Is it okay to restrict access to certain third-party websites for employees? How can I do that?

Published on September 10

Sebastian BrenesLinkedIn
  • Consulting
  • Security
  • Technology
  • E-Commerce
  • Telecommunications
Wharton, NJ, United States
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Is it okay to restrict access to certain third-party websites for employees? How can I do that?

Is it okay to restrict access to certain third-party websites for employees? How can I do that?

According to sources, a federal employee used over 9,000 unauthorized websites in just seven months. This happened between 2016 and 2017. The employee accessed several unsecured websites repeatedly, and many of these websites contained malware. As a result, this incident highlights the necessity for businesses worldwide to restrict internet access for employees. Similarly, SMBs must also restrict their employees from accessing third-party websites. And yes, it is okay to do so. The key is to implement it transparently.

Let's explore how SMBs can benefit from restricting access and how they can implement such strategies effectively.

Third-Party Websites SMBs Should Restrict Employees from Accessing

SMBs need clear and strategic planning to restrict access to websites for employees. Here is a list of a few third-party websites that small and medium-sized businesses should block:

  • Online gaming
  • Adult content
  • Streaming services
  • File-sharing sites
  • Gambling websites
  • Phishing sites

These websites are unsecured, and SMBs must restrict them to maintain productivity and help employees stay on track. This is the age of AI technology, and yet the threat of data breaches remains. In that case, restrictions become more important than ever before.

How SMBs Can Restrict Access to Third-Party Websites

Everything requires planning to be executed successfully. Therefore, SMBs need a few technical methods and policies to restrict access to websites for employees. Here are quick and easy steps to achieve this:

1. Browser Extension

Small and medium businesses can install browser extensions on their employees' devices. It is the easiest and most efficient way to restrict third-party websites that are not related to work. This method is also productive for SMBs that use the same browser across the company. While technical methods are necessary, educating employees on the significance of restricting certain websites is equally important. This might include daily reminders, policies, or training on the proper use of the internet in the workplace.

2. Use of DNS Filters

SMBs can filter DNS as a powerful approach to restrict access to third-party websites. This helps block DNS queries, also known as IP addresses. If SMBs set up DNS filtering, it will stop queries for malicious websites. If employees attempt to visit an unauthorized site, DNS filtering will block it.

This process determines DNS queries (the internet's address book) and only allows access to appropriate websites. Think of DNS filtering as a librarian deciding which books are suitable to check out. The use of DNS filters is effective for blocking and restricting access to phishing and malicious websites.

3. Implement a Firewall

It is essential to implement firewalls for SMBs to restrict third-party website access. A firewall works as a guard that only allows people through the gate if they follow all the rules. A firewall blocks specific DNS entries and ensures access is only granted to authorized websites. It can be either a cloud-based or hardware firewall. Moreover, a firewall can provide centralized control, managing all connected employee devices. Thus, implementing a firewall can greatly strengthen security.

4. Router Settings

Some routers, especially those used in business, have features to block unauthorized websites. Admins at SMBs can add keywords or URLs of websites in the router's settings. This procedure is appropriate for small and medium-sized businesses that are unfamiliar with advanced filtering. SMBs don’t need to make a detailed list, but it may require regular updates to stay current. This method does not require additional software and is easy to implement. However, it has limited features compared to DNS filtering.

Conclusion

Deciding whether SMBs should restrict third-party websites for employees is all about finding the right balance. Cybercrimes are the most compelling reason. So yes, businesses must limit access to non-work-related websites in the workplace to keep the environment focused and productive. For instance, Google decided to restrict employees from accessing third-party websites in July 2023, except for a few essential services and Google's sites. This was part of an experiment to analyze whether restricting access could secure businesses against cybercrimes. Therefore, limiting access is a significant step for SMBs that manage sensitive data, as it helps ensure both employee and business data remain safe.