DNS Filtering and Business VPNs

dns filtering and business vpn

DNS filtering acts as a gatekeeper, blocking access to malicious websites and preventing cyber threats before they can wreak havoc. Business VPNs create encrypted tunnels for data transmission, safeguarding sensitive information from prying eyes.

Both technologies protect employees from cyberattacks, allowing them to work remotely with peace of mind.

Discover how DNS filtering and business VPNs complement each other to increase your organization’s security and how you can leverage their combined strengths to improve your cybersecurity defenses.

Quick Takeaways

  • DNS Filtering: A cybersecurity measure that blocks access to malicious websites and online threats by monitoring and filtering DNS requests.
  • Business VPN: A virtual private network that creates an encrypted tunnel for secure and private data transmission over the internet, ideal for remote access to corporate networks.
  • Integrated Security: DNS filtering can seamlessly integrate into business VPN solutions, providing additional protection against cyber threats for remote employees.
  • Enhanced Remote Workforce Security: Organizations can protect their remote teams from online threats using DNS filtering and business VPNs and ensure secure access to corporate resources.
  • Comprehensive Protection: Business VPNs and DNS filtering work together to protect against cyber threats by blocking malicious domains and encrypting data transmissions.
  • Best Practices: Establish clear policies and guidelines for DNS filtering and VPN usage, and regularly monitor and update filters.

What is DNS Filtering?

Using DNS filtering, you can block access to malicious activities and remove harmful or inappropriate content from your network. It categorizes and cross-references every domain you visit using the Domain Name System. 

DNS Filtering ensures data security and allows employees to access only approved websites on corporate networks.

What is a Business VPN?

Using a business VPN, organizations can create a secure virtual private network. An encrypted tunnel allows employees to securely access company networks, data, and resources from any location.

How DNS Filtering and Business VPNs Work Together

Businesses can fortify their online defenses against threats by using DNS filtering and business VPN services.

Integration of DNS Filtering into Business VPNs

Remote workers can benefit from a robust security ecosystem with DNS filtering integrated into business VPN solutions. 

Business VPNs encrypt data transmissions, and DNS filtering proactively blocks malicious sites, monitoring and preventing potential threats before users establish connections.

Enhancing Security with DNS Filtering and VPNs

Encrypting sensitive data in transit and content filtering of harmful content at the source ensures remote teams a clean and secure browsing experience.

Organizations can use DNS filtering within the business VPN infrastructure to prevent access to known malware-hosting sites, block inappropriate content, and thwart phishing website attempts targeting their employees. It ensures business continuity and secures the firm’s digital assets by strengthening defenses.

The Importance of DNS Filtering and Business VPNs for Remote Employees

With remote work becoming the norm in modern business, employees work from anywhere worldwide. While this flexibility offers multiple advantages, it also introduces new cybersecurity challenges. 

Combining DNS filtering and business VPNs becomes indispensable in this situation.

Securing Remote Access to Corporate Networks

Distributed workforces require secure corporate networks. Business VPNs create an encrypted tunnel, allowing remote employees to connect safely to the company’s internal resources, data, and applications. However, this secure connection alone cannot mitigate all potential threats.

With DNS filtering integrated into the business VPN solution, organizations can improve security even further. DNS filtering prevents users from accessing malicious websites and filters harmful content before it reaches their devices.

Protecting Against Online Threats for Remote Teams

Remote employees often rely on public Wi-Fi networks or unsecured internet connections, making them more vulnerable to cyberattacks. Remote teams need DNS filtering to protect themselves from online threats like malware, phishing, and other malicious content.

DNS filtering also helps ensure adherence to corporate policies by restricting access to non-work-related or inappropriate websites, keeping remote workers focused and productive.

Choosing the Right DNS Filtering and Business VPN Solutions

As cybersecurity and remote work become increasingly important, organizations must select the right DNS filtering and business VPN solutions. These tools safeguard digital assets and ensure a secure and productive environment for their remote workforce.

Factors to Consider When Selecting DNS Filtering Services

When evaluating DNS filtering services, there are several factors to consider:

  1. Content Categorization: Ensure the service offers comprehensive and regularly updated content categorization to block access to malicious, inappropriate, or non-work-related websites.
  2. Customization: Look for solutions that allow for customizable filtering policies, enabling you to tailor the service to your organization’s specific needs and compliance requirements.
  3. Ease of Use: Choose a DNS filtering service with a user-friendly interface and straightforward deployment, which will make it accessible to both technical and non-technical staff.
  4. Performance and Reliability: Ensure the service provides high-performance filtering without compromising network speed or causing unnecessary latency.
  5. Scalability: As your organization grows, your DNS filtering solution should be able to scale seamlessly to accommodate an increasing number of users and devices.

Features to Look for in Business VPN Services

When selecting a business VPN service, prioritize solutions that offer the following features:

  1. Strong Encryption: Look for services that use robust encryption algorithms, such as AES-256, to ensure the highest level of data security during transmission.
  2. Multi-Factor Authentication: Implement additional security measures, like multi-factor authentication, to prevent unauthorized access to your corporate network.
  3. Split Tunneling: You can route specific Internet traffic through the VPN tunnel while leaving the rest on the local network, optimizing network performance.
  4. Global Server Coverage: If your organization has a distributed workforce, choose a VPN service with a wide global server network to ensure reliable and low-latency connections.
  5. Centralized Management: Opt for solutions that offer centralized management capabilities, allowing you to easily configure, monitor, and control your VPN deployment from a single location.

Best Practices for DNS Filtering and Business VPN Deployment

Enhancing your organization’s cybersecurity posture is as easy as implementing DNS filtering and business VPNs solutions. However, following industry best practices and establishing a deployment strategy is essential to maximize the benefits of these tools.

Establishing Policies and Guidelines for DNS Filtering and VPN Usage

Clear and well-defined policies are the foundation for successful DNS filtering and VPN deployment. Collaborate with stakeholders across departments to develop comprehensive guidelines that outline:

  1. Acceptable use policies for internet access and VPN connections.
  2. Procedures for handling policy violations or security incidents.
  3. Roles and responsibilities for managing and monitoring DNS filtering and VPN systems.
  4. Training programs to educate employees on the importance of cybersecurity and the proper use of these tools.

Regular Monitoring and Updating of DNS Filters and VPN Configurations

DNS filtering and VPN solutions must be able to keep up with the evolving security threats. Implement a proactive monitoring and updating strategy to maintain optimal protection levels:

  1. Continuous Monitoring: Regularly review logs and reports to identify potential threats, policy violations, or performance issues.
  2. Regular Updates: Update your DNS filtering databases and VPN software with the latest security patches, vulnerability fixes, and content categorizations.
  3. Periodic Policy Reviews: Review and update your DNS filtering and VPN policies periodically to keep up with changing business requirements, new regulatory requirements, and emerging security best practices.

Create a Bulletproof Security Strategy with Perimeter81

Safeguarding your remote workforce is crucial today. The combined power of DNS filtering and business VPNs offers robust protection for your organization’s data and enables secure remote productivity.

Combining these two solutions creates a formidable barrier against cyber threats, encrypting communications while proactively blocking malicious content. Maximize their impact by implementing best practices, clarifying policies, and monitoring them regularly.

Create a bulletproof security strategy with Perimeter81’s converged cloud platform. Join our 15-minute demo to learn how to easily connect, secure your network, enforce least-privilege access, and deploy advanced security tools like 2FA. 

Request a demo today to fortify your remote workforce’s defenses.

FAQs

What is DNS filtering?
DNS filtering is a cybersecurity measure that monitors and filters Domain Name System (DNS) requests to block access to malicious or inappropriate websites.
How does a business VPN work?
A business VPN creates an encrypted tunnel over the internet, allowing remote employees and branch offices to access a company’s internal networks and resources securely.
Why should businesses combine DNS filtering and VPNs?
Combining DNS filtering and business VPNs provides multilayered security by encrypting data transmissions and proactively blocking harmful websites and online threats at the DNS level.
What factors should be considered when choosing DNS filtering and VPN solutions?
Key factors include extensive content categorization, customizable filtering policies, ease of use, performance, scalability, strong encryption, and global server coverage.
What are the best practices for deploying DNS filtering and VPNs?
Best practices involve establishing clear usage policies and guidelines, regularly monitoring and updating filters and VPN configurations, conducting periodic policy reviews, and implementing employee training programs.

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