The Top 11 Web Content Filtering Solutions For Business

Barracuda Web Security Gateway protects against web-based threats and enables admins to manage internet usage. Key features include comprehensive web content filtering and bandwidth management.

Who it’s for: This solution is ideal for SMBs looking for advanced filtering and reporting features. It’s also suitable for organizations with remote users requiring consistent security policies.

What we like: Barracuda offers robust protection against malware and granular controls for user-specific internet access. The platform provides real-time threat intelligence and comprehensive reporting.

• Admins can manage access based on users, groups, bandwidth, and time, via granular policy controls.
• Provides comprehensive protection against web based threats with leading threat intelligence.
• Built-in SSL-filtering capabilities allow enforcement of policies on encrypted traffic for better security.
• Centralized dashboard and reporting features enable easy threat identification and policy management.

The bottom line: Barracuda’s Web Security Gateway is a comprehensive web security platform that delivers powerful and effective web content filtering. This web security platform is suitable for SMBs and is also available as a virtual appliance.

• Barracuda Networks is a private company headquartered in Campbell, California, serving over 200,000 customers globally.

Symantec WebFilter is a web content filtering solution that blocks access to malicious web pages and downloads by combining powerful URL filtering with anti-malware technology. It is part of the Symantec Cloud Secure Web Gateway (SWG) and benefits from continuous updates via the Symantec Global Intelligence Network, built on data from Symantec’s over 15,000 enterprise customers.

Who it’s for: This solution is ideal for large organizations looking for a complete, enterprise level web security platform.

What we like: Symantec WebFilter offers protection against malware, web threats, phishing pages, and botnets, with dynamic link inspection so users can continue to access popular websites without risk.

• Threat intelligence continuously updated by the Symantec Global Intelligence Network, ensuring real-time protection against the latest threat types.
• Highly accurate analysis of web content with powerful web content filtering categories, including reputation ratings.
• The platform covers millions of websites organized into 80 categories for easy web filtering.
• Automatic updates and patching reduce the need for manual interventions.
• When integrated with Symantec Reporter, it provides enhanced visibility and compliance verification for web filtering policies.

The bottom line: Broadcom Symantec WebFilter offers an advanced array of web filtering capabilities, providing immediate protection and up to date recommendations. Its cloud-connectivity allows information to be shared, as well as regular updates, giving you a high level of security.

• Broadcom, headquartered in San Jose, California, serves over 15,000 enterprise customers.

Cisco Umbrella is a cloud-based web security and SASE solution that offers comprehensive protection and granular control over web content.

Who it’s for: Organizations looking for a comprehensive enterprise web security solution covering DNS filtering, a secure internet gateway, and zero trust network access for provisioning remote access.

What we like: Cisco Umbrella provides leading web content filtering, built on Cisco’s Talos threat intelligence platform. The broader Umbrella platform is a comprehensive network security and ZTNA platform for the enterprise.

• Extensive web content filtering allows admins to manage web access with over 80 content categories, ensuring strict adherence to internal policies.
• The platform delivers customizable security policies including custom “Allow” and “Block” lists, SafeSearch enforcement, and block bypass settings for authorized users.
• Users can have different internet restrictions based on their physical location and network connection, ensuring that global employees remain compliant with local legislation.
• Integrated Secure Web Gateway (SWG) offers full visibility, anti-virus and advanced malware protection, sandboxing, and app activity controls in a user-friendly interface.

The bottom line: Cisco Umbrella is an enterprise platform that covers network protection as well as enabling granular web content filtering. The ZTNA is designed to deliver secure connectivity and web browsing for modern, hybrid workplaces and remote workers.

• Cisco is a global leader in IT and networking, headquartered in San Jose, California.

Cloudflare Gateway is a cloud-native, low-latency Secure Web Gateway (SWG) that protects employee internet browsing and blocks potential threats. Cloudflare Gateway is delivered as part of Cloudflare’s SSE and SASE platform which includes a SWG, ZTNA, CASB, firewall and other services, such as cloud email security.

Who it’s for: Enterprises looking for a single platform to cover multiple network security components, with a comprehensive secure web gateway built on a leading threat intelligence platform.

What we like: Cloudflare has visibility into 20% of web traffic, giving them extensive visibility into new and emerging web threats. Their SWG product is comprehensive with granular admin controls.

• Easy implementation and management with streamlined policy building and pre-defined content categories.
• Extensive DNS and web filtering and management across domains, IP addresses, and HTTP(S), giving you granular traffic control.
• Unlimited TLS 1.3 inspection without compromising performance.
• It includes Layer 4 Firewall-as-a-Service and antivirus inspection for robust threat detection.
• Cloudflare Gateway provides real-time intelligence and extensive logging for improved threat management and compliance.

The bottom line: Cloudflare Gateway offers a comprehensive feature set, alongside low-latency performance. The broader Cloudflare SSE and SASE platform is a unified cloud-native platform for consolidating security controls.

• Cloudflare is headquartered in San Francisco, California, and serves millions of customers worldwide.

DNSFilter is a content filtering and threat protection solution that blocks malicious content at the DNS level in real-time, ensuring safer internet browsing.

Who it’s for: MSPs, SMBs, and enterprises looking for a cloud-based DNS-filtering solution with robust content filtering and real-time threat protection to secure their own internal networks and public Wi-Fi connections.

What we like: DNS Filter is a fast and powerful filtering solution. It’s easy to deploy and manage with a modern user interface.

• DNSFilter immediately blocks requests to malicious domains, preventing unwanted activity. There are over 36 content categories that can be applied to the filtering engine.
• Users have the flexibility to deploy DNSFilter agentless, or on individual devices for enhanced tracking and policy customization.
• DNS queries are analyzed by Webshrinker using advanced ML-powered filtering to identify and block new and unknown threats.
• The platform is compliant with CIPA regulations, making a strong choice for libraries and schools.

The bottom line: DNSFilter helps organizations prevent harmful or inappropriate content from making its way onto user devices. The admin console includes an easy-to-use dashboard, with granular policy controls and reports. DNSFilter also offers specialized plans for MDPs and educational institutions.

• DNSFilter is based in the US and has 2,100 MSP partners, with over 35M monthly users.

Forcepoint ONE Web Security is a cloud-based secure web gateway with integrated DLP, zero trust access controls and remove browser isolation capabilities. The solution is delivered as part of the Forcepoint ONE platform, which integrates a CASB, SWG and ZTNA solution.

Who it’s for: Enterprise organization looking to provision fast, secure web access for both on-site and remote workers, with robust acceptable use policies.

What we like: Forcepoint SWG offers extensive security policy controls, preventing users accessing harmful content, uploading sensitive data, and stopping malware.

• The platform blocks web-borne malware, restricts sensitive data uploads, and prevents access to malicious and inappropriate websites, enhancing overall security.
• With Remote Browser Isolation (RBI) and Zero Trust Content Disarm & Reconstruction (CDR), admins can safely interact with potentially unsafe content.
• Detects and enables admins to manage ‘Shadow IT’ applications. These are shown in the Cloud Apps dashboard.
• It offers a comprehensive admin console to manage and control web access, file downloads and enforce secure browsing with remote isolation.
• Forcepoint SWG’s distributed architecture allows for hyper-scalable cloud infrastructure, eliminating chokepoints and enforcing security policies locally on user devices.

The bottom line: Forcepoint ONE Web Security can be deployed on the cloud or as an agent-based SWG. The broader Forcepoint ONE platform is an integrated solution for security web, cloud and private applications.

• Forcepoint is headquartered in Austin, Texas, serving thousands of customers worldwide.

Fortinet’s FortiGuard URL Filtering is a cloud-based service that is designed to provide comprehensive threat protection against web-based threats using AI-driven behavioral analysis and threat correlation. It’s part of the FortiGuard AI-powered security services portfolio, which also covers dive security, antivirus, and application security.

Who it’s for: Enterprises looking to enforce robust web threat protection and customizable URL filtering within a cloud-delivered web content filtering platform.

What we like: The solution offers robust protection against threats like ransomware and phishing, while also allowing granular blocking and filtering capabilities for a variety of web categories.

• FortiGuard leverages AI to instantly block access to malicious URLs, protecting against ransomware, credential theft, and phishing attacks.
• The service allows for detailed, granular blocking of web and video content by categories, improving user control over internet access.
• The platform includes DNS filtering to defend against sophisticated DNS-based threats, adding another layer of security.
• Admins can block web pages containing specific words or patterns and even manage access to certain Google accounts and services.

The bottom line: FortiGuard URL filtering provides comprehensive protection against web-based threats, whilst improving the organization’s bandwidth by blocking access to sites unnecessary for the network’s operations. The solution can be deployed as part of the wider FortiGuard platform, which covers network, cloud and SASE security, alongside enterprise networking and security operations.

• Fortinet is headquartered in Sunnyvale, California, serving over 500,000 customers globally.

Netskope Next Gen Secure Web Gateway is a cloud-based web security solution that provides visibility and control across web, SaaS, cloud-service providers and custom apps in one solution. It’s a core foundation of the Netskope One SASE platform, which extends protection with leading CASB, ZTNA, FWaaS and SD-WAN products.

Who it’s for: Netskope is an enterprise level solution for organizations requiring a single client and admin console to control access policies across SWG, CASB, network firewall and SD-WAN services.

What we like: This solution’s extensive category coverage and dynamic classifications provide robust web content control and compliance.

• Netskope provides extensive coverage, supporting over 120 content categories and languages in more than 200 countries, ensuring comprehensive web content control.
• Administrators can create tailored URL lists with API-enabled updates for more targeted filtering.
• It uses machine learning to rate new and unknown web content across 70+ categories and 16 languages for real-time filtering.
• Security risk categories are used to provide insights into risks such as botnets, phishing, and malware, enhancing overall security.

The bottom line: Netskope Web Content Filtering is a comprehensive and flexible solution that allows organizations to identify and categories a range of content type. Netskope is a strong partner for enterprises looking to invest in web content filtering as part of their SASE and Zero Trust transformation.

• Netskope, headquartered in Santa Clara, California, serves a global customer base.

Proofpoint Web Security protects against advanced web-based threats comprehensive threat monitoring, Data Loss Prevention (DLP), and dynamic access controls for users. It’s delivered as part of Proofpoint’s cloud app security solutions platform.

Who it’s for: Organizations looking for a cloud-based web content filtering platform with advanced web protection, DLP controls and browser isolation capabilities. Well suited for enterprises also using Proofpoint’s leading email security gateway solutions.

What we like: Proofpoint is easy to deploy and scale and is built on a strong threat intelligence data base with leading DLP classification engines. Integrated browser isolation prevents users from interacting with malicious web pages without impacting user experience.

• Proofpoint Web Security can block access, enforce read-only modes, or isolate sessions for problematic web content, enhancing security without hindering user experience.
• People-centric focus, with reporting that identifies your most at risk users with integrated alerting and detailed insights.
• The platform inspects SSL traffic at multiple levels, identifying threats in real time.
• The solution secures sensitive data by restricting uploads and downloads based on category, URL, or risk level.
• Due to its cloud-based architecture, Proofpoint ensures low latency regardless of user location, improving remote manageability.

The bottom line: Proofpoint Web Security is easily managed from a single cloud-native console. Its global distribution ensures low latency, regardless of location. Proofpoint provides a comprehensive platform to govern access to web and cloud services with integrated data loss protection.

• Proofpoint, headquartered in Sunnyvale, California, serves thousands of customers worldwide.

TitanHQ DNS Filtering is a comprehensive DNS web filtering platform. It leverages AI and machine learning to protect against various cybersecurity threats, including phishing and BEC, as well as enabling admins to monitor and manage web browsing activities.

Who it’s for: SMBs and MSPs looking to implement a robust web security solution with extensive monitoring and reporting capabilities.

What we like: TitanHQ DNS Filtering provides advanced filtering controls and detailed reporting in an easy-to-manage and easy-to-deploy platform. It’s a cost-effective solution for SMBs and channel partners.

• AI driven real time content categorization engine with industry leading antivirus to protect users against malicious web content and phishing.
• Granular URL filtering policies that can be assigned by network, group, user or device. Acceptable use policies bloc adult, gambling, hate, or illegal sites.
• Continuous updating of URL classification data bases to prevent users accessing harmful domains.
• Provides interactive reports and data visualization to monitor user behavior and security health.

The bottom line: TitanHQ DNS Filtering is known for its ease of use, intuitive interface, consolidated dashboard, and responsive support. It’s a powerful solution capable of handling any volume of usage, with minimal latency.

• TitanHQ is a private company headquartered in Galway, Ireland, serving thousands of customers globally.

Zscaler Internet Access (ZIA) is a cloud-native SWG platform designed to provide safe and fast internet access. ZIA is delivered as part of Zscaler’s cloud SSE platform, which verifies all user and device identities to provision secure continuous zero trust access the organization.

Who it’s for: Enterprise security teams looking to build a robust zero trust SSE platform to secure all users, data, apps and devices without impacting performance. Ideal for teams looking to reduce costs and replace legacy hardware.

What we like: ZIA stands out for its AI-powered threat protection and comprehensive data protection features.

• ZIA uses an AI-driven centralized policy engine to prevent ransomware, malware, and other advanced attacks, enhancing security.
• Admins have the ability to set granular filtering policies, allow/block lists, caution user over risky behavior, and override rules.
• The platform employs Intrusion Prevention System (IPS) technology and phishing detection to guard against botnets and zero-day threats.
• Web content filtering allows you to better manage bandwidth for public networks, ensuring that employees do not engage in high-bandwidth activities such as video or application downloads.

The bottom line: Zscaler Internet Access delivers security and seamless access for companies while minimizing the risk of cyberattacks and data loss. Zscaler’s broader SSE platform helps organizations to secure all cloud-apps and services to detect and prevent advanced network threats at scale, with advanced web content filtering capabilities.

• Zscaler is headquartered in San Jose, California and is a market leader in the ZTNA and SSE space, protecting over 7,000 customers globally.