What Is DNS Filtering? Everything You Need to Know to Stay Cyber-Safe
February 17, 2025
Picture this: One of your employees clicks on a harmless-looking link in an email. Within seconds, your company’s entire network is compromised. Sensitive data? Gone. Operations? Frozen. The cost? Unimaginable.
This isn't some far-fetched cybersecurity horror story—it happens every day to businesses just like yours. Hackers don’t need to break down your firewall or guess passwords when they can simply trick someone into visiting a malicious website. That’s where DNS filtering comes in handy.
Think of it as the phonebook for the internet, but with a security guard. It stops employees from attempting to access dangerous websites, blocks cyber threats before they reach your network, and ensures that your business runs smoothly without unexpected downtime.
But what is DNS filtering, really? And how does this technology actually work? And more importantly, why do you need DNS filtering to protect your business? Keep reading—because a simple change in your cybersecurity approach can mean the difference between business as usual and total disaster.
What is DNS filtering, and how does it work?
Every time you or your employees attempt to access a website, your browser doesn’t just magically know where to go. It first has to make a request to a DNS server—think of it as the internet’s phonebook for the internet—to find the right IP address for that site.
But here’s the problem: Not all websites are safe. Some are designed to steal data, install malicious content, or launch phishing attacks against your employees.
This is where DNS filtering technology enters. Instead of allowing access to malicious domains, it checks each website request against a threat intelligence database. If the site is known for hosting malware, phishing scams, or other cyber threats, the DNS filtering system blocks access before any damage can be done.
To put it simply, DNS filtering helps by adding a protective layer between your business and the countless online threats lurking on the web. It ensures your employees only access legitimate, safe websites—without slowing down your network.
Why is DNS filtering essential for businesses?
Your business faces cyber threats every single day—even if you don’t realize it. From phishing attacks to malicious websites, cybercriminals are constantly looking for ways to infiltrate your systems.
But here’s the kicker: Most cyberattacks don’t happen because of weak passwords or complex hacking techniques. They happen because someone simply clicked the wrong link.
That’s why you need DNS filtering—it’s your first line of defense. Instead of relying solely on employees to recognize a scam, a DNS filtering service automatically blocks access to malicious websites before they can do any harm.
Here’s why your business can’t afford to ignore it:
- Stops cyberattacks before they start – A secure DNS solution prevents employees from visiting dangerous websites, reducing the risk of data breaches.
- Protects against phishing scams – If an employee receives a phishing email and clicks on a fake login page, DNS filtering technology prevents them from reaching the site.
- Reduces malware infections – A single malicious site can infect your entire network. A DNS filter stops these threats before they spread.
- Boosts productivity – Want to stop employees from wasting time on social media sites or other non-work-related pages? DNS filtering capabilities allow you to control access to websites based on business needs.
- Enhances network security – Even the best spam filters can’t catch everything. DNS filtering can help by adding an extra layer of protection against spam email filtering, cryptojacking, and other threats.
How to implement DNS filtering for your organization
Now that you understand why DNS filtering technology is a game-changer for cybersecurity, let’s talk about how you can get it up and running for your business.
Choose the best DNS filtering service
Not all DNS filtering services are created equal. You need a solution that:
- Blocks malicious domains and phishing attacks in real time.
- Provides content filtering to control access to websites.
- Supports remote workers with secure DNS protection.
- Integrates easily with your existing IT infrastructure.
Set up DNS filtering at the network level
A DNS resolver is responsible for handling DNS queries for your organization. By configuring your DNS server to use a trusted DNS filtering service, you can block access to dangerous sites before they even load.
Customize filtering rules based on your business needs
Want to prevent access to malicious content but still allow employees to browse social media? With DNS filtering capabilities, you can tailor your filtering settings based on job roles, departments, or work hours.
Monitor and analyze network activity
A good DNS filtering system provides reporting tools that help you track attempts to access blocked websites, identify security threats, and optimize your filtering settings over time.
Educate employees on online security
Even the best filtering service checks won’t help if employees don’t understand cybersecurity risks. Train your team to recognize phishing emails, avoid malicious websites, and report suspicious activity.
Work with a trusted IT partner
Managing DNS filtering technology on your own can be overwhelming. A reliable DNS service provider or managed IT services partner can ensure that your business stays protected with the latest cyber security measures.
Strengthen your cybersecurity with DNS filtering
Cyber threats aren’t slowing down, and neither should your business. Whether it’s phishing attacks, malicious domains, or time-wasting social media sites, your network is constantly at risk. But here’s the good news—DNS filtering helps you take control before threats ever reach your business.
By implementing a DNS filtering system, you’re not just securing your data—you’re protecting your employees, preventing downtime, and ensuring that every online interaction happens on your terms. With a secure DNS setup, you can confidently block malware, filter out distractions, and safeguard your business from the ever-growing list of cyber threats.
If you're ready to take the next step in protecting your network, Sterling Technology Solutions can help. With over 20 years of experience, a 98% client retention rate, and a rapid-response support team, we provide businesses in North Carolina with the best DNS filtering service and cybersecurity solutions tailored to their needs.
Your business deserves more than just hope when it comes to security. It deserves proactive protection. Let’s make sure your company stays safe—before it’s too late.
Frequently asked questions
How does DNS filtering work?
DNS filtering works by checking every URL request against a database of known threats before allowing access. When an employee tries to use DNS to visit a site, the DNS resolving service determines whether it’s safe or needs to be blocked. If it’s categorized as a malicious domain, it gets redirected to a block page, preventing potential threats like malware and phishing attacks from reaching your network.
Why do businesses need DNS filtering?
Every day, employees unknowingly click on links that could expose your company to phishing attacks or malicious websites. You need DNS filtering because it serves as your first line of defense, preventing access to unwanted content, adult content, and sites designed to steal data. Unlike firewalls, DNS filtering vs traditional security tools offers proactive protection at the DNS level before threats even reach your system.
Can DNS filtering block malware and phishing attacks?
Yes. A DNS filter is designed to identify and block harmful sites before they can cause damage. It stops access to sites that spread malware, steal credentials through phishing, or host other cyber threats. It can also restrict access to certain categories of websites, ensuring employees stay safe online.
What’s the difference between DNS filtering and spam filters?
While spam filters protect against spam email filtering, DNS filtering capabilities go a step further by blocking harmful sites before they can be accessed. Even if an employee receives a phishing email with a dangerous link, a DNS filter ensures that the URL leads to a block page instead of a malicious domain.
Can DNS filtering be customized for different industries?
Absolutely. Businesses can use DNS filtering to enforce acceptable use policies by blocking access to certain categories of websites based on company needs. For example, a healthcare organization might block access to personal web content, while a finance company might restrict access to unknown public DNS servers to prevent data leaks.
Does DNS filtering affect internet speed?
Not at all. Unlike some security tools that slow down browsing, a DNS server uses DNS over TLS and DNS over HTTPS to provide security without interfering with internet speed. This ensures fast, uninterrupted access to work-related sites while filtering out risks in the background.
