Website Filter

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What Does Website Filter Mean?

A website filter is a network application/utility used for website control and/or traffic management. Website filters are used as tools, procedures, and security features to block network traffic according to a user or network preferences.

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Website filters are built into devices or software including routers, switches, firewalls, anti-spyware software, and browsers. A website filter is configured by a network administrator. By default, most website filters block Web pages prone to spyware, viruses, pornography, fraud, etc.

Techopedia Explains Website Filter

A website filter is a common browser and host-based security hardening feature implemented in a network firewall or proxy server to ensure the safety of an organization’s digital assets. Website filters block incoming traffic from unsafe zones, particularly those with malicious intent. Once configured, a website filter only allows traffic designated as safe by the the administrator. All other traffic is prevented from network/host entry.

Besides default unsafe traffic blocking, website filters also may be configured to block safe yet inappropriate website usage, especially in organizations seeking to curb non-productive Internet use via social media websites, instant messenger applications, and other non-business applications.

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Margaret Rouse
Technology Specialist
Margaret Rouse
Technology Specialist

Margaret is an award-winning writer and educator known for her ability to explain complex technical topics to a non-technical business audience. Over the past twenty years, her IT definitions have been published by Que in an encyclopedia of technology terms and cited in articles in the New York Times, Time Magazine, USA Today, ZDNet, PC Magazine, and Discovery Magazine. She joined Techopedia in 2011. Margaret’s idea of ​​a fun day is to help IT and business professionals to learn to speak each other’s highly specialized languages.