Most of our daily lives are online, and businesses are facing the ever-present danger of cyberattacks. Phishing and malware attacks cause billions of dollars in losses to global businesses annually, but the issue continues to grow. URL filtering was a method that companies utilized to block employees off of inefficient sites. Nowadays blocking and filtering web URLs is viewed as an important component of any company's security strategy. What exactly do you mean by URL filtering? And how do you use it?

What Is URL Filtering?

URL filtering is a powerful method for reducing the risk of malware, phishing sites, and other web traffic. It can automatically categorize incoming traffic and match it with a policy. URL filtering also enables you to block web traffic from specific categories. For example, you can block malicious sites while still allowing legitimate ones.

There are two main types of URL filtering systems: cloud-based and local. Cloud-based solutions have less latency and support more URLs. Moreover, local solutions store recently-accessed URLs in a cache on the device and query cloud-based URL databases to filter missing ones. Hybrid solutions can also adapt to different traffic patterns and maintain a catalog of known sites

Advanced URL Filtering protects your network from web-based threats by leveraging machine language. It can identify URLs based on categories, users, or groups and then prevent them from accessing them. It can also enforce security policies in real time using a cloud-based database. It also helps protect your network from malware and phishing attacks.

How Does URL Filtering Work?

According to the definition of web filtering, the company must be able to evaluate URLs with a database and then automatically apply a block. The premise behind it is that URL filtering is the process of checking a database each time a user attempts to access the URL. If the URL exists already in the database, then the user will not be able to gain access. This is done by using local data lookups or accessing a master cloud.

Naturally creating URL filters for each possible URL and type of category that can be found on the Internet is an overwhelming task. It's standard practice for the vendor of the filter to already have set up their databases for filtering based on the most well-known malware and phishing sites. Most of the time, businesses aren't required to do anything since the categorization process is completely automated. Every now and then updates will continue to add to your database, without input.

Of course, employers are able to make modifications and create new categories (with URLs) to meet their specific needs. If you're planning to implement this option then you must know more about the way these databases function. Within an URL filter database, there are two primary settings that businesses can utilize.

1. Block/Allow via URL Category

The most important URL filter profile that companies can select to use is categories. This profile provides instructions when the URL is in a certain category. For instance, you could decide to create sections for malware and phishing sites. If any URL is found to match that profile users will be blocked access.

2. Match for Policy Enforcement

Additionally, traffic could be matched using URL categories to establish a certain policy. With web filtering as a method of the enforcement of policies, you can create categories that have match criteria. This could, for instance, be used to deter the usage of social media sites which are the most frequent targets of fraudulent activities.

What is URL Filtering's Purpose?

What's the purpose of a web filter? The good thing is that there's no only purpose, you can find multiple reasons to use it. Traditionally, filtering was employed to make sure employees didn't waste time in the company. Companies also utilized it to safeguard company resources like bandwidth and devices. In recent times, URL filtering has taken the role of stopping employees from accidentally landing on malicious websites. As technology for filtering advances and sophisticated, it plays an important role in corporate security guidelines.

Why is URL Filtering Important?

Blocking URLs can help prevent cyberattacks as a majority of attacks require the innocent victim to open and then interact on a certain website. If the URL isn't permitted to be loaded, the attack can be blocked in its tracks. Be aware that blocking URLs is a specific kind of filtering. Other types of filtering, including DNS filtering, can be extremely effective in protecting the sensitive data of customers and companies.

Reduced risk of being vulnerable to an attack is a good thing by itself, however, the introduction and enforcement of global privacy and data protection guidelines make it an absolute requirement. In the case of privacy, both GDPA as well as the CCPA are two instances of guidelines that every organization has to adhere to. If you suffer a security breach and find out that you don't have the right kinds of security measures in place and you're liable for hefty penalties from the regulatory authorities or private litigation.

The Benefits of GetUrl

Once you understand the basics of what URL filtering actually is, you are aware that the efficacy of this security feature is dependent on the various types of information. This is the reason you should organize your links. In case you're using GetUrl to make custom-designed and shortened links, it is essential to sort them out and arrange the links. Fortunately, GetUrl users can easily make custom filters that will assist in keeping their order with their links. Our filtering system allows you to categorize links according to teams, organizational structure, or individual.

Security for your company against attacks is a top priority. Links can be a way to gain access to your most sensitive company data. With the assistance of GetUrl, We assist you to create your website filters to protect your business. Start organizing and creating your own custom filtering database using our software which lets you build secure, customized links with the touch of a button.