DNS (Domain Name System) filtering is a proactive cybersecurity solution that intercepts web requests and blocks access to known dangerous, non-compliant, or unproductive websites. Rather than waiting for threats to reach your devices, these tools enforce protection at the network level, stopping malicious domains, phishing sites, and even distractions like social media before users connect.
Part of a Multi-Layered Defense:
DNS filtering is a foundational layer in the Guardian: Computer Protection & Endpoint Security stack, working alongside advanced malware protection, automated patch management, and secure backup for true defense-in-depth.
How It Works
DNS Filtering
Whenever someone in your business tries to visit a website, their device makes a DNS request to translate the web address (URL) into an IP address. DNS filtering checks these requests against real-time threat intelligence feeds and compliance blocklists. If the destination is flagged as risky, inappropriate, or non-compliant (per frameworks like HIPAA, PCI DSS, or FTC Safeguards), access is automatically blocked—stopping threats before they can do harm.
Web Filtering
Web filtering adds another layer by analyzing the full web address and, in some cases, the actual page content. This enables blocking by:
- Category (e.g., gambling, adult content, streaming, social media)
- Specific URLs or file downloads
- Application or content type (including executable files and high-risk downloads)
Both DNS and web filtering can be managed by customizable policies, tailored by user, group, device, or location.
Why Your Business Needs DNS Filtering
1. Threat Prevention
Malicious websites are a leading source of ransomware, phishing, and data breaches. Employees might click a phishing link or mistype a web address, landing on a fake site that steals credentials. DNS/web filtering acts as an automatic barrier—blocking these threats before they ever reach your network or endpoints.
Related reading: Malware & Ransomware Explained for Small Business, Phishing Protection Guide
2. Content Control & Compliance
Not all online content is suitable—or legal—for the workplace. DNS and web filtering help you:
- Block access to categories like adult content, illegal downloads, or high-risk cloud apps
- Enforce company policies and meet industry compliance requirements (such as HIPAA, PCI DSS, and FTC Safeguards)
- Generate audit-ready reports for your security program
Learn more: Unified Security Reporting & Compliance
3. Boosting Productivity
Unrestricted internet access leads to distractions and wasted time. Web filtering keeps employees focused on business activities by limiting access to entertainment, shopping, and non-business sites.
How Does DNS Filtering Fit Into Guardian: Computer Protection?
As a core layer in the Guardian: Computer Protection suite, Office Heroes’ DNS and web filtering solutions deliver always-on, managed protection for all your devices—on-site or remote.
Key features include:
- Automatic, Real-Time Updates: Integrated with global threat intelligence for up-to-date protection.
- Customizable Policies: Tailor filtering by department, location, or user group—integrating seamlessly with Microsoft 365 and other platforms.
- Real-Time Alerts & Reporting: Get instant notifications of blocked attempts, and detailed trends across your team for visibility and compliance.
- Seamless Integration: No complex setup or impact on speed—protection runs quietly in the background alongside endpoint security, automated patch management, and cloud backup.
How DNS Filtering Works With Other Security Layers
Layered Security Strategy:
DNS filtering works hand-in-hand with malware protection, patch management, user awareness training, and 24/7 monitoring to build a comprehensive, defense-in-depth posture for your business.
DNS Filtering protects a Norfolk CPA Firm
A Norfolk-based CPA firm struggled with recurring malware infections and employee distractions caused by social media websites and personal email accounts. To address these issues, they partnered with Office Heroes to deploy managed DNS filtering.
Results:
- Automatically blocked phishing sites, ransomware downloads, and non-compliant content
- Stopped accidental visits to fake QuickBooks login pages, a common cyberattack vector in the accounting industry
- Reduced malware incidents by over 80% within the first three months
- Improved staff productivity by limiting access to social media and streaming sites during work hours
- Provided management with clear, audit-ready reports—supporting GLBA and FTC Safeguards Rule compliance
Today, the firm enjoys greater peace of mind and smoother operations, knowing their client data and staff are protected by Office Heroes’ proactive DNS and web filtering service.
Frequently Asked Questions
DNS Filtering
- What is DNS filtering?
DNS filtering is a cybersecurity technology that blocks users from accessing malicious or inappropriate websites by screening web traffic at the Domain Name System (DNS) level. When a user tries to visit a website, DNS filtering checks the site’s address against a list of known threats and policy rules. If the site is unsafe or not allowed by your organization’s policy, access is denied—protecting your network from phishing attacks, malware, and data leaks.
For regulated businesses, DNS filtering adds a proactive layer of security, reduces the risk of compliance violations, and helps enforce acceptable use policies for staff working in-office or remotely. As part of Office Heroes’ managed security services, DNS filtering is integrated into our Guardian and Titan service tiers to ensure safe, compliant, and productive online activity across your organization.
- Where do I log in to manage my company’s internet filtering?
Go to https://portal.office-heroes.com/app/usage/internet and log in with your Office Heroes credentials. If you have trouble, contact your company admin or clientcare@office-heroes.com.
- Does DNS filtering block everything?
No, DNS filtering does not block everything. It’s a highly customizable solution that allows your organization to decide what is allowed or restricted. You can set policies based on website categories (such as social media, gambling, or adult content), specific domains, or even individual URLs. This means essential business resources and trusted websites remain accessible, while harmful or non-compliant sites are blocked.
With Office Heroes’ managed DNS filtering, our team helps you tailor these settings to fit your business needs—balancing strong protection with productivity and regulatory requirements.
- How can I see which websites are being blocked or allowed?
After logging in, navigate to the Internet Usage dashboard. You’ll see real-time reports of sites accessed, including those blocked or allowed by your company’s DNS policy. You can filter by date, user, or device for detailed insights.
- Who can make changes to our DNS filtering settings?
Typically, only company admins or designated Office Heroes portal users have permission to manage filtering settings. If you need access, contact your Office Heroes admin or support.
- How quickly do changes to filtering rules take effect?
Changes are applied immediately after you save them in the portal. Users may need to refresh their browser or reconnect to the network to see updates.
- How do I add a website to the Allow List or Block List?
In the portal, use the filtering management options to add any site to your Allow List (always allowed) or Block List (always blocked). Remember to click “Save” after making changes.
- What should I do if I need help or something isn’t working?
Reach out to your company admin first. For technical support, email clientcare@office-heroes.com or use the support options in your Office Heroes portal.
- Does DNS filtering slow down my internet?
No, DNS filtering does not noticeably slow down your internet. Modern DNS filtering solutions are designed to operate in real-time, adding only milliseconds to the process of loading websites—typically so quickly that users don’t notice any difference. In fact, by blocking access to malicious or high-risk sites, DNS filtering can actually improve your network’s performance and security by preventing unwanted downloads and reducing exposure to cyber threats.
At Office Heroes, we deploy DNS filtering tools that are optimized for speed and reliability, ensuring your business stays protected without sacrificing productivity.
- Can I view filtering reports for specific users or devices?
Yes, the portal lets you filter activity logs by user, device, or date range for detailed monitoring.
- What’s the difference between DNS filtering and content filtering?
DNS filtering and content filtering are both security tools, but they work at different layers and provide different levels of control:
- DNS Filtering controls which websites users can access by blocking or allowing connections based on the website’s domain name. When someone tries to visit a site, DNS filtering checks if the domain is safe and allowed—blocking access to dangerous or non-compliant sites before any data is loaded.
- Content Filtering goes deeper, inspecting the actual content on websites or within emails, applications, and files. It can block or restrict access to specific web pages, file types, keywords, or categories—even on sites that are otherwise allowed by DNS rules.
DNS filtering is fast and effective for blocking broad categories of risky sites at the network level, while content filtering provides more granular control over what users see or can do online. For regulated businesses, Office Heroes often recommends using both together for layered, comprehensive protection.
- Is DNS filtering included in my Office Heroes service plan?
DNS filtering is a core part of the Guardian Computer Protection package and higher tiers. Contact your Office Heroes account manager for details about your specific plan.
Addressing Common Pain Points
- Bad Web Habits: Employees visiting unsafe or non-work-related sites can put your company at risk.
- Risky Sites: One accidental click can lead to malware, data breaches, or credential theft.
- Wasted Time: Non-business browsing leads to lost productivity and missed deadlines.
Advanced DNS filtering gives you control, visibility, and stronger security as part of a complete endpoint protection strategy.
Next Steps: Take Control of Your Web Security
Ready to see how DNS filtering can protect your business?
Schedule a web filtering demo with Office Heroes today. We’ll show you how easy it is to block unsafe websites, enforce company policies, and keep your business secure and productive.
