Guide to Internet Blocking and Filtering

Recognize the risk

The first step in Internet blocking and filtering is understanding how uncontrolled Web surfing can affect your business.

I recommend: Use this cost calculator from WebBalanced.com to determine how much money your company is losing due to lost productivity and how much you can save by implementing a blocking or filtering program.

Evaluate your needs

Do you need to know when your employees are online, what Web sites they're visiting and more? Or do you only want to keep employees off of gaming, shopping and adult sites?

I recommend: If you're looking for a does-it-all solution, try a filtering solution, such as Secure Computing's Webwasher Secure Content Management Suite, which includes a URL filter and content reporter, along with anti-spam and anti-virus capabilities. Or, for something a little more basic, try a Web-blocking program, such as Websense Enterprise.

Learn your rights and risks

You can legally control Internet usage without employee consent or knowledge. In fact, if you don't, you can be held liable if an employee is accessing material that offends his or her peers. Be mindful, however, of the fine line between responsible filtering and restrictive filtering; the best managers trust their employees and respect their privacy.

I recommend: Explore employer and employee rights in the realm of electronic privacy by reviewing the National Workrights Institute's page on Electronic Monitoring.

Develop an Internet usage policy

Don't just let your software do the work of filtering. Establish policies that outline what kinds of sites should be accessed at work and which shouldn't, and rely on your employees to self-censor.

I recommend: Create your policy by customizing these sample Internet Usage Policies from the American Bar Association, Authenticity Consulting or KnowledgeLeader.

Select software or a Web-based solution

Most filtering software combines monitoring with blocking, and costs between $300 and $600. Web-based solutions may do the same for less.

I recommend: Browse software options online for the best price and most compatible features at Google Directory or Yahoo! Shopping Directory. For a Web-based solution, try WebBalanced or FastTracker, both of which offer online demos.