Internet sites contain inappropriate content such as pornography, violence, and gambling. Is URL filtering the same as web filtering?
Is URL Filtering Same as Web Filtering?
URL Filtering is used to block access to objectionable websites, while web filtering is used to block access to objectionable content. This is on both websites and Internet applications. URL Filtering is not the same as web filtering.
The process of blocking websites and web pages is based on a list of prohibited URLs that you create. The goal is to prevent users from accessing inappropriate websites. Web Filtering is the process of blocking websites and web pages based on their content.
There are two types of Web Filtering:
1. URL filtering based on HTTP traffic
2. keyword filtering based on HTTP traffic
URL filtering is built into the Juniper Networks UAC device. That is whereas Web Filtering requires a separate subscription to an external service provider. RFC 2828 states that “The URL filtering function is independent of the Web Filtering function.”
However, Juniper Networks provides URL filtering as an added feature of Juniper Networks UAC. The feature is available at no extra charge.
What URL Filtering Does?
URL filtering follows a simple concept. It allows you to block access to any website or web page that contains inappropriate content such as pornography, violence, and gambling. It also helps you keep your network compliant with corporate policies.
This is by blocking sites that may harm productivity or cause harm to your organization. The following shows some examples of how URL filtering helps you protect your organization from inappropriate content:
Filtering Rules Examples
Example 1: You work for a medical organization that has strict rules against its employees looking at pornographic material online. So, you can create a list of URLs containing pornographic material. Then block access to these sites using URL filtering.
Example 2: You work for a financial institution that prohibits its employees from accessing gambling-related websites during business hours. Also, you can create a list of URLs containing gambling-related content. Then block access to these sites using URL filtering.
Example 3: Your company has strict rules against employees using their business systems for personal use. These are such as accessing social networking sites such as Facebook. You can create a list of URLs containing social networking sites.
Then block access to these sites using URL filtering.
Example 4: You work in a school where all mobile devices are issued by the school’s IT department. It also controls all the software loaded on them. Your school has strict rules against students downloading any software that could be used to cheat in class.
These are such as dictionaries or flash cards. You can create a list of URLs containing cheating-related software and then block access to these sites using URL filtering.
Web Filtering is the process of blocking websites and web pages based on their content. Web Filtering is available as an option with Juniper Networks UAC. The current version of Juniper Networks UAC provides full Web Filtering functionality.