Top Internet Threats That Filtering Can Prevent

What Is Internet Filtering?

Internet filtering works like a checkpoint between your device and the web. All traffic passes through a remote filter before it reaches you. This means threats are blocked before they land on your device, which is a major advantage over on-device security tools that only detect problems after the fact.

Top Internet Threats That Filtering Can Prevent

1. Malware and ransomware

There are many types of malware (malicious software), including viruses, worms, and trojans, but the strain that worries people the most these days is ransomware.

Ransomware encrypts your files and demands payment before restoring access. Victims without recent backups can face permanent data loss or extortionate ransom costs.

Internet filtering tools can block access to malicious websites and attachments that distribute malware or ransomware, helping ensure you never install malware on your device in the first place.

2. Phishing scams

Phishing tricks users into revealing personal information, such as passwords or credit card numbers, through deceptive emails, websites, or messages.

Internet filters can identify and block phishing websites, as well as emails with phishing links or attachments. They can detect fake domains or sites that closely mimic legitimate ones, reducing the risk of users falling for scams.

3. Inappropriate content

Exposure to harmful or inappropriate content, such as explicit material, violence, or hate speech, can negatively impact users, especially children.

Filters can block access to websites and content that contain explicit, offensive, or adult content. The admin user doesn’t have to specify website domains thanks to category blocking – if a website falls under that category, it’s automatically blocked.

4. Adware and spyware

Adware and spyware track user activity, display unwanted ads, and can steal sensitive personal information. Filters can block known adware and spyware sites or prevent pop-up ads that may contain malicious code, preventing the installation of tracking software.

5. Botnet infections

A botnet is a network of infected devices that can be controlled by cybercriminals for malicious purposes, such as launching Distributed Denial of Service (DDoS) attacks or spreading malware. 

Effectively, hackers run their own attack software on your computer without you knowing about it.

Filtering solutions can detect and block websites that are used for botnet command and control, reducing the chances of devices becoming infected and part of a botnet.

6. Malicious downloads

Downloads from untrusted websites or sources can contain harmful software or files. Some, particularly rootkits, install deep down in the operating system, making them extremely difficult to remove.

Internet filters can block access to known harmful file types and limit downloads from untrusted sites. This can prevent users from unknowingly downloading malicious files.

7. Cryptojacking

Cryptojacking involves using a victim’s device to mine cryptocurrency without their consent, often slowing down the device and using up resources. Filters can detect and block access to websites or scripts that are known to exploit users’ devices for cryptomining activities, protecting against this growing threat.

8. DNS spoofing and cache poisoning

DNS cache poisoning is the method by which attackers inject false records into a DNS resolver's cache. The result is DNS spoofing, where users get silently redirected to fraudulent sites without realizing it, although these days both terms are used interchangeably.

While DNSSEC and encrypted DNS protocols like DNS-over-HTTPS (DoH) and DNS-over-TLS (DoT) are the most direct defenses against these attacks, DNS filtering adds a critical layer by blocking known malicious domains before a connection is ever made.

How To Choose Filtering That Actually Helps

Not all filtering tools are built the same. Here are the most important things to look for when choosing one.

• Know what you need first. Are you trying to block malware, keep kids away from inappropriate content, stop phishing attacks, or all of the above? The answer shapes everything else
• Look for multiple layers of protection. The best tools combine web filtering, malware blocking, and DNS filtering rather than relying on just one method
• Make sure you can customize it. A good filtering solution lets you control which content categories are blocked and adjust settings to fit your specific situation, not just apply a one-size-fits-all ruleset
• Consider a cloud-based solution. Cloud-based filters are generally easier to manage and update automatically, so you're always protected against the latest threats without having to push updates to every device manually
• Make sure it has reporting and monitoring. Logs and reports let you see what's being blocked, spot patterns, and catch threats you might otherwise miss
• Check the performance impact. A filtering tool shouldn't noticeably slow down your network or devices. If it does, it'll create friction, and people will find ways around it

Final Thoughts

Now that you know which threats filtering can prevent and what to look for in a solution, the next step is finding the right product for your needs. We've compared the seven best internet filtering solutions available today, covering options for both businesses and households. 

From enterprise-grade platforms like Control D to family-focused tools like Net Nanny and Norton Family, our best internet filtering software guide breaks down the features, pricing, and use cases so you can find the right fit for you.