Why Does Your Organization Need Web Security?

Malware is a threat to businesses that is often found addressed in today’s news headlines. The term “malware” encompasses different types of malicious software which could infect your corporate network including viruses, worms, Trojans, spyware, adware, rootkits, crimeware and scareware.

In today’s business environment, most employees are careful when it comes to opening email attachments but are not always as cautious about clicking on links which can lead to a malware infection. With today’s sophisticated malware, the chances of a direct malware infection are high when downloading something from an infected website. Organizations find it extremely difficult to keep up with new malware and other security issues they need to address. Fortunately, businesses can now respond to possible malware threats through the use of internet monitoring software.

Internet monitoring software helps protect against web security threats by monitoring employees’ browsing activity. This software also helps enforce any internet usage policy a business has in place and can even be configured to block websites which employees are not allowed to access during business hours. To be truly effective, however, the internet monitoring software should include other essentials features. When shopping for new web filtering and web security software, keep the following features in mind:

1. Web filtering should be very granular; meaning access to certain websites can be permitted or blocked based on an employee’s job requirements, the time of day, and the category of website. This will allow for easier administration of the software. Once configured, frequent changes should not be needed.
2. Internet monitoring software should be able to protect the business from a variety of malware, spyware, and viruses. This is usually done using more than one type or version of virus/spyware engine. At minimum, at least two different types of virus/spyware protection should be included in any internet monitoring software you are considering.
3. The solution should allow you to monitor and/or block certain downloads when necessary. You should also be able to block specific file types, such as mp3s, video files and zipped files, among others.
4. Make sure that the web security solution you’re using is able to detect and warn users of possible phishing websites. Basically, this feature should tell the user whether he/she may be accessing known or suspected fake websites instead of the one they think they are actually linking to.
5. Encrypted traffic should be inspected by internet monitoring software since it is one of the common ways of getting malicious traffic past firewalls and intrusion detection systems.
6. Monitoring of outbound internet traffic will assist in preventing leakage of sensitive data/information either from an insider (i.e. employee or contractor) or from malicious software that is sending sensitive information to another location.

While this is not an all-encompassing list, it provides you with main features to look for when researching and selecting internet monitoring software to protect your business against any web security threats.

Editor note: This guest post was provided by Sean McCrearyon behalf of GFI Software Ltd. GFI is a leading software developer that provides a single source for network administrators to address their network security, content security and messaging needs. More information: GFI Internet Monitoring Software.