Download How to Use a Proxy as a Content Filter for Your Business’ WiFi

Free Internet access via public WiFi has long been known to business owners. Public WiFi allows them to collect visitor data and improve the quality of service. However, if a client of your company “catches” a virus on their device, their attitude towards the company can deteriorate significantly.

Risks of an unprotected WiFi access point

Parents often connect to the Internet to communicate in cafes and restaurants with public WiFi while games or cartoons occupy the child’s attention. Guests do not believe that a public network can be dangerous not only with computer viruses, but also with content inappropriate for children. Here are the main dangers facing users of an unprotected network.

• Infection of a device connected to WiFi with malware. An enterprise’s public wireless network is at risk of malware infection from user devices. “Viruses” can easily enter the WiFi network from a guest’s phone or computer and then hide in the network for a long time, damaging other user devices. Visitors to the cafe may not notice this right away. Then they face unpleasant consequences – infection of devices with malware and loss of personal or company information.
• Display of “adult” or prohibited content. Parents do not want their children to encounter adult content when using WiFi. Users can access all resources without content filtering – with age restrictions or prohibited content.
• Phishing websites. An Internet user may come across fake websites of stores, banks or social networks that are visually indistinguishable from the real ones. An inattentive website visitor enters his data for authorization, after which it ends up in the hands of fraudsters.

The most responsible people use mobile proxies on their devices. However, you shouldn’t expect all of your customers to do so.

Why you should use a proxy to protect your WiFi security

Public WiFi networks are convenient and many people enjoy using them. However, they carry hidden threats. Of course, such an experience will not improve the user experience of your business. Here are some reasons to use a proxy on your network.

• Protection of personal data. Thanks to encryption, user data is not available to third parties during transmission. This provides extra privacy.
• Hides data from connected devices. Not all proxies have this feature. And it is not always necessary. But if you care about your anonymity, you should think about this feature.
• Protection against cross-network attacks. Proxy servers can filter unwanted traffic, including malware and device-specific attacks, providing additional security.
• Restrictions on prohibited or malicious websites. With a proxy, you can configure access parameters. This way, your users will not be able to access resources that threaten their security.

As you can see, leaving your network unprotected is definitely not worth it. Such savings can cost you dearly. Believe us, loss of reputation is much worse than modest expenses for quality protection.

Transparent proxy functions

Let’s define this type of proxy. This server acts as an intermediary between the user’s computer and the Internet, redirecting requests and responses through a router without making significant changes to browser settings. You can also read the article about a proxy server. It provides detailed information about all existing types.

Your web browser does not need special software or additional settings to set up work. The desired effect can be achieved by using a special firewall setting by redirecting the general traffic flow from port 80 to the coordinates of the desired proxy.

An interesting feature of this setting is that users may not even suspect that they are only visiting the desired portal, thanks to a proxy server. One of the main advantages of using such proxies is the lack of need to configure web clients manually. If there are problems with traffic redirection, you need IP firewall tables.

Reasons to choose a transparent proxy

These types of proxy servers have deservedly gained immense popularity due to a number of advantages. In addition to the lack of need to set individual parameters, users have also appreciated other equally important points. If you want to understand why you need this protection, it is worth specifying its essential features:

• Guaranteed anonymity — you can reliably hide your IP address if you are banned on the desired portal or, for various reasons, hide your presence on the network;
• Restricted access — if necessary, you can block an attempt to access certain websites, as well as the use of traffic for a certain group of users;
• Database compression – thanks to the information compression function, there are significant savings in network traffic.
• The only thing that should be done is to redirect the traffic on the router correctly, and even then the administrator of a particular network does this. Such a simple manipulation allows all group members to use all the included functions without the slightest restrictions.

This software allows you to use all the possibilities of the Internet with maximum efficiency. With this tool, you will reliably block unwanted resources and provide your visitors with a safe and comfortable environment. It will enhance their experience and ultimately reflect positively on your image.

Conclusion

The benefits and convenience of using a proxy are beyond doubt. Various modifications of applications are offered that allow you to bypass any restrictions on activity on the network, but one of the most popular options is rightfully considered a transparent proxy server. Internet security is an integral part of the modern digital world. Don’t leave your data unprotected or expose yourself to cyber threats. Protect your customers with a reliable proxy as it is a simple and effective tool.