A web content WiFi filter for public hotspots is a convenient, cost-effective, and practical method of creating a safe browsing environment that prevents the exposure of minors to obscene and potentially harmful website content and protects users from the risks of web-borne threats.
In addition to creating a more family-friendly atmosphere, locations that implement an Internet content filter for public hotspots are able to prevent illegal activity from occurring over their network and have greater control over their bandwidth and resources. For retailers, there can also be commercial advantages to providing a website content filter for public hotspots.
How a Web Content WiFi Filter for Public Hotspots Works
Modern web content WiFi hotspot filters are cloud-based filtering solutions. This means there is no need purchase hardware or install software, you only have to redirect your DNS server settings to point towards the service provider´s servers – a simple operation that takes two minutes to complete.
Once connected to the service provider´s servers, you apply the filtering parameters of your choice via a web-based management portal. Again, this is a simple operation that requires you to select which categories of website you want to block with the click of a mouse. For larger organizations, it is possible to apply the parameters by individual user, user group, or universally across multiple access points, regardless where those access points are located.
You can then fine-tune your selections if necessary using keyword filters. Keyword filters prevent Internet users visiting websites containing specific words and can be used to block access to certain types of website without blocking access to the entire category into which they are sorted. Keyword filters can also be used to prevent users downloading certain types of files from the Internet, such a executable files such as software installers.
One filtering mechanism you will be unable to adjust is the one that prevents users visiting websites known to harbor malware. A web content WiFi filter for public hotspots contains blacklists, URIBL and SURBL filters that check each request to visit a website against lists of infected websites, websites that hide their true identity, and websites constructed for the sole purpose of executing phishing attacks.
A Web Content WiFi Filter for Public Hotspots Creates a Safe Environment for All Users
Laws have been introduced in a number of jurisdictions to protect children from harmful online material. Although these regulations typically only apply to schools and libraries, many other providers of WiFi hotspots – such as retailers, coffee shops, transport networks, and hotels – have also taken measures to prevent – or place restrictions – on individuals accessing inappropriate content.
These measures have the effect of creating a more family-friendly atmosphere and preventing complaints about customers accessing obscene and potentially harmful website content in public view. The family-friendly atmosphere in itself provides retailers with a commercial advantage over locations providing customers with an unfiltered WiFi service.
An Internet Content Filter for Public Hotspots Can Prevent Malware and Phishing Attacks
Implementing an Internet content filter for public hotspots is not only about preventing WiFi users from accessing obscene or inappropriate material. An Internet content filter is an important cybersecurity control that can prevent WiFi users from visiting malicious websites, such as web pages used for phishing, fraudulent activities, and malware and ransomware downloads.
By blocking access to unsafe websites, file downloads, and other web-borne threats, service providers can protect users’ devices and their networks from threats. This level of protection can ensure wireless WiFi providers create a safe network for their users – again, a commercial advantage over locations offering an unfiltered WiFi service.
Preventing Illegal Activity over Wireless WiFi Networks
Unfiltered Internet access is likely to be abused by some individuals who take advantage of the anonymity of a public WiFi service. Even if registration is required to gain access to WiFi services, these users may still choose to engage in illegal online activities on the dark web or via P2P file sharing sites.
A web content WiFi filter for public hotspots can limit the activities that can take place over the network and prevent the risk of prosecution for crimes such as copyright infringement. If a WiFi network provider is discovered to have allowed illegal activity, they could be held responsible – damaging their brand name and affecting their future customer base.
Bandwidth Management and Network Resource Planning
Consumers not only expect free WiFi access to be provided in public areas, they also expect to be able to benefit from fast Internet access. One of the problems WiFi network providers face is ensuring sufficient bandwidth is available for customers. Bandwidth can be crushed if sufficient numbers of users are engaging in bandwidth-heavy activities such as video streaming or the downloading of large files.
Configuring a web content WiFi filter for public hotspots to prevent activities that consume a lot of bandwidth can help to ensure that fast Internet speeds are enjoyed by all users. These controls can be time based, such as restricting activities during business hours and relaxed when bandwidth use is lighter. Monitoring bandwidth use with a web content WiFi filter for public hotspots can also help with resource planning.
Using a Web Filtering Solution for Customer Insights
Several commercial advantages of a web filtering solution have already been mentioned, but possibly one of the most valuable for retailers and companies in the service industries is the ability to gain customer insights. The websites that consumers access via public WiFi hotspots can reveal a lot about their lives, lifestyles, and interests.
Retailers and companies in the service industries can monitor Internet activity via web filtering solutions to gain a better understanding of their customers, and this information can be used for a variety of purposes. Using a web content WiFi filter for access points to generate reports of Internet activity can allow services to be developed to improve the user experience, identify potential income streams, and guide future marketing strategies.
Choosing the Right Website Content Filter for Public Hotspots
There are many options available for WiFi providers looking to implement a website content filter for public hotspots; however not all content filtering solutions are the same. Choosing the right website content filter for public hotspots can result in considerable cost savings, not only in terms of the cost of service, but also in the man-hours necessary to configure and maintain a web filter.
WebTitan Cloud for WiFi offers a number of advantages to benefit operators of WiFi networks. Our web filter requires no additional hardware purchases and can be applied to a WiFi provider’s existing infrastructure. No software downloads are required to filter the Internet. Users of all devices and operating systems can connect to a content filtered network without the need for any software or apps.
WebTitan Cloud for WiFi can be used with a single WiFi router or to protect a nationwide network of WiFi hotspots. Software updates are provided automatically, and our web content WiFi filter for public hotspots is highly scalable, having been designed to grow with organizations and ensure continued cost-effective web filtering as networks are expanded.
Since WebTitan Cloud for WiFi links with Active Directory, LDAP, and NetIQ, Internet controls can be applied for different user groups with ease. Enterprise-wide controls can be applied, different settings configured for staff and customers, and separate guest controls can be easily created.
Internet filtering can be minimal, restricting access to common website categories such as adult and illegal content, or extensive limitations can be applied. Granular controls put the WiFi operator in total charge of the content that can be accessed and the activities allowed to take place over the network.
ISPs and MSPs can choose to run our web content WiFi filter for public hotspots on our servers, within a dedicated private cloud, or use our solution within their own data center. Our white label option also allows MSPs to offer web filtering solutions to clients and apply their own logos and branding and generate an additional income stream or add greater value to their existing service packages.
Try Our Web Content WiFi Filter for Public Hotspots for Free
If you wish to create a safe browsing environment for your customers, guests and employees, mitigate the risk of web-borne threats and benefit from the other advantages of implementing a website content WiFi filter for public hotspots, you are invited to take advantage of our offer to try WebTitan Cloud for WiFi on a free trial basis.
We believe that, by being able to experience the award-winning WebTitan Cloud for WiFi in your own environment, you will be able to better evaluate the benefits of our Internet content filter. There no contracts to sign, no credit cards required, and no commitment to continue with the service when the free trial has ended. During the trial you will have full access to our world class customer service team to help you get the most out of your trial. To find out more about how you can enjoy free WiFi content filtering for trial period, contact our helpful and friendly team of sales technicians today.
Advantages of the WebTitan Internet Content Filter for Public Hotspots
- Create a safe browsing environment for your users.
- Prevent malware and ransomware infections and phishing attacks.
- Stop illegal activity on your wireless network.
- Manage bandwidth and network resources effectively.
- Gain customer insights and a commercial advantage.
- Flexible, scalable and compatible with all operating systems.
- Central control of multiple WiFi access points.
- Multi-tenant solution with advanced customer management features.
- Full suite of APIs for integration with existing billing, auto provisioning and monitoring systems.
- Extensive reporting suite - Schedule reports, run reports on demand, and gain a real-time view of Internet activity.
- Multiple hosting options: With us, in a private cloud, or your own data center.
- Automatics updates - No patching required.
- Easy to set up, use, and manage with no technical skill required.
- No latency.
- Free trial offer to experience the advantages of WebTitan Cloud for WiFi.
