it’s still a good precaution.
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