content filtering on devices protects data

4 ways content filtering will benefit your business

The internet makes it possible for people to access pretty much any type of information they could want. For the most part, that’s a good thing… except when your employees decide to use their computers to browse content that isn’t applicable to their job duties.

Content filtering gives you the ability to control the types of sites your employees can view at work. When you adopt content filtering, your business benefits in several ways.

Filtering out unnecessary content can boost productivity

CNBC News estimates that Facebook has cost the economy about $3.5 trillion in lost productivity. When you include time wasted visiting other websites during work hours, the amount of lost productivity must be even more staggering.

Content filtering gives you the ability to prevent employees from visiting sites that don’t have relevance to their jobs. A customer service representative may need to access Facebook to address the needs of consumers. That same person, however, probably doesn’t have a legitimate reason to visit entertainment sites like Hulu or Netflix. Blocking those unnecessary sites makes it easier for employees to focus on work instead of getting distracted.

Content filtering improves your network security

According to Security Week, about 18.5 million websites are infected with malware. If your employees visit those sites, then your network could get infected with malware that steals data and eats your processing power.

Teaching your employees how to spot potentially dangerous websites and emails will help curb this problem. Unfortunately, you can’t count on all of your employees making smart decisions all of the time. Eventually, one of them will click on a link that downloads malicious software to your network.

Content filtering helps you block malicious sites, so you can lower your risk of infection.

Filtering content can save you from HR nightmares

The internet is full of material that’s inappropriate for the workplace. Obviously, you don’t want people viewing inappropriate content on their work computers. In addition to its undeniably uncomfortable aspect, it could make your business vulnerable to lawsuits.

If an employee watches offensive material that other people can see from their workstations, eventually someone will complain to HR. If the problem doesn’t get resolved immediately, then workers could file lawsuits against you.

Filtering inappropriate content from your network could, therefore, help protect you from lawsuits and an HR nightmare that will give your business a bad reputation. Don’t run any risks. Just use a filter to prevent the situation from happening.

Content filtering can improve your network’s efficiency and save you money

Your business spends a lot of money on technology that helps you meet client needs efficiently. When employees waste time browsing sites unrelated to their work, their activities can also put a strain on your network.

Streaming videos and downloading files from torrent sites, for instance, requires a lot of data. Your network has to slow down to accommodate these actions. By filtering content, you can prevent employees from doing things that will burden your network and make it harder for other people to do their actual jobs.

Of all these risks, security is probably the biggest problem for businesses. You can learn more about protecting your network by taking a look at five crucial components for a successful network security policy.