Ryan FowlerRecent findings from cybersecurity enterprise NordLayer unveil that a substantial majority of UK employers are adopting preventive measures to restrict access to potentially harmful or inappropriate websites, underlining a strong commitment to cybersecurity and workplace productivity. According to the study, 72% of employers block malware and adult content websites, whereas phishing sites are restricted by 70%. Moreover, 77% of British employers prohibit access to adult content, yet only 55% obstruct malware-hosting sites, indicating a disparity in web filtering priorities.
The rationale behind these restrictions includes mitigating the risk of cyberattacks and minimising distractions within the workplace. Gambling sites, often associated with productivity concerns, are blocked by 43% of employers. The Domain Name System (DNS) filtering feature provided by NordLayer is instrumental in these efforts, denying access to a spectrum of malicious and inappropriate sites, including those related to phishing, cryptojacking, illegal activities, and DDoS as a Service (DaaS).
Carlos Salas, a cybersecurity specialist at NordLayer, emphasises the critical nature of DNS filtering within an organisation’s cybersecurity framework: “DNS filtering is a critical component of any organisation’s cybersecurity strategy. By blocking access to malicious and inappropriate websites, employers can significantly reduce the risk of malware infections and security breaches on their networks.”
The research further investigates other categories of blocked websites that contribute to maintaining a professional work environment, such as dating sites (blocked by 30% of employers), sex education websites (28%), and lingerie sites (12%). Furthermore, 37% of IT managers block websites related to drug sales or information, and 21% restrict access to VPN sites to avert security risks linked to bypassing network restrictions.
In comparison, British employers display more rigorous internet access policies than their global counterparts, particularly with a higher rate of blocking for adult content and gambling websites. Conversely, UK businesses demonstrate more tolerance towards gaming and social media sites, with only 11% and 5% of employers, respectively, opting to enforce restrictions.
Salas further elucidates the benefits of DNS filtering: “It prevents individuals from accessing malicious websites, which might lead to ransomware, phishing, or cryptojacking attacks. This feature enables organisations to enforce internet usage policies, control access to inappropriate or non-work-related content, and optimise network performance.”
This study highlights the crucial role of web filtering and DNS filtering in bolstering cybersecurity defences, ensuring regulatory compliance, and upholding the integrity of organisational networks amidst the rise of increasingly sophisticated cyber threats.
