Because the Internet contains vast amounts of data, a filtered ISP (Internet server provider) restricting Internet material is immensely beneficial for businesses. These content-controlled ISPs allow employees to be more productive, forcing them to focus on their tasks as opposed to the surfing the web.

Security of many forms comes from filtered ISPs. They block viruses and keep other infections from attacking your networks and computers. If your establishment employs or deals with adolescents, then controlling the subject matter available on of the web protects you legally. As you investigate the filtered ISP information consider the following:

1. Do your computers have significant lag time? Peer-to-peer (P2P) communications, like Skype, or transfers of MP3 files take up a lot of bandwidth slowing down your computer speeds.

2. Do you need to protect young people from inappropriate websites? If you run a library or toy store then a filtered ISP provider is essential.

3. Do you want to regulate what will be available in your workplace? Though supervised employees remain more focused, filtered ISPs do censor material considered “safe” because of how the content is categorized. If you need to write a report on breast cancer, you’ll be unable to access information.

Action Steps
The best contacts and resources to help you get it done

Save bandwidth by blocking heavy media files with a filtered ISP provider

Computers lag from downloading and playing P2P MP3s, typically sent through emails or IMs. IMs, chat rooms, MMOPRGs (massively multiplayer online role-playing games) and streaming videos drag networks, slowing down the speed of every computer connected to it.

I recommend: Improve your latency by blocking P2P file sharing and communications. Look through the filtered ISP information at Websense or EtherShield, both of whom stop instant messaging, P2P file exchanges and access to chat rooms. Audible Magic CopySense Appliance is not only excellent for P2P control, but the place to check out if you’re in the music business.

Find a filtered ISP that blocks inappropriate websites

Studies show that 70% of viewers access adult content during the average workday. Sexual harassment lawsuits have developed from employees downloading sexually explicit content. Estimates also show that the average employee spends one hour of the workday online doing non-work activities like shopping, trading stocks and booking vacations.

I recommend: Arilion and PureSight for WinGate stop the viewing of pornography, gambling, hate or other nuisance sites with ease. Netmop also keeps these unsuitable sites from the workplace, but additionally attempts to prevent “over blocking” by human-verifying sites and lists.

Protect your network from security risks with a filtered ISP

Malware infiltrates computers through 'fake' websites, sites that mimic the original but are produced specifically to cause harm. Sometimes, a virus sneaks in by its blending in with the content of a webpage or encrypting it into the SSL traffic. The simplest way to introduce malware is through attachments in emails.

I recommend: A filtered ISP directory of defense includes such dealers as MessageLabs, WebBalanced Office and the Secure Web Webwasher. They’re able to block the sites or attachments outright and some filtered ISP providers scan web pages for harmful programs before they load onto the screen.

Tips & Tactics

Helpful advice for making the most of this Guide

• •  Before exploring the filtered ISP list, assess your needs then contrast them to each filtering ISP offer. For example, URLfilterDB does an excellent job in filtering, but it's too restrictive for companies that deal with sports. You may find filtered ISP information with massive restrictions aren't always your best choice, so evaluate what specifically you desire from the service.
• •  Before committing to a filtering service, use the free trials. Most filtered ISP providers offer short trial periods for you to appraise their services.