One of the strategic and urgent trends for 2022 is the management and control of internet access . Therefore, blocking access to websites continues to be synonymous with internet security .
Above all, because it is increasingly important for companies to ensure safer use and protection against harmful websites and other internet risks, as well as avoiding wasted time and improving productivity.
After all, almost two years of the pandemic contributed greatly to the acceleration of digital transformation processes in companies . An accelerated process between 5 and 10 years, according to experts.
Therefore, many of the business models that use internet access as an asset or channel for sales, operations or customer relationships are preparing to overcome the challenges that new technologies will impose on companies .
In fact, trends indicate that new technologies emerging around the world will further accelerate the digital transformation processes of businesses and companies .
Is my company ready to move into the future?
This, in fact, is a question that businesspeople, managers and IT professionals need to ask and, above all, answer .
Because the pandemic certainly accelerated a series of processes and steps in the digital transformation of companies . However, this moment can be considered a “training” and an adaptation phase for what is to come.
After all, the world and consumer behavior will soon be impacted more intensely by technologies such as 5G , IoT (internet of things) and AI (artificial intelligence) , for example.
Companies need to be ready to act and grow in this new context. This is why business management must cut corners and innovate. Part of this process is, without a doubt, doing what needs to be done, effectively .
Otherwise, the scenario is not encouraging for companies that are unable to adjust their management and adapt to new market demands .
In other words, the viability and sustainability of companies will depend entirely on the quality and effectiveness of the digital presence and direct connectivity with consumers and customers .
In short, companies need to remain up to date and competitive in a changing world that demands, as never before, internet access and security management in the same measure as intelligence and strategic investments .
Trends 2022: focus on consolidating internet security processes
You probably already understand the importance of internet security and, consequently, blocking access to websites for the survival of companies in new times and scenarios.
Since, in 2022, we will begin implementing the 5G network in Brazil (in the capitals, initially), the expectation is that companies will adopt more and more strategic and intelligent technologies .
Certainly, 5G technology enables applications that were previously impossible, such as the internet of things, the advancement of artificial intelligence, the massive adoption of cloud computing and even the possibility of using autonomous vehicles, for example.
However, in practice and in the daily lives of people and companies, what will first be noticed is the speed and stability of broadband in Brazil .
Just to illustrate, compared to 4G performance, the 5G network will enable transmission rates (download and upload speeds) up to 1,000 times faster! That's right... It's not a typo or information error.
In other words, a world of possibilities, both for good (development of business models, companies and new opportunities) and for bad (renewal of malicious attacks and internet security risks).
From this perspective, it is important to alert businesspeople, managers and IT professionals to the urgent need for attention to managing access and security on the internet .
Firstly, it is necessary to consolidate internet and information security compliance processes and then focus and invest in the necessary and essential digital presence.
2022 internet security and strategic technology trends
Now, let's list summaries of some of the main trends in strategic technologies predicted by experts and, mainly, by the consultancy Gartner .
For each trend or set of trends, we will inform the source of the information . So, if you want to know more about each topic, you can access the full content, if it is of interest to you.
Note that, not all of them necessarily mention or are related to the internet security sector or blocking access to websites , for example. The trends listed are the “future”, the possible future direction of companies' investments from this year onwards.
However, as we wrote above, blocking access to websites and all the resources and functionalities that make up internet access and security management is homework. That is, an assumption and a condition that exists and is consolidated in each and every company.
#1 Growth in the use of analytics
The internet security market is increasingly abandoning traditional monitoring and migrating to intelligent monitoring . An innovative and proactive solution that acts to prevent occurrences (block access to websites) . By anticipating risks, criminal actions are avoided before they happen.
#2 More integrations
With the advancement of the Internet of Things (IoT) and other technologies, more monitoring devices will be integrated into intelligent internet security systems, such as temperature sensors, lighting, elevators, etc.
#3 Greater migration to the cloud
Increasingly, the cloud is part of everyday life. The 5G network and technology will further boost this reliable and affordable solution, which will become a valuable resource for the internet security market. The trend is for companies to migrate from local to cloud storage, or to maintain both in 2022.
#4 Privacy is now law
With the General Personal Data Protection Law (LGPD), the privacy of people and their data became mandatory . Therefore, it is necessary to inform and check whether they give consent to the information collection process and whether everything is being carried out in accordance with the LGPD .
#5 Cybersecurity
Cybersecurity is one of the priorities for companies in 2022. Between January and June 2021 alone, Brazil suffered more than 16 billion cyberattack attempts , according to data collected by FortiGuard Labs. A cyberattack can expose customers, partners, employees, suppliers and make the operation of the entire company unfeasible, which is why the importance of adopting a cybersecurity architecture will become fundamental.
Source: Electronic Security Magazine
#6 Strategic position of IT professionals
CIOs (Chief Information Officers), IT professionals , must gain an increasingly strategic role and occupy senior leadership positions. This is because they will be primarily responsible for guiding different departments on information management and internet security. This is a scenario that is expected to intensify even further in 2022.
#7 Privacy by Design
Privacy by Design's central proposal is to incorporate privacy and protection of personal data into all projects. This trend applies mainly to employees’ personal data and information. Changes in the work format and the expansion of home office require organizations to follow privacy, ethics and communication requirements with employees to ensure information security.
#8 Controlling insider threats
Around a third of data breaches are caused by internal incidents within companies. Therefore, focusing on defending against internal threats (blocking access to websites) and increasing employee awareness is also a trend for next year. access management and internet security processes .
#9 Mobile device management
The use of mobile devices favors the increase in cyber attacks. Many of these attacks begin with contamination of employees' personal equipment. Therefore, it is necessary to intensify investment in internet security for mobile devices. In this sense, some practices may be useful, such as the use of new generation endpoint protection solutions for device scanning, data leakage protection systems (DLP), encryption in communications, VPN , DNS firewall and blocking access to websites, among others. .
#10 Using AI to identify threats
Artificial intelligence (AI) is already a reality in companies of different sizes and segments. In addition to bringing benefits to various processes, its use will also be more common to optimize internet security. Deep learning algorithms, reinforcement learning and MDR (Managed Detection & Response) systems will be used to identify vulnerabilities and threats in networks and systems.
#11 Cloud cybersecurity
Cloud information security should also be a concern for companies next year. This is an alternative that helps, above all, to reduce the risks of decentralizing data in organizations. To prevent this from happening, there needs to be centralized governance that ensures the controls and standards used by providers.
# Cyber Insurance
To reduce possible financial losses due to data breaches, a new trend should stand out in 2022: Cyber Insurance . Cyber insurance is a policy that helps companies mitigate the financial risks of cyberattacks and data breaches. In other words, it is an alternative that guarantees more security for companies in the digital environment.
#13 Specialized management through leasing
The management of machines, as well as implemented software, must be done by specialists. Therefore, outsourcing is an alternative , as it delivers quality, agility and reliability. Without a doubt, to further enhance this scenario, outsourcing can be the best solution in terms of comfort, security and cost-benefit .
#14 Invest in specialized partners
Internet security routines, such as blocking access to websites, must be implemented by experts on the subject, so that new gaps are not opened in this process, making corporate operations even more vulnerable. Therefore, SECaaS (Security as a Service), for example, can be the ideal alternative for companies looking to get the best from cybersecurity.
#15 Increase in social engineering attacks
Cybercriminals exploit the Covid-19 crisis and send phishing emails with topics about the pandemic that appear legitimate. This trend will become more advanced. A combination of network detection and response (NDR) and security information and event management (SIEM) technologies will help enterprises detect the ingress and origin of malware.
#16 Focus on cloud vulnerabilities
Cybercriminals will invest more efforts into cloud-based infrastructure. Consequently, companies will also need to work harder to protect these assets. They will need cybersecurity systems , establish a patch policy, and run vulnerability scans regularly.
#17 Increased adoption of the Zero-Trust Network
Companies are beginning to see the value in the Zero-Trust Network Access (ZTNA) approach . This helps ensure that security is consistently strong across the network. With ZTNA, companies will ensure that the identity of every person and device attempting to access their network and assets is verified. With the right data classification, 24/7 monitoring, block access to websites and other powerful security controls , and rapid incident resolution, organizations can protect their data and resources from external and internal threats.
#18 Update on 5G and IoT security
Systems and devices are also becoming increasingly connected due to the increasing popularity of the Internet of Things (IoT). Most of these connected devices are not sufficiently protected and bad actors will continue to take advantage of their security vulnerabilities. As IoT network hacking becomes common, there must also be an update in threat detection (block access to websites) and response tools to combat risks and attacks .
#19 Relevance of cybersecurity
According to Gartner , with the increase in cyber attacks on companies, it is estimated that by 2025%, 40% of companies will have a committee dedicated to cybersecurity . Disseminating the importance of the information security and privacy culture in your organization is essential. Therefore, adopting an Awareness Program can and will help to raise awareness and engage employees.
#20 You can never have too much information…
Finally, I want to leave two more interesting reading tips so that businesspeople, managers and IT professionals have better conditions and support to evaluate and understand the trend scenario for 2022 .
Firstly, I would like to recommend reading the Global Digital Trust Insights Survey 2022 , by PricewaterhouseCoopers (PwC) .
Secondly, the suggestion is to access the 2022 Resolutions for IT professionals , published by the consultancy Gartner , a global reference in research and information technology.
The same company predicts a 5.1% increase in global spending on Information Technologies in 2022 .
Main advantages of blocking access to websites
The advantages of tools to block access to websites are undoubtedly exponentially greater than their price.
That's why they are synonymous with productivity and internet security . In other words, they are great value for money .
However, before listing why blocking access to inappropriate, unwanted and harmful websites is important for companies , I highlight two important issues:
- Decisive characteristics of the best tools to block access to websites are: interface, technical support, reports, features and functionalities .
- A tool that does not require specialized professionals for its installation, maintenance and operation is, without a doubt, much better and more advantageous .
#1 Improves productivity and quality of tasks
Without a doubt, it reduces wasted time and increases focus on work .
#2 Reduces costs and increases profitability
In fact, blocking access to websites is a good management practice that positively and directly impacts productivity and profitability in companies .
#3 Avoid wasting time
Certainly, blocking access to websites prevents distractions during work hours .
#4 Increases internet security
Internet security is fundamental. In this sense, blocking access to websites prevents losses and protects sensitive data and information.
#5 Protects against viruses and malware
Blocking access to websites increases the network's layer of protection and certainly reduces problems with viruses and malware .
#6 Makes internet access faster
In principle, blocking access to websites prevents unauthorized access and thus makes the connection faster .
#7 Monitor and control internet access
Control over the company's operation is essential for business owners and managers and directly affects the attitude and commitment of employees.
#8 Improves the performance of systems and equipment
Blocking access to websites undeniably increases productivity and allows better performance for systems and computers .
#9 Reduces equipment maintenance costs
Threat protection prevents computer slowdowns and crashes. Thus, blocking access to websites reduces maintenance expenses.
#10 Block access to websites to comply with LGPD
The effectiveness of adapting to the General Personal Data Protection Law (LGPD) certainly involves solutions such as VPN and DNS firewall .
#11 Minimizes the need for training
Blocking access to websites reduces security training and good practices in using the corporate internet.
The effectiveness of solutions available on the market certainly depends on a series of processes, resources and functionalities . However, good tools must provide all these advantages and benefits .
How to choose the best tool to block websites
Although there are tools that guarantee the advantages and uses of website blocking and internet security, not all of them deliver what they promise .
In this sense, here’s a tip: RESEARCH AND COMPARE!
At a time when blocking access to websites is a confirmed demand, researching and comparing is always necessary and recommended .
Even more so, because many of the tools that claim to manage internet access and block access to websites have limitations, are not complete or do not provide adequate levels of protection and security on the internet .
Therefore, to make life easier for business owners, managers and IT professionals , we compared some tools available on the market: Cisco Umbrella , DNS Filter , Fortinet FortiGate , Lumiun Box , pfSense and the use of Proxy on a Linux server.
Research and compare for good internet security management
See the comparative table with the main characteristics and differences between tools for managing internet access and security.
Of course, three aspects are also very relevant when deciding on the best tool to block access to websites:
#1 Economic viability and possibility of payment in Real (R$).
#2 Ease and simplicity of installation and management.
#3 Availability in Portuguese (control panel, system and support).
Without a doubt, the advantages and benefits of some of the tools to block access to websites are truly surprising .
More effective solutions, undeniably, offer better differences and more facilities . Whether in a home office or in companies, through the management of internet access and security .
Essential features and functionalities for internet security
Blocking access to websites is simple, useful and safe. Above all, it is one of the essential features of internet access and security management tools.
Discover the essential features and functionalities of complete and effective tools .
#1 Prevent malicious attacks and add a strong layer of protection against viruses and malware.
#2 Block access to harmful, inappropriate and unwanted websites to reduce wasted time and improve employees' focus during work hours.
#3 Generate complete reports and varied information about internet usage.
#4 Implement the company's internet access policy , with rules based on the category of websites, security and reputation levels and schedules.
#5 Intuitive and easy-to-use control panel. Enable or disable access to a category, as well as view reports and adjust settings online in as few clicks as possible.
#6 Maximize network security. Consequently, reduce the risk of information hijacking.
#7 Control and monitor internet access. Allow and block access to websites, simply and quickly.
#8 Classify internet access into categories and security levels , to block access to harmful and/or unwanted websites.
#9 Do not need to configure servers and special software on the client. The system must always be available and accessible via the internet.
#10 Protect and apply access rules to devices connected to the local network. Block access to websites and social networks on company equipment: computers, tablets and smartphones.
Much more than just an internet security tool to block access to websites
In fact, blocking access to websites transforms the routine of business owners, managers and IT professionals for the better. Especially when they understand the level of internet security of this useful web access management and control solution.
Consequently, it is a solution that puts entrepreneurs and managers in control of the business .
Therefore, blocking access to websites is an important process and a good practice because it is a useful internet management and security solution . At the same time, it also contributes to improving the productivity and profitability of companies .
Ultimately, businesspeople, managers and IT professionals who have already understood the relevance and real usefulness of blocking access to websites certainly have better results in management processes .
After all, internet access and security are important assets for every company .
See also the Complete Guide: How to Block Websites at the Company , available for free download.
