What Web Access Control Does
Built on top of VIPRE's existing endpoint filtering of malicious websites, Web Access Control is a simple solution that gives organizations an easy way to prevent end-users from visiting websites that may be inappropriate or distracting in the workplace. The new add-on:
- Intercepts DNS requests and classifies attempts to visit websites
- Intercepts HTTP and HTTPS (via browser extension) requests if DNS capability is turned off
- Blocks access to prohibited content according to policies defined by IT administrators
- Supports different policies for groups of devices/users, and can apply the policy only during specified hours (e.g., during the workday)
- Is implemented using VIPRE's endpoint agent, preventing circumvention by using alternate or hard-coded DNS providers
- Does not replace any existing DNS infrastructure or settings; it intercepts and analyzes DNS queries while redirecting undesired website visits to a sinkhole address
- Clearly warns the user about why they can't visit the requested website
- Enlists easy-to-use whitelisting capabilities to handle exceptions where there is a business need
Access Control Levels
VIPRE Web Access Control provides three pre-defined levels of access control to block access to the most commonly misused website types but also allows for more personalized customization if needed.
URL Lookup
You can also lookup specific websites to determine which category they belong to by clicking URL Lookup. Simply type in the web address and press Enter on your keyboard. Web Access Control tells you how many categories the website is listed in and what those categories are by highlighting them in yellow. If desired, you can also add the website to your exclusions list from here by clicking +Add to Exclusions.
Why Web Access Control is Necessary
There are many reasons why your organization might need Web Access Control. Some of the biggest examples we've come across are:
- Duty of Care: A requirement that a person act toward others and the public with the watchfulness, attention, caution, and prudence that a reasonable person in the circumstances would use. Examples of this include schools with minors using computers and companies that work closely with the public and are concerned about brand reputation.
- Productivity: Examples of this include retail, manufacturing, call centers, and other fields with employees expected to complete a certain level of productivity during the day
Web Access Control vs DNS Protection
| Web Access Control | DNS Protection |
|---|---|
| Separately licensed add-on | Included in base product offering |
| Allows you (the administrator) to block different categories of websites (e.g., pornography, violent cartoons, hackers, etc) based on what you want your end-users to be able to access | Works behind the scenes checking hostnames against malicious hosts |
Refer to Related Articles for details on how to enable Web Access Control.
Carlos Rios
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